If you are planning to make a change to your flooring – whether in a single room or throughout your property – the most common choices are between wood or laminate options, or carpet.
So, which of these options is the best for you – and why? In this article, we’ll provide a few comparisons to help you choose.
Cost
The up front costs of both laminate and carpet can be fairly similar, as there is such a wide range of prices on the market for either option.
You may find that some carpets are significantly cheaper than the laminate alternative, but they tend to be of low quality and are therefore less likely to stand the test of time.
It’s usually much more costly to have a new hardwood floor installed than to lay down carpet or laminate, but if you already have floorboards in your home, you can sand them, treat them and polish them yourself for very little.
Maintenance
Carpets require much more work than laminate or floorboards, as they stain and absorb spills and dust much more easily. You’ll need a powerful vacuum cleaner, foam carpet cleaner and powdered carpet freshener to properly restore a dirty carpet.
Alternatively, many types of laminate floor can be quickly swept or vacuumed, and spills, stains and dirt wiped away with a damp cloth.
Properly treated and sealed hardwood is also quite stain resistant, but deep marks are difficult to clean away. In the worst case, the area may even require sanding back and re-treating.
Longevity
A high quality carpet can remain in good condition for up to ten years. Laminate offers the same lifespan – although some products when well maintained may last up to 15.
Hardwood flooring has the longest life, as long as you are willing to re-treat it every so often.
Look
Of course, your personal preference is important. Laminate has risen in popularity in recent years, particularly thanks to the significant increase in quality of synthetic wood effects, coupled with its affordability and ease of maintenance.
Wood-look flooring has always been sought-after, but the current trend for stripped-back, decluttered interiors has given this option more of a boost.
Carpets tend to provide more options in terms of a colour palette or pattern options and can create a comfy, homey feeling.
Ruban Selvanayagam from 21-day auction house Property Solvers comments: “having a good underlay makes your carpet particularly bouncy! The difference between the widths is not as much as you may think.”
Practicality
Laminate performs better than natural wood or carpet in spaces like bathrooms and kitchens thanks to its resistance to moisture (depending on the product ) and ease of cleaning.
It’s also a good with an underfloor heating system, as long as the planks are not too thick.
Carpet tends to be more popular in bedrooms and reception rooms thanks to its warmth and cosiness. It can also act as a muffler, preventing sound bleed to a certain extent. Of course, there is the option to include specialist insulation beneath your laminate to achieve the same effect.
In terms of installation, it’s best to employ a specialist to lay new carpet or install new floorboards for the best results possible. However, laminate flooring is exceptionally easy to lay yourself.
You can also take on the relatively simple, if time-consuming, task of prepping and treating existing floorboards.
In summary, the decision you make will come down to budget, personal taste, willingness to put up with complex installation and maintenance and the location in which the flooring is to be installed.
Any one of the options listed can transform a space and leave it looking stunning. The choice is up to you!
