There’s nothing better than having select aspects of life customized to our exact specifications. This is particularly true when building a new home or renovating one of the many existing Chicago homes. Sure, construction and renovations are a big task, but we’re confident that nothing rivals the feeling of walking into your new (or updated) home and finding that it’s exactly what you envisioned.
If you’re in the midst of creating your dream home, one of the design struggles you may be facing is a classic one: hardwood floors or carpeting? Both have appealing features. The right carpet feels really good under your feet, but hardwood floors tend to look better, especially when they’re polished up nicely. So which flooring choice wins our vote? Well, we’re going with hardwood floors. And here’s why.
Low Maintenance
When you compare the maintenance required to maintain carpeting with the maintenance required to keep hardwood floors looking nice, it’s clear that hardwood floors are much easier to take care of. With carpet, you have to constantly vacuum it to keep it looking nice. And if you have a spill? Maybe it’s a manageable substance that you can take care of with a little Resolve. In other cases, you’ll end up having to call the carpet cleaner to restore your carpet to its once-pristine look. Hardwood floors are just the opposite. Spill on hardwood floors? All it takes is a Bounty paper towel or two to clean it up.
Another downside with carpet? It usually ends up looking ragged and dirty after five years, no matter how well you take care of it. Hardwood, on the other hand, can be kept looking showroom new with routine waxing (which you only need to do once or twice a year).
Good for Allergy Sufferers
Carpet is a great place for dust mites, mold and pollen to hide and attack your allergies later. Even regular vacuuming won’t eliminate it all. And if you have animals, the problem becomes even more complicated. Your pet’s dander and fur will get trapped in your carpeting and could become incredibly problematic for those who suffer severe allergies. On the other hand, hardwood floors can be kept dust and dander-free with an occasional turn of the Swiffer sweeper. Harmful matter has no place to hide.
Unsurpassed Beauty
Carpet styles come and go. Think about the shag carpeting that so many loved (and installed) in the 1970s. It was brilliant back then, but these days, most consider it an eyesore (that’s impossibly difficult to maintain). And while there are safe options for low-pile, neutral-colored carpeting, hardwood floors are truly timeless and will add resale value to your home.
At the end of the day, your home is your haven and the flooring that makes you happiest will prove the wisest choice. For some insight on carpeting choices, check out “Carpeting 101” at HGTV.com. And for tips on maintaining your hardwood floors, visit WoodFloorDoctor.com.
