Is carpet or luxury vinyl cost-effective flooring?
By Steve Williams,
So, you are wondering what the most cost-effective flooring is between carpeting and luxury vinyl. This short discussion on both of these affordable floors, along with their unique benefits and drawbacks, just might help.
Comfort
The comfort level of flooring is just as important as its functionality. Carpeting has a soft texture and provides natural padding for your feet. The thickness of the carpet you choose will determine how soft and comfortable it is. Carpet is high on comfort simply because of its materials. Carpeting will always be more comfy and warm underfoot than any other flooring. Carpeting also dampens sound throughout a home. This is something that vinyl flooring often cannot do nearly as well.
Luxury vinyl is hard surface flooring that is not usually as comfortable on its own. You can place area rugs on top of it to avoid stepping on cold floors. Rugs can also add additional beauty to your interior décor. On their own, hard floors do not have the texture that would provide comfort and ease. If installed over a padded underlay, luxury vinyl flooring can be relatively comfortable underfoot. Luxury vinyl is a lot more comfortable underfoot today than it was years ago.
Cost
Looking to have a lovely home with flooring that works well with your décor without breaking the bank? Carpeting is a popular choice for flooring for that reason. It is a bit more cost-effective flooring than luxury vinyl.
The typical cost of buying and installing carpet calculate at around $2 to $7 per square foot. Luxury vinyl is slightly higher in cost, with an average of around $3 to $9 per square foot.
Durability
If correctly maintained, carpeting can be durable. Carpet is known to last several years; its life expectancy is typically 5 to 15 years. The duration depends on the type of carpet, padding, fibers, and wear and tear to the carpet is exposed.
If installed and maintained correctly, luxury vinyl flooring can last 10 to 20 years. Luxury vinyl is an excellent choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most luxury vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains. It is water-resistant, so it is favorable to spills and will not be as prone to water damage. Luxury vinyl does not need waxing or polishing and requires only mopping and sweeping to keep its original look.
Maintenance
Carpeting involves more maintenance and cleaning than luxury vinyl flooring. Vacuuming should be done at a minimum once a week, and professional cleaning is usually required annually. Stains can generally be prevented if you clean the spill immediately, but this may not always be the case.
If you do not have much time for housekeeping or carpet cleaning, luxury vinyl flooring is a great choice. Luxury vinyl is also water-resistant and easy to keep clean, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens. However, if you drop sharp or heavy items on luxury vinyl, dings can show quite easily.
Which looks nicer?
Some of the greatest priorities when selecting the design for your home are usability, functionality, and charming layouts. We all want a gorgeous and welcoming home that reflects our style. Carpeting has immense versatility in color, design, texture, and thickness. Carpet can enhance the décor of a room and harmonize with just about any style.
Luxury vinyl exhibits similar adaptability as carpeting. You can select luxury vinyl that looks like hardwood planks or natural stone tile flooring. It is available in a variety of colors, so it is easy to match the color and décor to any room. Also, hard surface flooring has a beautifully striking look that catches the eye in a more dramatic way than carpet.
There is a place for both of these cost-effective flooring options in every home. If you want some rooms to have a soft, warm feel, go with carpet. If you are looking for a sleek and robust look, go with luxury vinyl. In most cases, the cost of carpeting or luxury vinyl flooring will depend on the style, color, and level of quality you choose. Visit us at Creative Carpet & Flooring if you have questions or are interested in carpet, vinyl, or ANY flooring need!