Commercial Flooring Oxford: Wood or Carpet?
Wood flooring is incredibly popular right now. There are plenty of homeowners around that have recently had wood flooring installed and many more that are planning to do so in the near future.
Laminate, vinyl, tile or hardwood are popular choices of flooring right now. For those customers that have only ever had carpet, wood flooring may seem like a bold and maybe scary venture. In fact, wood flooring has been available as an option to homeowners for longer than carpet; commercial flooring Oxford can provide you with advice on both choices.
Carpets vs. Wood Flooring
There are ongoing arguments about carpet versus wood flooring. Many people choose carpet because they think it is warmer and holds in heat more. In fact, if wooden floor is insulated well, it can be just as warm.
The general rule is that quality counts- the thicker and wider the wood, the better. Do not confuse laminate flooring with real wooden flooring, also known as solid hardwood flooring. Solid wood flooring reacts badly to moisture, so should not be laid in areas where there is a lot of humidity.
Sometimes choosing between the two can be difficult- both have distinct advantages and disadvantages and can be equally suitable in a variety of situations.
Advantages: Carpet
• Comfort- a soft, plush carpet has an unbeatable luxurious feel. Not only is it comfortable to sit on and for children to play on, it can also reduce the leg fatigue sometimes felt on hardwood surfaces.
• Warmth- the key reason for installing a carpet is usually warmth. It is difficult to get the same feeling of warmth from any other flooring type. Carpets are almost obligatory in colder climates- not only do they insulate well, but they can also offer visual and psychological comfort. A carpet will trap warmth, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Safety- carpets are great for children to play on, especially for younger children who can be prone to accidents, as carpets will cushion a fall more so than hard flooring.
• Looks- with a huge range of textures, styles, patterns and colours, there is an enormous amount of choice. Every preference and interior decorating scheme can be catered for, and a good-quality carpet can give a sense of class and privilege to an office or living room.
Advantages: Wood Flooring
• Maintenance- the main reason many people choose hard flooring is for ease of maintenance and cleaning. Hardwood, laminate, vinyl or tile floors can be vacuumed as normal, or mopped. Many hardwood floors today come with stain-resistant top layers.
• Durability- hardwood floors can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and daily traffic. Hallways, living rooms and kitchens are ideal places to have wood flooring.
• Health reasons- wood floors are much better for people with allergies, especially asthma sufferers. Carpets can harbour large collections of dust and other allergens.
• Looks – laminate and vinyl flooring come in a huge range of styles and colours. They will help you to create the look and ambience you require with minimal effort.
• Increasing investment- timber flooring is the only addition to your house that will increase its resale value. Well-maintained flooring can last the lifetime of the house.
Written by Emma Bamford on behalf of Butler Cox Flooring OxfordCommercial Flooring Oxford
