Hardwood Vs Carpet For Mold

From hardwood to friendly engineered planks stone cork and even retro linoleum our columnist explores the healthiest flooring choices.

Hardwood vs carpet for mold.

Mold has no appetite for these materials mold however will eat contaminants in carpet so if a carpet is damaged water damage sewage etc and not remediated properly mold can grow on it. It s softer so it can get scratched. For bar areas and bathrooms laminate is a cost effective and durable choice. Carpet can be a more budget friendly option for the basement as well.

The reason for this is that the different types of wood and stains allow for a variety of options for appearances. Hardwood and laminate just won t give the same warmth that carpet has to offer especially in those basement bedrooms or playrooms. Carpet on the other hand is much cheaper and has the same variety of options. Hardwood can be found in wide or thin planks installed in straight rows or a herringbone pattern and can range in color from pale to nearly black.

Hardwood flooring has a classic appearance that can range in style from contemporary to rustic depending on the color finish and species of the wood used. Hardwood flooring is typically more expensive than carpet because it is considered the more luxurious and prestigious option. Another favorite of freed s is cork a natural product that s waterproof dust and mold resistant warm and soft underfoot and a wonderful sound absorber. It won t give you the same warmth as carpet but it will create a more polished and defined finish for the room.

Neither carpet nor hardwood flooring are recommended for damp or constantly humid conditions such as bathrooms for basement slabs. Both materials can be scorched or burned by cigarettes. The simple answer is that carpet is much cheaper to install per square foot than hardwood floors. Laminate is more diy friendly and moisture resistant than both wood and carpet.

Laminate the cost to install laminate flooring averages 2 750 compared to hardwood s average of 4 400 and carpet s average of 1 600. In the event of a small water event carpet can most likely be saved if it is dried quickly before mold or mildew develop. While carpet fibers are immune to water damage the backing fabric can foster mold and mildew. Mold does not use carpet as a food source.

Many times carpeting can be pulled up and dried. Here s a look at each of these factors and how they compare when installing hardwood vs carpet floors 1 cost difference for carpet vs hardwood. This is one of the first questions that comes up when choosing between carpet or hardwood floors.