Hardwood floors or carpet?

I'm up in the air about this. In our new home, the living room and dining room both have carpeting down. It's in very good condition and just needs to be cleaned. However, underneath the carpet, is hardwood floors in very good condition. The rest of the house is hardwood flooring or tile. I keep on going back and forth about pulling up the carpet.

On one hand, I think it would be nice to keep down while our children are young and we will always have the option of pulling up the carpet at any time since the floors are just underneath it. But on the other hand, I really like the look of hardwood floors.

Should I leave it or pull up the carpet?

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

There are many things to consider. DH has severe allergies so we needed hardwoods. Cleaner in my opinion. I also feel that they are easier to clean should you get a spill or something. However, I think carpets make a house feel warmer and insulate the house better in the winter.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

We have hardwoods throughout the house. I think it's a lot easier to clean. We will get area rugs though for the LR & MBR. I can understand why you might not want to while the kids are young, but you can always look at it as easier clean up when something spills. But just remember you can pick them up at any time. GL with your decision.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

It depends. Maybe take it up in the DR but leave it in the LR - if something spills in the DR, it will be easier to wipe up.
I actually think the hardwoods are not as easy to keep clean - there is always dust and prints on them - especially with two cats running around.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

We took up all the carpet and had the floors refinished. I think it looks better, easier to clean and happy overall.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

We just tore out the carpeting in our entire house and refinished all the wood floors (over 1,000 sf of wood floors, plus our staircase). I love the way it looks, but I'm dying for area rugs in the master bedroom and living room, and I'm considering a runner down the stairs now, too.

I walk around barefoot a lot and only having hardwood or tile (bathrooms / kitchen) to walk on hurts my feet and my joints.

Still, I greatly prefer the look of hardwood. I think you'd probably need / want area rugs, though, if you go that route.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

If you have hardwood floors in good condition hiding under that carpet, Id pull that carpet out asap!!!

I just think carpet in food areas dont mix. Hardwood is cleaner & easier to keep clean,looks nicer and carpet gets yuck looking (esp w/kids) fast!

Message edited 10/26/2007 10:55:28 AM.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

we had carpet pulled up in the hallway, living room and dining room and put carpet runner in the hallway, area rugs in the living room and dining room. the den (den/tv room/computer room/playroom when the time comes) and bedrooms will be carpeted.
i would say at least do the hardwood floors in the dining room.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

I have both, br's all carpet plus Den.
I also have a 6 month old who needs to roam free...on carpet.

But the rest is hardwood. I had them refinished with stain.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

I am partial to hardwood, so I would say pull up the carpet. You can always put down area rugs.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

I prefer the look of hardwood

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

i have hard wood throughout and dust bunnies galore! But, I really like the way it looks, though sometimes i wish some rooms were carpeted.

IMO, I'd rip up the DR carpet but keep the LR

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

I love hardwood floors so I would pull it up. The only thing is it turns into more of an expense if you need to refinish and then buy area rugs. I'd do it anyway though!

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

Hardwood all the way. I hate carpets.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

we have hardwood mostly with large area rugs and plush padding underneath

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

From a looks standpoint I LOVE hardwood but I feel that carpet makes a home warmer and feels better on your feet during the winter. On the other hand, I like light colored carpets and that is nearly impossible with kids.

Re: Hardwood floors or carpet?

We have hardwoods throughout too - I love how they look and they are a snap to clean - BUT I always have to wear slippers in the winter because they get cold!

When talking about putting in radiant floor heat so the floors aren't so cold int he winter.