The Case for Carpet: Is Carpet the Right Choice for Your Home?

Authorities have differing views on carpet as a flooring option in homes. The reality is that, as with other floors, there are many varieties and qualities of carpet. Some may be more suitable for your home than others. However, when properly maintained and cleaned regularly, carpet (just like any other flooring) can be a great fit for your home.

There are many benefits to using rugs. First, it’s one of the more affordable flooring options, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $7 per square foot. Usually, the higher the price, the better the quality of the rug. Even high-quality carpet is usually less expensive than good-quality hardwood flooring, which costs between $9 and $12 per square foot. Tile can be even more expensive, costing between $10 and $15 per square foot. Vinyl and linoleum flooring can be in the same cost range as carpet. However, there are many other aspects to consider besides the cost regarding the flooring in your home.

Carpeted floors are great for reducing noise levels, while linoleum, vinyl, hardwood, and tile simply aren’t; Tile is especially bad at bouncing sounds instead of absorbing them. All carpets easily absorb sound, so consider the noise level in your home when choosing flooring options. With all the electronics we have in the home these days, sound absorption with wall-to-wall carpeting can be very advantageous. It is a particularly important feature in multi-level houses. There are even condominium and townhome HOAs that require carpeting to be installed on floors on the second story or higher, simply because foot traffic can become too noisy for neighbors when other types of flooring are used. Also, living with children or noisy pets, such as dogs or birds, would be easier on the ears when there is carpet to absorb the various noises.

The softness of the rug can also provide a more homey feeling. It provides a softer, warmer place to walk barefoot, sit, play, and even provides thermal resistance, helping rooms maintain a comfortable temperature while using less energy. The rug’s texture also helps prevent slipping and softens falls. This can be an important feature of the rug; especially when considering households with small children or elderly people. Even pets, such as cats and dogs, often prefer carpet over other flooring options. It is easier for them to walk and lie down compared to other types of flooring.

Many allergists say that having carpet in the home is bad for people with asthma and other allergies. They argue that carpet fibers absorb many allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and fungus. However, many studies have shown that homes with well-maintained carpets actually help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms (CRI & Jaakkola, et al.). This is because the carpet can trap allergen particles, removing them from the air you breathe; effectively acting as a passive air filter. With other floors, small movements only cause small particles to fall to the floor in the air, making it more likely to affect those with allergies. You can even see when sweeping that many of the particles on hard floors are simply airborne. Among the various flooring options, new carpet also releases the lowest amounts of VOCs, making it the best choice for those concerned about indoor air quality.

The rug can really contribute to the quality and comfort of your home. It is one of the most affordable flooring options. Help with noise reduction. It makes the floor soft and the perfect temperature for walking barefoot. Obviously, other flooring options are preferable in the kitchen and bathrooms, and other areas of the house that often get wet. However, when properly cleaned and cared for, it is the best choice for those concerned with indoor air quality and home comfort.