⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison
Carpet vs Hardwood Flooring
Carpet installs for $2-$7/sq ft installed; hardwood runs $8-$15/sq ft. Carpet wins on cost, warmth, and sound dampening; hardwood wins on durability (30-100 years vs 8-15), resale value, and allergen control. Hardwood adds roughly $2-$3/sq ft to resale value; carpet typically does not.
Option 1
Carpet
Upfront Cost$2-$7/sq ft installed
Lifespan8-15 years
MaintenanceVaries
DIY FriendlyVaries
ROICarpet typically adds no resale value
Option 2
Hardwood Flooring
Upfront Cost$8-$15/sq ft
Lifespan30-100 years
MaintenanceVaries
DIY FriendlyVaries
ROIAdds about $2-$3/sq ft on resale
📊 Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Carpet | Hardwood Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $2-$7/sq ft installed | $8-$15/sq ft |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years | 30-100 years |
| Maintenance | Varies | Varies |
| DIY Friendly | Varies | Varies |
| ROI | Carpet typically adds no resale value | Adds about $2-$3/sq ft on resale |
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🏆 Our Verdict
Both options have their strengths. Consider your budget, timeline, and long-term goals. Need help deciding? Get free quotes from local pros.
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