Everything You Need To Know About Replacing Carpet With Hardwood Floors

Tech installing hardwood floors.

Why Hardwood Floors Are Increasing Popular

Carpet has been a popular flooring option for many decades. It is cozy and soft and adds warmth to a home. However, replacing carpet with hardwood floors has become a growing trend in the home improvement industry in recent years. Hardwood floors are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also have several benefits that make them a more practical choice. Today, we will explore the many benefits of replacing carpet with hardwood floors.

Hardwood Floors Are Easy to Clean and Maintain

Carpet collects dirt, dust, and pet hair, making cleaning difficult. In contrast, hardwood floors are easy to clean, and a simple sweep or mop will suffice. Hardwood floors also don't stain as easily as carpet, making them ideal for homes with pets and children.

Maintenance and Care Are Still Pivotal

Nevertheless, maintaining and caring for hardwood floors requires consistency and diligence. Unlike carpet, hardwood floors require regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve their integrity and beauty. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush roll to remove dirt and debris, and avoid using water or vinegar to clean the floors. Instead, use a hardwood cleaner to maintain the wood's luster and prevent scratches.

Hardwood Floors Increase Resale Value

If you may want to sell your home in the future, replacing carpet with hardwood floors can significantly increase your home's resale value. Hardwood floors are a highly sought-after feature in homes and can attract buyers willing to pay top dollar.

Hardwood Floors Are Durable and Long-Lasting

The lifespan of hardwood floors can last for decades, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run. Unlike carpet, hardwood floors resist scratches and dings and can look new for years to come when properly maintained.

Hardwood Floors Are a Healthier Option

Carpet can trap dust, pollutants, and allergens, harming those with respiratory issues. Hardwood floors are hypoallergenic, making it a healthier option for your home. Most hardwood floors also don't undergo chemical treatments in manufacturing, resulting in a healthier environment for your family.

Hardwood Floors Offer a Timeless and Stylish Look

No matter the style of your home, hardwood floors can complement any design scheme. Hardwood floors come in various colors and styles, from light maple to dark walnut, providing a timeless and elegant look to your home's interior.

Preparing for Hardwood Floors Is Important

Replacing carpet with hardwood floors may seem daunting, but the transformation will prove worthwhile. Hardwood floors can add elegance and style to any room. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring professionals, you should know a few things before you begin. Keep reading to consider everything you need to know before replacing carpet with hardwood floors.

Consider the Layout and Dimensions of Your Flooring

The first step in replacing carpet with hardwood floors is assessing the room layout. Measure your flooring’s width and length to help determine the type of hardwood flooring best suited for the room. It is also critical to account for factors that could impact the installation process, like cabinets, baseboards, or doorways.

Choose the Right Type of Wood

Choosing the right type of wood involves more than selecting the color and style that suits your taste. Various kinds of wood are available, each with different features and benefits. Oak, maple, and cherry are the most popular hardwood flooring options. When selecting your wood, consider its durability, hardness, and water resistance. When installing floors, it is also essential to consider the room’s traffic, humidity/moisture levels, and primary function. Such factors will impact the wood's lifespan, maintenance needs, and practicality.

Prepare the Subfloor

Before installing the hardwood floors, you need to prepare the subfloor. This process involves removing the carpet and padding, cleaning thoroughly, and securing flaws. Once the subfloor is clean and even, you'll need to install a moisture barrier. The moisture barrier helps to prevent humidity, which can cause the hardwood floors to shrink, warp, or collapse.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

Replacing carpet with hardwood floors is a significant investment that pays off in the long run. Hardwood floors are durable, timeless, and add value to any home. With proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades. So, go ahead and replace your carpet with hardwood floors—the results will be stunning.

Deciding whether to install the hardwood floors yourself or hire a professional is a significant consideration. Doing it yourself is more cost-effective but requires specialized tools and expertise. Hiring professionals is thus best if you're not confident in your woodworking skills or lack the time and toolkit to handle the assignment independently.  

At Mr. Handyman of Norther St. Joseph Elkhart Counties, we have the tools and experience to complete the job seamlessly. Our professional hardwood floor installation process will ensure each square inch is installed correctly, offering you peace of mind and years of enjoyment.

In addition to hardwood flooring, we can install:

Our team can also return to your home to perform expert repairs, upgrades, and maintenance. We work with state-of-the-art techniques and meticulous care to complete each home remodeling project we accept with efficiency and utmost professionalism.

Are you looking to upgrade your flooring? Call to manifest your ideal home today!