It’s a tough choice for many people as they enter the market to select floor coverings to grace their floors. First, there is carpeting and hardwood flooring, now it seems there is bamboo flooring as well. It might not be so apparent at first glance but bamboo flooring can provide a range of benefits over carpets and other types of flooring. This article may take a look at the pluses and minuses of both carpet and bamboo floors.
Difference Between Bamboo Flooring and Carpet
The main difference between bamboo flooring and carpet is the way they look. Bamboo floors tend to be lighter in colour than carpets, but beiges and greens are not uncommon for either type of flooring. This means that you won’t necessarily have to sacrifice style if you go with one or the other.
Price Difference Between Bamboo Flooring and Carpet
Another major difference between these two types of floor coverings is price. Bamboo floors may generally cost more over time even though they are about half the price initially when compared with traditional carpeting. Carpets can wear out far more quickly than bamboo floors if treated properly by the owner, which makes them a better value over time when considering the price. Carpets can also be significantly more comfortable for people with asthma or allergies because they are softer, but bamboo floors have their own advantages as well.
Bamboo Flooring Benefits
When factoring in the cost of maintaining a bamboo floor, some might argue that this type of floor covering is even more economical than carpeting. Bamboo does not require nearly as much vacuuming as carpets do so by saving on some cleaning bills, you could actually save money in the long run. If carefully looked after, bamboo flooring may last twice as long as carpets if not longer. As mentioned above, you could still consider the initial price of both types of floor coverings to find out which is really cheaper overall. Bamboo is made of natural material which is usually of good quality and has different styles.
Bamboo Floor Disadvantages
Although it might seem as though bamboo flooring is the best choice for everyone, it could be understood that they do have some disadvantages. The main issue is moisture which can affect bamboo flooring much more than carpets and other types of floor coverings. Bamboo is much more likely to buckle and expand if exposed to too much water so it could be maintained properly.
Carpet Benefits
Carpets are softer underfoot, but this is not all they have to offer. Carpets are easier on the eyes than bamboo flooring is, which some people prefer even if they do cost more. Not everyone may want bamboo flooring because of its appearance, so keep that in mind when you’re comparing prices. Availability also plays a role in price differences between these floor coverings since carpets are more common worldwide.
Carpet disadvantages
It is well known that many types of carpeting can emit allergens in the home which especially causes problems for people with asthma or other respiratory problems. These carpets are not only hard to clean but are also difficult to dispose of when it comes time to replace them or when it is time to remove them for good.
Different Types of Bamboo Flooring
There are several different kinds of bamboo flooring available on the market today so it’s important to know what your options are before making a purchase.
- The most popular type for residential properties is strand woven bamboo flooring. This product offers homeowners an attractive and durable surface to enhance their homes.
- Engineered bamboo flooring is another choice, but it’s pricier than strand woven for obvious reasons.
- Solid bamboo flooring is much heavier than its engineered counterpart and therefore much more durable. The downside to it, however, is that it costs considerably more than solid bamboo due to the fact that there are fewer suppliers of this product.
Different Types of Carpet Flooring
Carpet flooring also comes in a variety of different types so be sure you’re not only aware of them but that they may work for your property as well.
- Cut pile carpet is the most common type available on the market today because it’s inexpensive and easy to maintain.
- Berber carpets are another choice for homeowners with pets or children who live in their homes, but it’s important to know what you’re buying before going this route since Berber carpets may feel unattractive underfoot.
- Frieze carpet is a third option and it is long-lasting yet plush enough underfoot to provide comfort.
Different Materials a Carpet Can Be Made of
Carpet material is another difference to consider.
- Polypropylene is the most common type of carpet material because it’s inexpensive and highly durable.
- Nylon is another option, but it won’t wear as well as polypropylene may over time.
- Wool carpets are also available, but they are costly to purchase and inconvenient to maintain.
You’ll need an industrial vacuum cleaner in order to keep this kind of carpet clean since wool absorbs everything from dirt to liquids easily.
Carpet vs Bamboo Flooring
There are very few differences that homeowners could be paying attention to when it comes to the comparison of these products. Both have their own range of benefits, so it’s up to you as the homeowner to do your research before making a purchase so you can be sure of what you’re getting.
The initial cost of both types of flooring is another thing to think about since this might play a larger role than durability or comfort for some people. If finances are not an issue for you then go with bamboo because it lasts longer and has its own advantages over carpets. If money is limited then stick with carpet since bamboo flooring usually carries a larger price tag without offering any additional benefit in return.
As with most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of floor coverings. Carpets can be a great choice in certain circumstances but bamboo flooring also have their place in the market. Ultimately, it may come down to your personal preferences when deciding between these two options so consider how you want your home to look as well as what type of maintenance each one entails before making a decision.
