Benefits & Care

Wood vs. Carpet

Carpeting is more economical, right? Actually, carpeting lasts between seven and ten years under normal residential use. Hardwood floors can last a lifetime and are always in style. (Don’t forget, if the color gets dated, it can be changed).

Here’s a 30-year comparison test you can use when trying to decide between carpeting or wood flooring. Say you installed a hardwood floor. It would typically last for 30 years. During that same period you probably would have to install new carpeting four or five times. At that rate, the hardwood flooring actually costs less than the cumulative cost of all the carpeting you would have to install.

Another thing you need to consider is the cleanliness of your home. A large American company that recycles old carpeting has stated that most used carpeting it receives for processing contains at least 35% of its weight in household dirt. The families who owned this old carpeting were actually walking, or crawling on dirt. Hardwood flooring is simply cleaner. If it is dirty, the dirt is plainly visible to the eye, not hidden within carpet fibers.

Hardwood flooring is your best buy and most solid investment. There are many options for Calgary hardwood floors, including solid hardwood flooring, engineered flooring and refinishing hardwood floors that you want to renew or simply refresh with recoating.

How to care for Hardwood Floors:

  1. Sweep wood floors often with a soft, fine bristle broom.
  2. Vacuum once or twice a week to remove dirt and sand. Use a soft brush attachment to minimize scratching.
  3. Since water is one of wood floors worst enemies, get rid of water right away! Remove wet spills ASAP with soft towels or a wet/dry vacuum, and then dry thoroughly.
  4. Use a very dry damp mop or a hardwood flooring kit with a cleaner designed for use exclusively with wood floors. DO NOT wet mop a floor as excessive water will damage the floor. To order a recommended kit, click here.
  5. Consider using carpet runners (with non-skid pads) over wood floors in high traffic areas.
  6. Vacuum area rugs and runners often so dirt doesn't filter down through the weave and scratch the wood underneath.
  7. If possible, do not wear heavy shoes or high heels on hardwood floors, as some heels can cause dents.
  8. Never drag furniture or other objects across a wood floor. Instead, clean the floor thoroughly to remove dust and grit, then use "gliding" furniture pads underneath the piece to aid sliding it across the floor.
  9. Install floor mats at each entrance so you don't track in dirt from the bottoms of shoes.
  10. Be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations to treat flooring scratches and dents. If an area of the finish is damaged by water, it may be difficult to fix it.
  11. Use furniture pads to place under table and chair legs and on the feet of dressers and armoires. They can be purchased at a local hardware store or home center.