Carpet vs. hardwood cost
Carpet vs. hardwood cost
$2 – $8 carpet cost per square foot installed
$11 – $25 solid hardwood cost per square foot installed
Price of carpet vs. hardwood
Carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot and is ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, where it creates a cozy, warm space with noise-dampening qualities. Hardwood flooring, priced from $11 to $25 per square foot, is well-suited for living rooms, dining rooms, and entryways, providing long-term durability in high-traffic areas.
| Feature | Carpet | Solid hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2 – $8 per square foot installed | $11 – $25 per square foot installed |
| Lifespan | 5 – 10 years | 30 – 50+ years |
| Comfort | Soft surface | Hard surface |
| Noise | Excellent sound absorption | Echoes require area rugs |
| Safety | Slip-resistant; cushions falls | Harder; higher slip risk |
| Maintenance | Vacuum regularly; deep clean | Sweep/mop; refinish periodically |
| Resale value | No added value | Increases home value |
| Allergens | Traps dust (needs vacuuming) | Easy to clean; fewer allergens |
| Moisture resistance | Highly absorbent, making it vulnerable to mold and mildew | Low resistance (hardwood) Moderate resistance (engineered wood) |
Hardwood vs carpet: a complete comparison
Flooring is more than just a design choice—it’s about balancing comfort, durability, style, and budget to fit your lifestyle. Carpet and hardwood are timeless favorites, each with unique perks and drawbacks. Ready to discover which option works best for your home? Let’s look at the details.
Cost
Carpet and hardwood are popular flooring options with vastly different costs. Below, we break down their expenses to help you choose the best fit for your budget.
| Flooring type | Material prices per square foot | Total installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | $1 – $5 | $2 – $8 |
| Engineered hardwood | $4 – $12 | $7 – $20 |
| Solid hardwood | $5 – $15 | $11 – $25 |
If you’re looking for budget-friendly flooring, carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot, making it much cheaper than hardwood. However, carpet has additional long-term costs like frequent professional cleaning and replacement as it wears down.
Solid hardwood costs $11 to $25 per square foot. This higher upfront investment is offset by its long-term value and durability. Engineered hardwood offers a mid-range alternative at $7 to $20 per square foot, featuring good durability and better moisture resistance.
Lifespan
Carpet has a relatively short lifespan of around 5 to 10 years, depending on its quality. Lower-grade options may need replacement in just 3 to 5 years due to wear and stains, while higher-quality wool carpets can last longer with proper care.
In contrast, solid hardwood stands out with a lifespan of 30 to 50+ years and the flexibility to refinish it multiple times. Engineered hardwood provides a durable alternative, lasting 20 to 30 years, making both options excellent choices for long-term value.
Comfort
Carpet offers a soft, cushioned feel underfoot, providing warmth and comfort, especially in colder climates. Its insulation properties are particularly beneficial in homes with cold floors or in regions with harsh winters, helping to reduce heat loss.
In contrast, hardwood floors are firmer. Area rugs can add warmth and texture, though they may not offer the same insulation benefits as carpet.
Noise
Carpet effectively reduces noise due to its sound absorption properties, making it ideal for quiet spaces like bedrooms or home theaters. Additionally, carpet on stairs helps minimize footsteps and creaks, creating a quieter environment throughout the home.
Hardwood, on the other hand, reflects sound, leading to echoes and increased noise levels. Adding area rugs can help mitigate this issue by absorbing some of the sound.
Safety
Carpet provides a cushioned surface that reduces slip risks and softens falls, making it safer for homes with children, pets, or elderly residents.
Hardwood is harder underfoot and more slippery, especially when wet, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. This makes it important to take extra precautions in homes with hardwood flooring, particularly on stairs.
Maintenance
Carpet requires regular vacuuming and prompt spot cleaning to manage stains and dirt accumulation. It also needs professional deep cleaning every 6 to 12 months to remove embedded dirt and bacteria.
Hardwood, on the other hand, is relatively low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. Daily sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush removes dirt and debris, while periodic damp mopping with a hardwood-safe cleaner keeps the surface clean. However, hardwood floors typically require refinishing every 8 to 12 years, depending on the wear and tear.
