carpet floor x laminate (2023)

Appearance and Composition

Laminate flooring is usually made from high density fiberboard or wood particles. Typically, there are four layers in a laminate flooring board, including a stabilization layer, a treated high-density fiberboard layer, a standard photo layer, and a clear melamine resin layer. The transparent and rigid layer is placed on top of the other layers for durability.

Rugs come in many different styles, including woven, needled felt, knotted, and tufted. All styles have a top layer of pile—the soft, fringed strands that rise to the floor—attached to a backing.

Modern rugs generally provide extremely soft fibers and stain resistance through a technology that binds synthetic molecules together, making the fibers smaller in diameter.

Although most rugs are made from petroleum-based synthetic materials, natural wool is the softest and most durable option. It is, however, also the most expensive and represents only 1% of sales. Therefore, nylon, which is the most durable of the synthetic carpet materials, is the most commonly used material in carpet construction.

Both carpet and laminate flooring offer users a wide range of design options. Laminate tends to come in designs that mimic natural flooring options like wood and stone, and the variety of colors, patterns, and rug piles is nearly limitless.

Carpet is the warmest option, often used in rooms where someone is likely to be barefoot. It is also an acoustic insulator, reducing noise caused by movement. Laminate flooring does not absorb sound well and often makes noise when walking on it. Acoustic underlays are sometimes used to reduce noise.

Laminate flooring tends to provide a more versatile base for interior design due to its similarity to natural products. No one usually has to worry about clashing colors, a thought the rug might require. Bright or decorative rugs might suit someone's style now, but might be difficult to incorporate into new decor choices in the future.

resale value

A survey by Lumber Liquidators found that 100% of real estate agents polled preferred hardwood floors to carpet. Laminate flooring can provide the highly sought-after hardwood look at a lower cost. While buyers know it's not hardwood, laminate can make a home feel more modern and open and often adds resale value.

While not considered 'fashionable', carpet is making a comeback, with the World Floor Covering Association reporting a 3% to 4% increase in carpet sales in recent years and 50% to 55% of flooring sold annually being attributed to carpet. . However, because laminate flooring is generally more stylish, easier to maintain, and more durable, it is more likely to improve a home's resale value than carpet.

Energy

Laminate flooring is likely to last much longer than carpet as it is scratch resistant, durable and easy to clean. While carpet usually needs to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, quality laminates can last 25 to 30 years.

More expensive laminate flooring is generally a better investment, although carpet offers a less expensive option if users want to refresh more frequently. Modern rugs are more durable and stain resistant than in the past, but it's generally accepted that they won't last more than 10 years in areas with moderate traffic.

Installation

Carpet can be installed over many materials, from concrete to wood, and can hide small irregularities in the floor. The carpet and upholstery are first cut to the correct dimensions, then the two layers are installed with nails or staples and the seams are glued together. Installation in a large room requires carpet stretching and special tools. While people can install carpet themselves, especially with some "peel and stick" brands that make DIY jobs easier, carpet usually requires professional installation.

Laminate flooring can be installed over virtually any existing flooring except carpet, but if special floor preparation is required, users may need professional services. Groove and groove laminate flooring products make DIY installation easy and also reduce professional installation costs due to the speed and ease with which tongue and groove planks can be installed.

It is important for homeowners to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions when installing laminate flooring, as this will ensure the product's longevity. For example, when installing laminate flooring, it is important to leave a small space between the wall and the edge of the floor to allow room for the boards to expand. Without this gap, the floor is likely to rise or warp in the middle of the room, creating an uneven floor.

maintenance and replacement

Carpet spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent stains and mildew. Mats placed at entrances and exits help to remove dirt from the mats. To ensure cleanliness,carpets must be vacuumedtwice a week in low traffic areas and more often in high traffic areas. They benefit from a deep hot water exhaust cleaning every 12 to 18 months. Allowing water to build up will damage laminate flooring and carpeting, which may require replacement.

Unlike hard wood and some nicerengineered wood, laminate floors cannot be sanded and polished. Also, although it is moisture resistant, laminate will warp in high humidity areas such as bathrooms, especially if not installed correctly. Users should place protective pads on the bottom of the chair and table legs to prevent scratches. Manufacturers often recommend waterless cleaning for laminate floors or scrubbing with special products that leave floors dry.

