Replacing Carpet with Hardwood Flooring: The Ultimate Guide for Homeowners

by Keira April 1, 2021

written by Keira April 1, 2021

Replacing Carpet with Hardwood: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s appearance, improve its cleanliness, or increase its resale value, replacing carpet with hardwood flooring is an excellent option. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and tackle this project like a pro.

Benefits of Replacing Carpet with Hardwood

Enhanced Appearance: Hardwood flooring exudes elegance and sophistication, complementing any home décor style.
Improved Cleaning and Maintenance: Hardwood is easier to clean than carpet, as it doesn’t trap dust and allergens.
Increased Floor Lifespan: While carpet typically lasts 15 years, solid hardwood can last up to 100 years.
Simplified Maintenance: Hardwood can be sanded and refinished to restore its original beauty, unlike carpet.
Improved Resale Value: Homebuyers prefer hardwood flooring, which can significantly enhance your home’s value.

Cost Considerations

The cost of replacing carpet with hardwood includes:

Carpet Removal: $1-$5 per square foot
Carpet Disposal: $380 per week for a 20-yard dumpster
Hardwood Flooring Installation: $8-$20 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Improved appearance
Increased resale value
Easier to clean
Longer lifespan

Cons:

Expensive
Reduced soundproofing
Cold underfoot
Hard underfoot

Reasons to Keep Carpet

In some cases, carpet may be preferable to hardwood:

Soundproofing: Carpet effectively reduces noise between floors and within rooms.
Surface Feel: Carpet is warm and soft, making it ideal for bedrooms and children’s rooms.
Cost: Carpet is less expensive to install than hardwood.
Moisture Resistance: Carpet can withstand minor flooding better than hardwood.
Easier Installation: Carpet can be installed directly on concrete, while hardwood requires a subfloor.

Where to Install Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is suitable for dry areas such as:

Living rooms
Hallways
Bedrooms
Offices
Dining areas
Kitchens (with no moisture problems)

Avoid installing hardwood in wet areas like bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms.

How to Save Money

Remove the carpet yourself.
Dispose of the carpet yourself through approved sources.
Install engineered wood flooring instead of solid hardwood.
Install the wood floor yourself.
Move furniture before the installers arrive.
Remove baseboards yourself.
Install hardwood in only part of the house.

How to Replace Carpet with Hardwood

Materials:

Hardwood flooring
Subfloor substrate (for concrete)
Nail gun
Pry bar
Safety glasses
Utility knife

Steps:

Remove Baseboards: Pry the baseboards away from the wall with a pry bar.
Start at a Corner: Remove the carpet by peeling it back from a corner.
Cut Sections Off: Cut the carpet into smaller sections for easier handling.
Remove Tack Strips: Pry the tack strips from the subfloor.
Scrape Off Adhesive: Remove any remaining carpet glue from the subfloor.
Add Subfloor Substrate (Concrete): Install a subfloor substrate on concrete floors.
Plan the Installation: Determine the direction of the hardwood flooring and stagger the floorboards.
Undercut Casings: Cut away any door casings or trim that obstructs the flooring.
Nail Down Flooring: Secure the hardwood flooring to the subfloor using a nail gun. Leave an expansion gap around the perimeter.

FAQs

Q: Is it a good idea to replace carpet with hardwood?

A: It depends on your needs and budget. Hardwood offers benefits such as improved appearance, easier maintenance, and increased lifespan.

Q: Do houses sell better with carpet or hardwood floors?

A: Houses with hardwood floors tend to sell better, with 82% of potential homebuyers preferring them.

Q: Is it better to have hardwood or carpet in bedrooms?

A: Carpet provides warmth and comfort, making it a popular choice for bedrooms. Alternatively, a combination of hardwood in common areas and carpet in bedrooms is also an option.

Q: How can I protect my hardwood floors from damage?

A: Use rugs or mats to prevent scratches, avoid excessive moisture, and clean regularly using appropriate methods.

Keira

Keira is a seasoned gardener with a rich background in education and a passion for transforming even the smallest, most challenging spaces into lush, productive gardens. With over two decades of experience in both teaching and gardening, she brings a unique blend of skills and insights to Life Science Art, where she shares her expertise through engaging and informative articles. Keira's journey into gardening began in her early years, inspired by her grandmother's ability to coax vibrant blooms and hearty vegetables from the rocky soil of their family farm. This early exposure to the wonders of gardening planted a seed of curiosity and love for plants that has only grown over the years. Before fully immersing herself in the world of gardening, Keira spent many years as a special education teacher. This role honed her patience, creativity, and problem-solving skills—qualities that have proven invaluable in her gardening endeavors. Her teaching experience also gave her a deep understanding of the diverse needs and capabilities of individuals, which she now applies to helping others learn to garden effectively, regardless of their starting point. Keira specializes in small-space gardening, low-income gardening, and cultivating plants in poor soil conditions. She understands that not everyone has access to vast, fertile lands or unlimited resources, and she is dedicated to making gardening accessible and rewarding for everyone. Living in urban areas or having limited outdoor space shouldn't be a barrier to enjoying the benefits of gardening. Keira has mastered the art of maximizing every inch of available space, whether it's a tiny balcony, a cramped backyard, or a window sill. Her innovative techniques and creative solutions help her readers grow a variety of plants in the most confined spaces. Keira is also a strong advocate for low-income gardening. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to grow their own food and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening, regardless of their financial situation. Through her articles, she shares practical tips on budget-friendly gardening methods, repurposing household items, and making the most of available resources. Her advice empowers individuals and families to start and maintain gardens without breaking the bank. Not everyone is blessed with rich, loamy soil. Keira's expertise extends to growing plants in less-than-ideal soil conditions. She provides guidance on improving soil quality, selecting hardy plant varieties, and employing sustainable practices to ensure a bountiful harvest, even in challenging environments. Her hands-on experience and proven techniques help gardeners turn even the poorest soil into a thriving garden. Keira's contributions to Life Science Art are invaluable. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, from step-by-step guides on planting and maintaining specific types of gardens to tips on dealing with common gardening challenges. She also delves into the science behind plant growth, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Beyond her technical expertise, Keira's writing is infused with warmth and encouragement. She understands that gardening is not just about growing plants; it's about fostering a connection with nature, finding peace and fulfillment, and building a community. Her personal anecdotes and down-to-earth advice resonate with readers, inspiring them to embark on their own gardening journeys with confidence and joy. Keira invites you to join her on Life Science Art, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, her articles offer valuable insights, practical tips, and the inspiration you need to create your own green oasis. Discover the joys of gardening with Keira as your guide and unlock the potential of your outdoor space, no matter how small or challenging it may be.