Difference Between Carpet and Bamboo Flooring
The only differences that exist between these two-floor coverings are the price, maintenance, style, and material of each product. Carpet is more affordable but it’s not as durable or easy to clean as bamboo floorings are. On the flip side of things, both styles offer their own level of comfort but carpets are easier to purchase in most cases since they are less expensive. This might be the most telling factor for some homeowners since money isn’t always readily available. If you can afford both then purchase a laminate flooring surface on top of your strand woven bamboo installation for added warmth and charm.
Which Type of Flooring is Best?
If you’re debating between carpet or bamboo flooring, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to each one. However, carpets are more affordable and tend to be easier to purchase but they’re not as durable or easy to clean as bamboo floorings are. On the other hand, both styles offer a level of comfort but carpets are also easier to purchase in most cases since they aren’t very expensive. This might be the deciding factor for some homeowners considering how money is always a factor. But if you can afford both then stick with installing a bamboo laminate flooring surface on top of your strand woven bamboo installation for added warmth and charm.
The Expected Lifetime of Flooring
The expected lifetime of strand woven bamboo flooring is around 40 years. The expected lifetime of carpet is around 10 years.
Maintenance of Bamboo Flooring vs Carpet?
The maintenance of bamboo flooring is easier than that of carpet. The maintenance of carpet depends on where you live.
Carpet Cost in Australia
Carpet is more affordable in Australia. The average price for carpet is around $35 per square metre. This price does not include labour costs. This usually comes at around $30 per square metre.
Bamboo Flooring Cost in Australia
Bamboo flooring is more expensive in Australia. The average price for bamboo flooring is around $80 per square metre. This price does not include labour costs. Depending on the contractor, this price usually does not include the installation price, which can be around $30 per square metre to $40 per square metre.
What vacuum cleaner to use?
You could use an industrial vacuum cleaner to clean the bamboo flooring because it may be too difficult with home vacuum cleaners to remove dirt, dust and fine particles from the deep indentations (see-through) in between bamboo strips. If you have a strand woven bamboo floor and the spaces (see-through) between bamboo strips is not that deep then you can also use a home vacuum cleaner. If you already have a carpet covering your floors then you could continue vacuuming with the same machine.
Flooring Style of Your Home
Stick with carpet if you want to go with what looks best in your current decor. Bamboo flooring is better if you want warmth and charm because it is so classy. It can also be installed in any room, but some rooms are easier to work with depending on size, shape and lighting options. A professional could always do the installation anyway unless you live alone or only have one child, then you might be able to do it yourself. If money is not an issue for you then purchase a laminate flooring surface on top of your strand woven bamboo installation for added warmth and charm since this option provides added comfort without sacrificing durability.
Is Hardwood Flooring a Good Choice?
Choosing a hardwood floor depends on your lifestyle. If you have kids then you could stick with laminate or bamboo flooring to keep your floors safe in case someone trips and falls since hardwood flooring is, well, hard. Either that or get a carpet since it’s softer on the feet. You can even get an area rug for further comfort, but if you want something easier to clean then go for high-quality carpets instead. Of course, these options may probably not cost more than hardwood flooring, but if it’s only going under furniture and areas where people won’t be walking barefoot 24/7 then opting for a hardwood floor is fine since they last longer than other materials and decor choices do. Hardwood floors, bamboo flooring and carpets are all great as long as you choose the best quality materials and installations.
What is the Purpose of Expensive Wood Flooring?
Prevent humidity and moisture from seeping into your flooring or walls. This may prevent the rotting of the wooden structure and mould. Hardwood floors and bamboo floorings are also resistant to other natural elements such as fire, water and moisture.
What About Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring has many benefits like
- Great stability
- Resistant to humidity and moisture
- Great durability
- Easy to clean and maintain (this depends on the type of cleaning method you use on the hardwood flooring)
You can also get a high-quality coating for the added shine of your new hardwood flooring, or to remove wear and tear.
Bamboo Floor vs Carpet flooring, the Final Verdict
For many homeowners, the decision between carpet or bamboo flooring boils down to how much money they can spend and what type of maintenance each one entails. If you’re able to purchase both then go with a laminate floor on top of your strand woven bamboo installation for added warmth and charm. But if finances are limited then stick with carpet since it’s less expensive and more accessible than bamboo floorings. It is prone to wear and tear but overall the overall cost is much more worth it.
Although keeping this kind of surface clean isn’t as easy as it is with carpets due to the nature of their material, good maintenance habits can help lengthen the lifespan of this flooring option so you may be able to enjoy it longer. Ultimately, you may have to make a choice based on the types of floor coverings that appeal to you most and how much money you’re willing to spend.
