Which is better, carpet or hardwood? This is a common question many homeowners have when trying to find the best flooring choice for their homes. The "right" decision for you will depend on your situation, budget, and taste. If you're planning to put your home on the market, you'll also need to consider the preferences and traditions in your neighborhood. Our real estate agents take a look at the difference between carpet floors and hardwood floors.

• Care and Cleaning
  Hardwood
  Of the two materials, hardwood flooring is easier to clean and maintain. The floor can be swept, vacuumed, or damp mopped to remove loose dirt, dust, surface stains, and other debris. Also, it's easier to spot dust and dirt on a hardwood floor.
  
  Carpet
  Keeping the carpet clean typically involves simple but frequent vacuuming. However, some people feel that keeping the carpet fully clean is a little tougher because stains soak in and settle permanently. Also, dust, pollen, micro-bacteria, and other allergens are easily trapped in the fibers. Carpet is a hard choice in high traffic areas and for people with pets or those who suffer from allergies.
  
  
• Durability
  Hardwood
  Hardwood is designed to last. With proper maintenance, it's not uncommon for hardwood flooring to last up to 100 years before there's a need to have it replaced. And if the floor starts to fade, it can be sanded, re-surfaced, and re-stained several times in its lifespan. However, hardwood is very susceptible to damage from rough usage and spills.
  
  Carpet
  Occasional deep cleaning from a professional cleaning service may be needed to remove tougher stains and extend the life of your carpet. Carpet is not the most durable flooring option. Basic grade carpets will be ready for replacement in about 5 to 10 years, while higher-quality carpets can last about 10 to 15 years.
  
  
• Cost
  Hardwood
  Hardwood is one of the more expensive flooring options. Typically, you can expect to pay between $8 and $20 per square foot installed. The cost of installation is significantly higher for hardwood flooring.
  
  Carpet
  Generally speaking, carpet is a cheaper alternative to hardwood materials. Most carpets available at home centers cost about $3 per square foot installed. The highest quality wool carpets can cost as high as $20 per square foot. On average, you can expect to pay about $6 to $12 per square foot installed.
  
  
• Resale Value
  Hardwood
  Because hardwood is a natural and longer-lasting material, it's seen as being high-end and luxurious. Most people find hardwood flooring to be more attractive than carpeting in residential applications. Most home buyers looking for Atlanta homes for sale are willing to pay more for a home with hardwood floors. The fact is, hardwood flooring adds the value and price of a home.
  
  Carpet
  Carpeting is identified as a cheap, short-lived flooring material, so it does not add much resale value. Installing new carpeting, however, will conveniently give a quick face-lift if you have a restricted budget.
  
  
• Comfort and Noise Reduction
  Hardwood
  For some people, choosing a flooring type comes down to comfort. Hardwood is a harder material, and it's not as comfortable to lay or lean on hardwood flooring. Hardwood is a noisier and colder flooring type because it lacks absorption properties.
  
  Carpet
  Carpet is a more comfortable flooring material. Carpet flooring is soft and plush, which is why people install them in children's rooms, bedrooms, waterproof basements, and some family rooms. Carpet has absorption properties, which makes it much warmer than hardwood floors, especially in the colder months.

Contact us to speak with our agents about the type of flooring they most frequently see in Atlanta homes.