Carpet Versus Wood - Which Flooring would you choose?

Our house is 18 years old. Eight years ago, we installed new carpet on the main floor and hoped it would last for 10 years or so. But the carpet is not worn well, and three steam-cleaning does not remove the stains. Should we buy new carpet or floor? We have a plus and minus list to answer this question.

CARPET PLUS POINTS

* Texture. Carpet under your feet feels good, especially when we go into our stockings or barefoot. We live in Minnesota andCarpet still see a layer of insulation on cold floors.

* Color selection. Carpet can be tuned our institution and walls. Our carpet is a neutral gray-green color. During the day, it looks greenish and at night it looks gray.

* Price. Carpet usually costs less than wood flooring. Today, carpets stain-resistant. The surface stain is directly woven into the yarn or the woven carpet has been sprayed.

Minus CARPET

* Cleaning.While it is easy to vacuum the carpet, it is not easy to reach under or behind large furniture. Dust collects in these hard to reach places.

* Allergies. The Web site, http://www.efloor.com called an Environmental Protection Agency study found pesticides garden their way to work in carpet. "These poisons are then absorbed by the bare feet, the play of your children and your baby crawl on the floor," says the website.

* Environment. The same site notes thattwo percent of the residues in our nation's landfills are rugs. According to the website: "This huge waste of about 20,000 takes years to digest before nature."

WOOD PLUS POINTS

* Variety. Although wood is not in as many colors as carpet, we can get choose from many types and colors. Even better would be to go with all wood floors.

* Cleaning. Years ago, wood floors had to be treated, a tedious and time-consuming work. Now, scientific has to protect wood surfaces from scratchesand wear. Another plus point is that I could just sweep under furniture.

* Allergy-free. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that wood floor for those who are concerned about pesticides entering carpet. Doctors also recommend hardwood floors for people with allergies.

* Resale. We've moved 16 times and try to keep our house market ready. According to real estate in our region, today's buyers want wood floors.

WOOD Minus

* Cost. Wood floors are more expensive thanCarpet. However, this investment would eventually pay off.

* Area rugs. We would protect rugs need to soils. One room has an area rug and we would have to buy two ready-made ones, or they have made.

After weighing the pros and cons of carpets and wood, we have decided on wood. Birch wood was our choice. It is a hard wood and fits well with our organization. Need new flooring? Share your own plus and minus list and add up the score.

Copyright2007 by Harriet Hodgson

Friends Link : Anti spyware affiliate program concrete floor