Opting for hardwood over carpet can reduce health risks and provides a flooring option that is simpler to clean and upkeep, simultaneously increasing the value of your home. Nowadays, an extensive selection of materials and advanced technologies enable the permanent removal of unsanitary carpeting and facilitate the acquisition of hardwood floors at reduced prices.

Discover the cost benefits of replacing carpet with hardwood flooring.

How to Save the Most Money

When you imagine hardwood floors, you likely envision traditional solid hardwood crafted from sturdy wood varieties like oak, hickory, or mahogany – however, technological advancements have introduced a number of more affordable alternatives lately.

For instance, laminate flooring offers the look of wood for a significantly lower price than actual hardwood, with material costs ranging between $0.50 and $6 per square foot as stated by Home Advisor. This type of flooring is made up of multiple layers of compressed fiberboard that are topped with a laminated photographic layer that mimics wood grain.

An alternative that's easy on the wallet is engineered wood. While it comes at a higher price than laminate, it remains less costly than solid wood. The pricing escalates with the hardness and rarity of the wood. Moreover, superior quality commands a premium.

The popularity of bamboo and cork flooring is on the rise due to their renewable nature and the comparative comfort they provide against traditional hardwood. Bamboo boasts better resistance to moisture than wood, while cork offers inherent insulating properties. Opting for bamboo or cork over hardwood flooring will generally cost you between $2 and $8 per square foot just for the materials. According to Home Flooring Pros, installing bamboo will set you back an additional $2 per square foot, whereas the installation expense for cork is slightly under $1 for the same coverage.

Hardwood is Cheaper Than Carpet in the Long Run

While carpets might offer a soft touch underfoot, they also conceal some unpleasant surprises. Over time, your carpet can accumulate mold, mildew, fungi, and dust, which harbor harmful bacteria and viruses. Regular vacuuming is not enough to eliminate these invasive organisms. Regular vacuuming, even on a daily basis, isn’t sufficient to keep carpets truly clean, necessitating biannual professional cleanings which represent an ongoing expense not required with hardwood floors.

Furthermore, carpet typically comes with shorter warranty periods compared to hardwood. You might find yourself spending money earlier to replace worn or stained carpet. While carpet often has a warranty for about 10 years, warranties for hardwood floors frequently extend 10 to 15 years longer and can even be transferred to future homeowners, potentially allowing you to benefit financially from a previous owner's choice to install hardwood.

Hardwood Floors Could Increase Your Home’s Value

According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), U.S. real estate agents assert that homes featuring hardwood floors not only sell more readily but also fetch a higher price and sell quicker compared to homes equipped with brand-new carpeting.

While there isn't a straightforward link between a property's market value and its flooring choice, the aesthetic allure of hardwood flooring is gaining popularity and is a significant factor why numerous real estate brokers favor them in the properties they market.

How to Find an Affordable Installer Near You

The vast array of choices and varying costs associated with selecting a hardwood floor can appear daunting, particularly when attempting to calculate the precise expense of each option alongside considering their advantages and disadvantages. Employing a professional for the installation simplifies the decision-making process by eliminating uncertainties.

Expert flooring installers possess the expertise and experience necessary to recommend the optimal choices for the rooms you plan to upgrade with wooden floors. They are skilled in precise measurements to prevent material waste and can handle the installation process in a manner that maximizes both cost efficiency and time savings.

Conducting an online search can efficiently lead you to economical installation services in your vicinity. Platforms such as Yelp, Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and Angie’s List provide comprehensive directories of local experts complete with feedback and scores from past users. Explore these reviews and compare the cost of installation to refine your choices to fit your financial plan.

Remember that the least expensive option might not be the highest quality, and well-established retailers that include installation might not always represent the best deal. Assess all available choices considering your financial plan and the level of quality you expect. This approach will guide you to select the most valuable option rather than just the most economical or the one you recognize. The key is to have your flooring installed correctly on the first attempt, ensuring it endures for many years.

As with any endeavor, staying up-to-date with current studies is advisable. It's wise to evaluate a minimum of three to four alternatives prior to finalizing your choice. Searching the internet is often the fastest and most comprehensive method to gather all the advantages and disadvantages necessary for consideration.