Carpets Vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is The Best Choice?
When it comes to narrowing down flooring options, it can be quite a challenging decision due to the large variety of flooring options available today. For instance, deciding between carpet and laminate flooring. Both floorings have pros and cons, but which one should you choose? This article will help you determine which flooring is the best choice for your home or business. Continue reading to find out your best choice.
Cost
First and foremost, the initial cost is a factor for most people. Overall, the initial cost of carpets and laminate flooring is pretty similar. Bear in mind, there are a number of factors which can influence the cost, including the size of the space which requires reflooring and the quality of the flooring. For instance, a square metre of luxury wool carpet will cost more than a square metre of standard laminate flooring. However, there are still great value options available for carpets. In addition to the initial cost, you need to consider any additional costs. Carpets may need professional cleaning which can be expensive, we will discuss this more later on.
Installation
Whether you enjoy a DIY project or you don’t have the time or patience to undergo a whole project, both carpet and laminate flooring can be fitted and installed by a professional. However, if you have the interest and the basic skills in DIY, laminate flooring is easier to install than carpet. Thanks to new developments, click and install systems allow DIY enthusiasts to install their laminate planks on their own. Installing carpet can be a stressful and complex task, particularly if you have an odd-shaped room. In this case, it’s better to leave carpet installation to professional hands.
Durability
Another main concern for most people is durability. Carpets will generally have to be replaced every 5 to 15 years, depending on the quality and proper care. While high-quality laminate flooring can last anywhere from 25 to 30 years. Carpets tend to develop visible signs of wear and tear over time such as colour fade, permanent stains and foul odours. New innovations in flooring technology have improved the durability of laminate flooring, making it the clear winner in this category.
Comfort
In the winter, carpets offer more comfort than laminate flooring. Carpet is made from synthetic and natural fibres such as wool which offers warmth and softness, making it more comfortable to walk on underfoot than laminate flooring. However, there are ways of working around this as laminate flooring is suitable for underfloor heating to remove the cold feeling underfoot. In addition, laminate flooring with a thick underlay can have a cushion effect to help make it easier on the body to walk on for longer periods.
In the summer, it’s quite the opposite. Laminate flooring is cooler underfoot than carpets. Avoid wool carpets as they retain heat. However, medium pile carpets are great all year around. Both floorings are quite competitive in terms of comfort, it really depends on the type of carpet or laminate flooring and your desired level of comfort.
Care & Maintenance
To keep your carpets clean, they need to be vacuumed regularly and spot cleaned to remove any stains. In addition, getting carpets professionally clean once or twice a year will keep it looking its best. While cleaning carpet, it’s vital to avoid over-wetting it, as excess moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth. On the other hand, cleaning a laminate floor requires little maintenance and it has water-resistant abilities. Regular sweeping and mopping will prevent any buildup, keeping it clean and shiny. It’s important to be aware that laminate flooring can be slippery when damp. Stains can be removed easily with a damp mop and a suitable cleaning solution.
Conclusion
To summarise, carpet is luxurious and provides great comfort underfoot, while laminate flooring is more budget-friendly, durable, easy to install and clean. With that said, the best choice between carpet and laminate flooring can mainly depend on your budget, your preferences and the type of room you wish to refloor. For instance, laminate flooring is ideal for bedrooms and kitchens as it’s easy to clean, whereas carpets look great in living rooms and bedrooms as well as providing comfort and warmth.
Explore Carpets And Laminate Flooring From Value Carpets & Flooring
Whether you choose carpet or laminate flooring, make sure to purchase high-quality materials to get the best out of its benefits. Explore your options of carpets and laminate flooring at the Value Carpets & Flooring showroom in Cannock or Birmingham. Our carpet range includes wool, nylon and polypropylene variations in a range for different colours and patterns. Our laminate floorings come in different thicknesses, from 7mm to 12mm and also in different colours and styles to match your preferences and home or business style.
For more information, have a read of our carpets FAQ and laminate flooring FAQ pages. For any enquiries on our floorings, please contact us.