Five Reasons Why You Should Upgrade To Hardwood Flooring This Summer

If you are considering redoing your floors, there is a good chance that you’ve encountered the question: hardwood or carpet? Carpet and hardwood are the two most common types of flooring. One is an entirely synthetic, inexpensive material with a relatively short lifespan, while the other is a natural, hard, and oftentimes expensive material. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. The greatest difference between the two is price and longevity. Carpet may appear to be the more affordable option, however you will need to replace it more frequently, adding up hefty maintenance costs. Here’s five reasons why spending more to get hardwood floors may be better in the long run.

Greater Longevity 

The average lifespan of carpet today is usually anywhere from 5 to 15 years. This lifespan fluctuates  depending on the type of carpet, carpet fibers, and exposure. Meanwhile, if properly installed and cared for, hardwood flooring has a lifespan of 50-70 years. With these timelines, you could maintain your hardwood floor home installation for the rest of your life.

Cleaning Ease 

Hardwood floors require less maintenance. They are sturdy and typically have a protective layer of finish.

This means they are stain-resistant and easy to mop and sanitize. Meanwhile, carpets retain stains and require constant vacuuming. Oftentimes homeowners opt to get their carpets professionally cleaned throughout the year, adding to the cost of carpet maintenance significantly.

Sustainability 

Hardwood floors are more sustainable than carpets, which are often made of synthetic fibers that will go to the landfill. Hardwood floors are made of natural resources that can be recycled when disposed of. Furthermore, wood flooring is the most abundantly renewable flooring material available. The U.S. Forest Service states that the annual net growth for hardwood is greater than the average annual removal rate. This means that forests are not being depleted and the creation of hardwood is a sustainable practice.

Heat Regulation 

Carpet offers a variety of colors and textures. Oftentimes, carpets trap hot air and body heat, raising the internal temperature of your home. This is particularly problematic in the summertime, when you’re trying to escape the heat. Hardwood floors are naturally cooler, allowing your home to stay cool in the hot afternoons.

Improved Air Quality

Carpets can trap dust and other unwanted air particles. If you don’t clean your carpets frequently, these particles will linger and be released into the air as you step. Hardwood floors are transparent when they are retaining dirt and easy to clean, making for a healthier, safer living environment, especially for allergy sufferers.

In your renovations this summer, consider upgrading to quality flooring. Hardwood floors are not only a better bang for your buck, but they are also sustainable investments that could better your personal health and the health of our planet.