Laminate flooring and carpet are the two most popular flooring choices in homes. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Below are some of the properties of each flooring solution compared to help you choose the right one for your home.
Cleaning
Laminate flooring is very easy to clean. Spillages can be easily mopped up without causing stains and animal fur and debri can be easily swept away. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for those with mess-prone kids and pets.
Carpets can be much more of a hassle to keep clean – they can collect hair that can be difficult to vacuum out and they can stain easily. That said, it’s often possible to keep a carpet in good condition by regularly hiring a carpet cleaners company. You may also be able to protect certain areas of mess-prone carpet by laying down rugs.
Comfort
While some people like the feel of a laminate floor underfoot, others may find it too hard. Laminate can also get very cold in the winter – you may want to keep a pair of slippers handy. That said, it is possible to invest in underfloor heating and use rugs to make laminate more comfortable.
Carpet is a much cosier option and tends to be popular in bedrooms for this reason. Deep pile carpets are particularly nice for sinking one’s feet into (but are notoriously much harder to keep clean than short pile carpets).
Damage resistance
Laminate flooring is very durable. Because of its protective layer, it’s very resilient against scratches and stains. It’s also resistant to moisture damage.
Carpet can be much more easily damaged. Cats are renowned for destroying carpets with their claws. Carpets are also much more prone to water damage and they can develop mould is left damp (they’re rarely used in bathrooms and kitchens for this reason).
Sound
A major disadvantage of laminate flooring is that it can be noisy. It is often banned in upper storey homes for this reason. Rugs can be strategically placed to reduce noise of course (there are even rugs designed to insulate sound).
Carpet is much quieter underfoot. If you’re furnishing an upstairs room, this could be something to consider.
Cost
Laminate wood can be more expensive to buy than carpet. It can however be a better investment in the long run – it can add more value to a home and is likely to last longer.
Carpet is cheaper upfront and great if you’re looking for a flooring solution on a budget. However, you’ll need to replace it sooner than laminate flooring.
Installation
Both carpet and laminate flooring are fairly easy to install. Laminate flooring tends to be easier to install as there are click-fit options that you can buy. Carpet looks best when installed by a professional.