Resale value
People often view carpet as outdated and less likely to improve resale value—worn, stained, or discolored carpet can actively deter buyers and lower perceived home value.
In contrast, hardwood flooring significantly boosts resale value, offering a strong return on investment due to its timeless appeal and durability. Buyers consistently prefer hardwood for these qualities, making it a valuable asset when selling a home.
Allergens
Carpet can trap allergens like dust and pollen, preventing them from circulating in the air. However, if not cleaned regularly, carpet can become a haven for dust mites and mold, making allergies worse. Regular steam cleaning is crucial to keep the material free from allergens.
Hardwood floors, with their non-porous surfaces, prevent allergens from embedding deeply. While allergens may settle on hardwood, routine sweeping or vacuuming easily removes them, creating a healthier indoor environment that benefits allergy sufferers.
Moisture resistance
Carpet can be problematic in humid environments, as it traps moisture and fosters mold and mildew growth. Some carpets are more moisture-resistant, but they still pose risks in very wet conditions.
Hardwood, by contrast, is naturally resistant to moisture and does not harbor it, making it a more suitable choice for areas prone to humidity like basements. In reality, neither carpet nor hardwood is ideal for kitchens or bathrooms, where moisture levels are typically high.
Is it better to have carpet or hardwood floors?
Using both carpet and hardwood floors can be a practical approach. Hardwood is ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and dining rooms, offering durability and a timeless look. Carpets suit bedrooms and playrooms, providing warmth, comfort, and safety. This combination creates a functional living space that enhances both beauty and functionality.
Carpet versus hardwood FAQs
Is carpet or hardwood cheaper?
Carpet usually costs less upfront but demands ongoing maintenance like deep cleaning and eventual replacement. Hardwood has a steeper initial price tag but offers greater longevity, though refinishing costs may apply later.
What is healthier, carpet or hardwood floors?
Hardwood floors are generally healthier than carpets because they do not trap allergens like dust, pet dander, or pollen and are easier to clean, making them ideal for allergy sufferers and maintaining better indoor air quality.
Can I use carpet or hardwood in basements?
Carpet soaks up moisture, fostering mold, though carpet tiles are easily replaceable and suitable for basements. Hardwood warps in damp conditions and is not recommended in damp basements. The best floor for basements is something waterproof like tile or luxury vinyl.
Is carpet or hardwood better for dogs?
The best floor for homes with dogs is generally hardwood. It simplifies cleanup of accidents and fur, though scratches may occur. Carpet absorbs odors and stains easily, making it less pet friendly.
Is carpet or hardwood better for stairs?
The best floor for stairs often depends on your needs. Carpet offers safety, comfort, and noise reduction but requires more maintenance. Hardwood is durable and stylish but can be slippery. To improve safety, add a carpet runner to wood stairs for traction.
What is the best vacuum for hardwood and carpet?
For both hardwood and carpet, a versatile vacuum with adjustable suction control and a HEPA filtration system is ideal. Look for a model that offers a lift-away or detachable canister feature for easy maneuverability on different surfaces.
Getting estimates from flooring installers
When planning a flooring project, follow these suggestions to get accurate quotes from carpet installers and hardwood floor installers near you:
Specify the flooring type, as different materials have varying installation requirements and costs.
Inform the installer about the condition of your subfloor, as repairs or leveling can impact costs.
Mention special features like inlays or custom designs, which can increase costs.
Discuss the potential for material waste due to cutting and irregular room shapes.
Ensure the estimate includes labor costs and any additional services like old flooring removal.
Compare quotes from different installers to ensure prices and services are competitive.
Request a detailed written estimate that itemizes materials, labor, and additional services.
Questions to ask a flooring installer
When installing new carpet or hardwood floors, ask your installer these questions:
Can you show me references and examples of your work?
What is the total cost, and what does it include?
How will you handle subfloor preparation?
Who is responsible for moving furniture and electronics?
Do you remove and haul away the old flooring?
What warranties come with installation?
What is the project timeline?
How will you address potential moisture issues?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.