Durability is not the first trait that usually comes to mind when you think of either hardwood flooring or carpet. Solid hardwood floors are chosen for their classic elegance and their longevity, while carpet is usually selected for its warmth and softness. 

Durability is always something you should keep in mind when choosing a new floor, however.  Even if it isn’t the deciding factor, you want to make sure that your floor can withstand daily use in the situation in which you are installing it.  So how do solid hardwood and carpet compare when it comes to durability?

Generally speaking, hardwood flooring is more durable than carpet. We mentioned earlier that hardwood lasts much longer than carpet, which is one measurement of durability. There are many other ways to measure durability as well, and which are most important to you depends on how you plan to use the space.

When it comes to foot traffic, hardwood flooring may last longer than carpet, but both will wear out with use. The main difference is that hardwood can be refinished when it wears down, while worn out carpet must be replaced. 

Wood and carpet also have similar durability when moving furniture or other heavy objects across them - wood has a chance to be scratched, while carpet can buckle or tear.  Again, the difference is more in the cost of repairs rather than the durability - scratches in wood can be repaired; tears in carpet often cannot be fixed.

Spills and stains are another concern with flooring.  While both wood and carpet can be damaged by spills, wood flooring gives you the opportunity to avoid damage by cleaning up small spills quickly. Spills on carpet can also be removed, but red wine will begin to stain your carpet the moment it touches the floor. Such stains can still usually be removed if addressed promptly, but it takes a lot more effort.

The one durability category that carpet shines brightly in is impact damage.  Dropping heavy objects on a wood floor may dent or gouge the floor; carpet, on the other hand, is rarely harmed by impact.  The object that you dropped is also less likely to break when its fall is cushioned by carpet!

Overall, hardwood flooring wins the durability contest - especially when longevity is considered.  Carpet’s strengths in other areas ensure that it will remain a very popular flooring choice, however.  Especially in residential settings, durability is generally not as big of a concern as comfort and safety, and carpet wins in both of these categories.

The best flooring for your space ultimately depends on your expectations and the way you use the space.  Despite its lower durability, carpet usually wins out in homes for the reasons mentioned above.  Hardwood is often a better candidate for a busy retail space (especially if you are displaying high-end products - it contributes to the sophisticated ambiance!).  But if you are replacing the flooring in a hotel lobby?  There is no wrong choice - durable and long-lasting hardwood, or cozy and inviting carpet are both excellent options.

Whichever flooring type you choose, quality installation is key to its durability and longevity. Call Tiling Halifax Murphy's Floor, our trusted tiling experts in Halifax, Dartmouth and Bedford, today to ensure your floor is as durable as possible!