When carpet is damaged, the entire carpet usually must be replaced. Laminate flooring offers the advantage that small sections can be replaced as needed to repair damage.

Cost

The cost range for both products depends on the quality and style chosen. Carpets can usually be purchased for $2 to $15 per square foot, installed. and laminate for $3-$11 per square foot, installed.

With carpet, a higher pile tends to cost more, and wool is the most expensive fiber used in flooring. When it comes to laminate, homeowners should be wary of cheaper brands, as they may not be as durable.

When comparing laminate and carpet prices, consider thiswarranty period. Laminate floors can be significantly cheaper if they are not high quality and only offer a 10 year warranty. Higher quality laminate offers a better warranty (25 to 30 years), but it's usually worth it.

Ability

Many homes use a combination of carpet and hardwood or laminate flooring. Carpets are not a good choice for kitchens and dining rooms, for example. Laminate will work best in these cases. Bedrooms tend to use carpet more often for its warmth and softness.

Laminate works best if you own and need flooring options for your rental because carpets tend to show more wear and tear from mud and spills.

Staircase

Using laminate or wood on stairs can increase the risk of tipping over because stairs are more slippery. This is especially true for people who prefer to wear socks around the house. Another issue is the style and how it fits into the rest of the interior of the house.

Living room

Living rooms are where families tend to spend a lot of time, both with each other and entertaining guests. While some may prefer the warmth and comfort of rugs, the benefits of using laminate flooring in the living room include:

• easier to clean
• less prone to blemishes
• can buy a rug for the style of the room, allowing for more options
• less allergens

Basement

Laminate flooring is not suitable for basements with flooding or even moisture issues due to excess moisture in the basement. Carpets can also be warmer in cold basements.Linoleum and vinyl floorsit's also a great choice for basements.

health concerns

Laminate flooring tends to be easier to clean than carpet and is therefore considered more hygienic and hypoallergenic.The Rug Doctor's Rug Studyshowed high levels of dangerous bacteria, hidden dirt, pollen and dust mites, suggesting that consumers are unable or unwilling to properly clean their carpets.

Eman overviewof public health and housing science, James Krieger of the University of Washington and Donna L. Higgins of the CDC point out that old carpeting can make things worse.allergy symptoms, as the fibers trap and retain dirt, allergens, pesticides and toxic chemicals.

In an effort to address allergen concerns, many carpets today are made with greener chemicals and less chemicals overall, so low VOC (volatile organic compound) products are available for sensitive consumers.

The Health Planning Centerresearch reviewnotes that while some studies show that carpet is vulnerable to fungal and bacterial contamination, the results are conflicting. Some find higher concentrations on carpeted floors and others on hard floors, suggesting the need for further studies.

Environmental considerations

Although laminate flooring is often made from melamine resin, a compound made from formaldehyde, formaldehyde is more strongly bound thanurea formaldehyde, reducing emissions and potential health impacts. Additionally, laminate flooring can be recycled, with some manufacturers being able to reuse up to 80% of the materials.

Pile rugs are generally made from non-renewable materials, and small amounts of unhealthy VOCs can be released from installed rugs due to the chemicals used in manufacturing. VOCs can be released for up to 5 years, although this chemical release, known as outgassing, decreases over time.

For this reason, homeowners are advised to maintain well-ventilated areas with new carpet installations for at least 72 hours after installation. Vacuuming new carpet with a HEPA filter and using hot water extraction cleaners can help remove VOCs. While there are more green carpet options available that use renewable materials and avoid dangerous chemicals, these options come at a great price.

Hardwood floors and engineered wood floorsthey tend to be more eco-friendly and sustainable than carpet or laminate.

bibliographic references

• Ask EcoTeam: My new carpet is gas-free! -ecology center
• Carpet flooring: pros and cons -Realtor.com
• ecological floor -Mother Nature Network
• Housing and health: once again for public health action -NIH.gov
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Laminate FlooringHomepage of About.com
• A review of the research literature on evidence-based health planning -Health Planning Center
• What's underneath, the dirty truth about our rugs -The Rug Doctor