Carpet, Tile or Hardwood: Which is Right for Your Room?

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing home, choosing flooring can be exciting but also panic inducing. There are so many choices, and there isn?t a one-floor-fits-all kind of product. Floors take a lot of abuse, so individual needs will factor into your decision, as well as personal style. The good news is, you don?t have to choose between form and function any longer. Advances in technology have helped make the decision process a little easier.


Carpet

Carpet is available in a variety of styles, textures and designs. It is ideal for rooms like the bedroom, living room, great room and recreation room. It is also a good choice for stairs as it helps prevent slipping. Carpet is soft, cozy and luxurious, and can be worked into any room to create areas to sit and hang out with family and friends, and comfortable spaces to wake up to and unwind in. Keep in mind, that carpet is harder to maintain than other flooring options. If a room accumulates a lot of stains, it may be better to choose another type of flooring. Carpet comes in a wide range of quality and durability levels that should be considered along with the price. The most expensive carpet may look great in a high-traffic area, but it could wear down quickly if you don?t choose the right type.


Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are a durable and stylish flooring choice. They are an extremely popular choice, especially for homes in Florida. Tile is inexpensive compared to other flooring options and is available in numerous styles, shapes, sizes, finishes and colors. Tile is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas of the home and works well in areas that tend to get wet, such as a kitchen, bathroom or entryway. Tile can be slippery when wet, so it is best to choose a more textured option, rather than one with a highly polished surface. A drawback to tile floors is that they are cold on your feet, but this can be remedied by adding area rugs throughout the room or home. Tile floors are not appropriate in areas of the home that you want to have a cozy feel.



Hardwood

Hardwood floors make a statement and add value to your home. Hardwood is available in many colors and styles to suit any home. It generally comes in three varieties: strip, plank and parquet. The individual planks come in a variety of widths and finishes to fit a range of personal styles. Hardwood flooring is a good choice for people who suffer from dust or pet allergies, due to less accumulation of allergens on the flooring surface. Hardwood is easy to clean and usually just requires sweeping and an occasional polishing to keep them properly maintained. As beautiful and elegant as hardwood floors are, they don?t perform well in high traffic areas and, therefore, aren?t recommended for households with pets and/or children. Hardwood can be dented and scratched easily, and to refinish or replace planks can be costly. It is also a good idea to use area rugs throughout the home to help protect the hardwood floors and to minimize noise. If you live in a humid climate such as Florida, an engineered hardwood may be a better flooring choice for your home, as the product is manufactured under extreme heat and can withstand the humidity without the potential of warping.

Carpet, tile and hardwood are some of today?s most popular flooring options. Before making a decision, it is a good idea to seek out a flooring professional to discuss options that work best for your home and lifestyle. Regardless of your choice, the professionals at Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings can help make your experience seamless. We offer the very best in flooring solutions and provide free in-home estimates. When choosing Wayne Wiles, customers can be assured that they will get the best possible installation services time and time again. Contact us at (239) 204-5700.