Home buyers and sellers often get involved in lengthy, down-to-earth discussions; they aren’t philosophers, they’re just thinking about flooring. Hardwood and carpet floor materials are two of the most popular choices in the nation with advantages for each depending largely on the function of a particular room. For those remodeling or looking for a home, here are some facts to help you know what floor textures should be used in what rooms.
The Advantages of Carpeting
Carpeting offers soft comfort to any room but is ideal for living spaces, bedrooms, and other rooms that place comfort as a priority. Carpet padding is typically a half of an inch at the thickest, yet it can be even thinner than a quarter of an inch; padding typically weighs between five to eight pounds per cubic foot. Although some studies show that carpets may harbor dust mites, allergens, and other particulates, a study in Sweden found that a 70% decrease in carpet usage correlated with 30% more cases of allergic reactions within the general population.
The Popularity of Hardwood Flooring
A survey found that 47% of participants favor wood flooring for their homes, making it just as popular as carpeting. Different hardwood floor types offer variants in surface texture, finish, color, and material with oak, maple, hickory, cherry, and walnut all serving as prime examples. Engineered hardwood floor types are made using wood veneers which have grains running in all directions to increase durability and resist expanding and contracting. Although hardwood flooring is typically ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas subject to frequent messes and water exposure, more and more homeowners are looking for bedrooms and hallways with hardwood flooring for a more classical look. In fact, data from the National Association of Realtors found that 54% of home buyers were gladly willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring as a feature. For those looking for a timeless flooring option, there is no replacement for the beautiful, natural look of a hardwood floor.