Homeowners are always conscious about the cost of the flooring material and its installation, so they can allot an appropriate allowance for this project. Today, we'll tell you which is more affordable between carpet and linoleum to help you decide which one will suit your budget and needs. We've done the research, and here's what we found out.
Carpet and linoleum are both affordable flooring materials that'll add comfort and style to your home. There is not much difference in their installation costs, especially between mid-grade carpet materials and linoleum. But carpet has cheap builder-grade options for those who don't want to spend too much on their flooring.
Keep on reading so we can tell you more about the cost of carpet and linoleum flooring. We'll also share with you the most popular flooring choices in today's homes and which flooring material is the most expensive choice. Let's get started!
Is Linoleum more expensive than carpet?
Carpet and linoleum are two of the most popular flooring materials on the market. Both have been around for decades. Aside from being available in different colors and patterns to fit every preference, these two top the list when it comes to affordability.
For the budget-conscious homeowner, the price of the material matters a lot, especially if you have to cover a large surface in your home. The cost of these materials is available per square foot, so the bigger area you have to cover, the more you have to spend on your flooring.
Carpeting Costs
Carpet flooring costs $2 to $8 per square foot, including the installation rates. To break it down, the carpet material may be priced between $1 and $5 for each square foot, depending on the quality of the product.
You also have to buy padding before installation, and it costs around $0.25 to $0.65 per square foot. Labor cost averages $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. There are also additional charges if you'll need other services such as furniture removal and removing existing flooring.
For example, you have a 2,000 square foot house, the total cost will be between $2,100 to $9,000, assuming that 60% of the house is carpeted.
Linoleum Costs
On the other hand, linoleum costs around $3.50 per square foot. The price can vary depending on the material's thickness. The thicker the material, the more pigments were used, and the more expensive the linoleum becomes.
The installation charge usually averages $36 per hour. So, if it takes two days or 16 hours to install linoleum on a 2,000 square foot house, the labor cost will be $576. You will pay a total of $7,576 to have new linoleum flooring.
In reality, carpet and linoleum flooring have comparable rates, especially if you're getting the mid-grade carpet material. With not much difference when it comes to cost, it would boil down to other factors to determine which is the better choice for you.
Carpet Vs. Linoleum Flooring: The Pros and Cons
Carpet and linoleum are two very different flooring materials. Let's take a closer look at each of these two products to determine their advantages and disadvantages.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet is made of woven nylon, olefin, polyester, or wool fibers. Each material used has varying levels of durability as well as resistance to moisture, stain, and dirt. In general, carpets have an average lifespan of 5 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the material and usage.
Carpets are preferred by many because they add beauty, comfort, and warmth to the room. They come in different colors, patterns, and designs that can easily enhance the look of your interiors. They can also absorb sound and make the floor a lot safer since they aren't slippery and can cushion your fall.
Carpet flooring usually requires a professional to install it properly in your house. It requires meticulous cleaning to remove dirt, grime, and, especially, stains on its surface. Otherwise, it wouldn't look presentable. It would also look worn out over time. Frequent vacuuming is advised to prevent the buildup of allergens.
It isn't advisable that you use carpet in the bathroom, kitchen, entry points, and nursery rooms because these are places that are more prone to get wet and dirty.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is made from natural materials, with linseed oil as its primary ingredient. It has a lifespan of 40 years, and the best part is that it is biodegradable when the time comes that you have to dispose of it.
It is fairly easy to install. You just need adhesive to make it stick to the subfloor properly. This means you can save on labor costs if you have a flair for DIY home projects.
Linoleum is also popular because it is easy to maintain. You can just sweep, mop, or wipe off the dirt and stains from its surface to keep it clean. But it's best to check the manufacturer's recommendation when it comes to the cleaning products that you'll use to prevent damaging its surface. Be cautious as it can be quite slippery when wet.
This flooring material is water-resistant, so you can use this in the bathroom and kitchen. It has an impervious layer that protects it from moisture. It also doesn't hold on to dust and other unwanted particles which makes it a good choice for those who suffer from allergies.
There are different designs and patterns to choose from linoleum. This will make it easier for you to match your flooring with the overall look of your house. The material's pigment won't fade easily because the color is applied to each layer that makes up the flooring.
However, you have to be extra careful with linoleum because sharp objects can damage it. It is also subject to ambering when it is constantly exposed to sunlight -which means that its color will turn yellowish or darken over time. Some people appreciate this while some don't.
Make sure you consider the flooring's durability, installation, cleaning, aesthetics, and other factors when you're choosing which one to use for your home. Better yet, you can use linoleum in rooms with moisture-prone surfaces and use carpets in areas with less traffic so that you can optimize their functionality.
What is the most popular flooring in homes today?
The market has seen an increase in sales of luxury vinyl tiles or LVT. It is made of several layers of PVC and designed to mimic the look of hardwood or ceramic tiles.
Many prefer LVT because it is more affordable than those natural flooring materials while being more resilient, water-resistant, and durable. It can endure wear and tear for years.
It also comes in various colors and designs so it'll complement the home's overall look -be it contemporary or traditional. You can use it in different portions of your house, even those with high traffic.
LVT is also easy to install. You can put it on top of any existing surface unless you have issues with moisture accumulation, then you would need to have an underlayment.
It comes in either plank or tile formats that can be rigid or flexible. This interlocking modular format makes LVT quick to install. You can even put it on even when there's furniture in the room.
Another advantage that LVT flooring has is its hassle-free maintenance. You can simply mop its surface or use a dry vacuum, and you can rid it of dirt, debris, and other unwanted particles. With LVT, you can have expensive-looking floors without the hassle of meticulous installation and maintenance.
Which flooring is most expensive?
High quality comes with a rather hefty price tag. That's why the best flooring out there is usually the most expensive one. But investing in high-quality flooring is always a great idea.
It is more durable. You won't have to worry about replacing your flooring every after 10 or 20 years. It also increases the value of your house. You can also be assured that they'll look better in your home and make you feel more comfortable.
Natural stone flooring is one of the most expensive flooring options on the market today. It is sourced from quarries in different parts of the world. It is harder to acquire and transport. It also requires intensive installation, which has a great impact on its total cost as well.
Natural stones are rare, beautiful, and come in unique patterns. Marble is a perfect example. When you want to have a solid marble slab for your flooring, expect to spend around $50 to $80 per square foot.
Mosaic and ceramic tiles are also not far behind. You can get antique reclaimed tiles or designer Italian tiles and have them installed in your home for $40 per square foot. If you want to have a customized design for your floor, the price can soar to $150 all the way to $800 for each square foot!
Final Thoughts
Carpet and linoleum have comparable rates, especially when talking about materials with higher quality. More than the cost, choose which one will suit your home's needs and style so that you can get the most out of your investment.
For more resources regarding your home's flooring, you may visit the following links: