Carpet vs Tile Flooring: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Smooth and slick vs warm and snuggly. Soft and forgiving vs solid and hardwearing.
Some virtues of carpets and tiles are plain to see. But when it comes to deciding who wins in the battle of carpet vs tile, there are a few more considerations for the discerning Darwin homeowner.
We’ve put together the definitive guide, so you can make the best choice for your home. Read on to see who wins the battle of carpet vs tile.
Keeping up With the Joneses
In terms of style, hardwood flooring has dominated the world of floor covering in recent years. But that doesn’t mean to say that there is anything old-fashioned about either carpet or tile.
Carpet is a hot trend for 2021 and is winning plaudits for its versatility and eco-credentials. Look out for sustainably sourced options. Create a statement in your home by pairing bold, patterned carpet designs with block wall colours.
Tile is also resurgent in 2021, with bold, Moroccan-inspired designs taking centre stage. Look out for geometric patterns and terracotta flooring making a comeback this year.
Verdict in the carpet vs tile style battle: In 2021, it’s a draw.
Comfort for the Whole Family
With hardwood flooring being so dominant in recent years, many of us may be loath to admit that we actually love sinking our toes into a good old shag pile carpet.
Carpet certainly brings a luxury underfoot that few floor coverings can provide. Kids will also thank you when they take their regular tumbles on the soft stuff. But if you’ve got an allergy sufferer in the house, they can trap dust and dander, making these issues worse.
When thinking about the pros and cons of tile in Darwin, we need to include a word about the weather. Soft and snuggly may be great from May – July when the nights are cooler, but average temperatures above 30° C year-round! When it’s hot, there’s something to be said for the cool of tiles!
If you’re happy to crank up the AC though when it comes to luxury underfoot, there’s only one winner – carpet all the way.
Long-Term Convenience
Carpet may win the battle of comfort, but when it comes to cleaning, there’s a clear winner.
Anyone who has pets around knows that canine accidents and carpets do not mix. This is where tile comes into its own. Compared with carpet and even with hardwood, it’s an absolute doddle to keep clean. A quick vac and mop and it’s as good as new again.
If you’re looking for flooring that can cope with the rigours of modern life and continue looking amazing, tile is a far more forgiving choice. Consider though retaining carpet for adults only areas – bedrooms for example. Then you have a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Verdict in the carpet vs tile convenience battle: Tile, every day of the week.
The Initial Outlay
When choosing the best flooring material for your home, you need to consider not just the cost per square meter, but also the installation cost. That’s where there’s a big difference with carpet.
Depending on the flooring you had before, laying carpet might be as simple – and cheap – as ripping out old carpet and laying new. Tile, on the other hand, can involve laying a whole subfloor. Removing tile can also be a bit of a process.
Carpet can cost anywhere from $20 to hundreds of dollars per square meter, depending on the style and materials you choose. Installation is usually extra, plus you may need to factor in the cost of underlay. Underlay also varies in quality, but it can make a huge difference to how luxurious the carpet feels.
The cost of installation will depend on how complex the job is. Expect to pay $35 per square meter and up. Tricky jobs may cost a lot more.
Tile costs are usually in the same range as carpet. Expect to start looking at $20 for basic choices. The skies the limit for more luxurious materials, finishes, and contemporary designs.
The cost of installing tile floors ranges from around $30 per square meter upwards. Again, more complex floors that need more prep will cost a lot more, and remember to factor in the cost of removing the existing floor.
The verdict: Roughly the same cost, but the skies the limit on how much you can spend.
When Will I Have to Replace Them?
When choosing the best flooring material for your home, look beyond calculating the initial outlay. You need to think long-term.
Depending on where it will be used and how much abuse it’ll get, you might be looking to replace your carpets after ten years or so. Expect a maximum life of about 20 -25 years.
With tile though, it’ll outlive all of us. In fact, if it’s well laid and doesn’t experience severe damage, then it can easily last 100 years. The Romans might tell you it’ll last for thousands.
The verdict: Choose tiles you love, and you’ll never have to replace them
Best of Both Worlds
There are plenty of pros and cons of carpet, and plenty of pros and cons of tile. But there are some places that carpet should never go.
Yep, we’re talking about the bathroom. That’s a style that we’re never going back to for obvious hygiene reasons. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have the best of both worlds.
Having tiled and carpeted areas in the same room can make a lot of sense. Many homes take advantage of this to section off kitchen and living areas.
The verdict: Let practicality be your guide.
Carpet vs Tile – Which One Wins?
In the battle of carpet vs tile, there’s never going to be one winner! The best flooring for your family is one that suits your needs, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences. Whichever one you choose though, make sure you get it laid by the best.
At Florance Property Solutions we have a pro-team ready to care for all your property maintenance and improvement needs. From electrical to flooring, we’ve got you covered, with no need for sub-contractors.
So check out our flooring solutions and get a quote for your property today!
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