If you’re moving into a new home, you may be considering the best flooring for your space. Many homeowners with pets and children find themselves choosing between two of the most popular flooring types—carpet and hardwood. While you can’t go wrong with either option, here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision. 

Carpet

Carpet is soft underfoot, but it also adds a plush textural element to your home’s appearance. If you’re seeking to create a cozy, inviting ambiance, carpet may be your top choice. It also retains heat, meaning it will feel much warmer than any hard surface flooring. There are many colors, textures, and styles to consider. For example, wool fibers boast durability, moisture resistance, and stain fighting properties, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Polyester delivers supreme softness and may add comfort in bedrooms. 

The installation process for carpet is fairly straightforward. First, an underlayment is installed to provide extra moisture resistance, comfort, and shock absorption. Then, the material is trimmed to the proper size, stretched with special tools, and seams are sealed with heat activation. While the process is less complex than other flooring styles, it still calls for the right tools and professional expertise. 

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring creates a stately, timeless appeal in nearly any environment. It’s available in several species, each of which has its own grain, color, and hardness. For example, maple is hard and stain-resistant and has creamy, blondish hues. There’s also red oak, which has pink undertones, while white oak is more yellow. Both oak varieties are also known for their durability. It’s also possible to refinish hardwood in a different stain to make the floors darker or lighter. Hardwood is also versatile because you can incorporate area rugs to section off spaces of your home and add warmth and texture. 

Homeowners seeking an easy maintenance routine will appreciate hardwood’s simple cleaning routine. Sweeping or vacuuming can help the floors stay clean and look fresh. Damp mopping can remove any dirt or grime that develops. It’s important to wipe up spills as soon as they happen, but most floors have a stain-resistant upper layer to keep the wood looking its best. 

For 35 years, residents of the Mat-Su, AK, area have turned to Carpet World of Alaska for their home flooring needs. The business's incredible flooring selection—including hardwood, vinyl, stone, and tile—means there's something for every homeowner's needs and tastes. Call (907) 745-3737 to learn about some of their tile and stone options.