Cost of Hardwood Flooring vs. Carpeting
Choosing a flooring type for your home or business can be fun and exciting, but also daunting and difficult at the same time. After all, you have to live with your choice for many years to come. That’s why it’s so important to go over the pros and cons of hardwood vs. carpeting in terms of cost as you face a remodel, renovation or new construction. Both types come with their different price points, so be sure to do your research.
Hardwood Flooring Cost
True hardwood flooring can run you between $3.50 up to $13 per square foot, plus installation costs of between $2.75 to $6.75 per square foot, says MarketWatch. The wider you go with the planks, the more costly you’ll get, and if you decide to go with reclaimed or refurbished wood, expect to pay up to $30 per square foot. The most popular choices include classics like white oak, hickory and walnut.
The national average cost for hardwood in a standard sized room is about $4300, compared with carpet at about $1400, according to Home Advisor. Sounds like a big gap, but when you consider the benefits to hardwood, you may see why:
- Elegance
- Beauty
- Durability
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Doesn’t trap allergens like carpet
- Easier on the joints than tile
In addition, hardwood wins hands down every time when it comes to high resale value. Most home buyers are looking for sleek hardwood rather than wall-to-wall carpeting, and will pay more for the privilege.
Carpeting Cost
This option is generally cheaper than hardwood, although some high-end custom projects may have you paying a pretty penny. The price ranges from $2 a square foot to as much as $100 a square yard. Installation costs range from $19 to $38 a square yard, with padding (if it’s not already included) ringing up at $3 to $6 a square yard, according to Cost Helper. If the carpet you want comes with “free” padding, consider asking for an upgrade, as it probably isn’t enough. Good padding will extend the life of your carpeting and feel more comfortable during everyday use.
The overall cost of your carpeting job will depend on other factors as well. Be sure to ask what’s included in the final estimate and what the warranty covers. Check references for your installers and inquire what kind of training and certification they have.
Many people choose carpeting because it’s warm, particularly in the winter, and it’s comfortable to sit and stand on. It’s also a good choice for those with kids because it cushions falls, hides stains well (if you have a multi-color Berber) and won’t dent or scratch if toys or other objects fall on it.
Making the choice between hardwood and carpeting is a highly personal one. To help you along, why not come down to Carpet Heritage and take a look at what we have?
