When choosing a floor covering for your home, it may be a decision between hardwood flooring and carpet. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Cost
Carpets are generally less expensive than hardwood floors but this is reflected in the quality, longevity and maintenance of the products.
Maintenance
Hardwood floors require minimal maintenance. Sweeping regularly and cleaning with a wood floor cleaner on a weekly basis is sufficient to preserve the freshness of the hardwood floor. Hardwood floors are also relatively resistant to spills and stains if wiped up straight away. Alternatively, carpets need regular vacuuming and cleaning (with a carpet cleaning machine) to remove dirt, smells and stains. Some stains or odours will be very difficult to remove from a carpet, even with a strong chemical carpet cleaner.
Expected lifetime
A good quality hardwood floor, installed correctly, can last over a lifetime. It will experience scratches, marks and dents but these can add character to the floor. If the damage is compromising the appearance of the hardwood floor, it can be sanded and re-finished to restore its lustre. It is very rare that a whole floor would need replacing due to damage. The average lifetime of a carpet is around 10 years. Carpets can get damaged very quickly through stains, spills and the carpet loops getting pulled and coming loose. A carpet is very difficult to repair and would probably be more cost effective to replace. Carpets can also go out of fashion relatively quickly as the trends change, so may need replacing when a room is decorated; whereas hardwood flooring has a timeless appeal.
Repairs
Carpets are very difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, can be sanded and re-finished to remove scratches and damage to the surface of the wood. Individual planks of hardwood flooring can also be removed and replaced if necessary, although this should only be attempted by a professional. 
Choice of colour, pattern and style
Carpets can be found in almost any colour, pattern and style making them easy to match to any décor, interior or furniture. Hardwood flooring is available in a variety of wood species (offering different pattern grains and colours); different plank lengths and widths, including parquet block to create different patterns; different floor finishes including matt, semi matt, and textured; and stains can also be added to create unique colour options to help match any interior.
Solid jatoba parquet wood flooring on Ambience Hardwood Flooring[/caption]
Eco-friendly
Hardwood flooring is made from natural, eco-friendly and sustainable wood products. Carpets are produced using synthetic products and can contain harsh chemicals.
Allergies
Carpets are renowned for harbouring dust, fluff, mould and mildew and are a perfect living space for dust mites. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, are far better for allergy suffers as they can be cleaned more thoroughly making them more hygienic.
Sound & heat
If a hardwood floor is installed correctly, it should not be noisy when walked on and should not creak or squeak. Carpets are understandably softer and more comfortable to walk on, and they help to absorb sound so would be almost silent. Carpets also work towards maintaining the heat in a room, whereas hardwood floors do not. However, underfloor heating can be used with hardwood floors, or a rug can be added to a room to prevent coldness and drafts.
Things to consider when deciding between hardwood flooring and carpets
• Carpets adopt less slip hazards than hardwood floors
• Hardwood floors are more hygienic and more suitable for allergy sufferers
• Carpets are cheaper than hardwood flooring but require more maintenance and have a much shorter lifespan
• Carpets are more comfortable to walk on and retain more heat than hardwood floors
• Hardwood floors can be repaired, unlike carpets
• A hardwood floor can last up to 6 times as long as a carpet
• Hardwood floors are made from natural wood compared to carpets which use synthetic materials
Hardwood flooring, although more expensive, is a sound, quality investment that can enhance the beauty of a room and last a lifetime if looked after properly.
