Allergies affect over 50 million Americans every year, especially because these pollutants can follow us into our homes. Pollen, dust, pet dander, and more can accumulate on your furniture, flooring, and in your air ducts. Your home should be a safe place to relax and free yourself from the worries of allergies. Finding an allergy-friendly flooring option can help lower the number of allergens inside your home that could elicit a reaction.
Since hardwood and carpet are two of the most common flooring options for residential spaces, it can be hard to find the best options for your or your loved ones’ health. This blog will compare the two flooring materials and provide evidence for which option is best for you.
Comparing Hardwood And Carpet
Besides the obvious physical differences, hardwood and carpet have similarities and differences in how they perform in a home. Hardwood flooring is a flat but durable option that protects the subfloor beneath. This flooring is relatively easy to install, comes with little to no chemicals, and has great mold resistance. Some hardwood imitators can have harsh adhesives that lead to allergic reactions. Cheaper hardwood flooring can also become damaged or discolor over time.
Carpeted floors provide some extra cushioning between you and the subfloor and also protect it from damage. Because carpet is made of interconnecting fibers, allergens can easily become trapped inside the flooring. Hair, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and dust can all live inside your carpet, even after vacuuming. While carpeted floors can trap allergens, they also provide extra warmth and protection. Falls are cushioned by carpeted floors and cold feet are a thing of the past during the winter.
Why Hardwood Is The Best For Those With Allergies
For those with severe allergies, hardwood floors are the best option because they don’t collect as much debris as carpet or other flooring. Hardwood is easy to clean, leading to fewer dust and pollution particles floating around your home. More particles lead to lower indoor air quality.
Other allergens like mold spores and dust can cause allergic reactions in individuals who don’t typically struggle with allergies. Hardwood is resistant to mold and other bacteria that can make us feel sick.
Hardwood is an all-around better option for homes as it comes with lower VOCs, is durable for pets and kids, comes in a variety of colors, and is easy to clean regardless of the spill. However, not everyone can afford the higher price tag of real wood flooring.
Other Allergy Safe Options
For homeowners on a budget, hardwood flooring may be costly. Keeping allergens to a minimum is an important goal, so there are additional flooring options that help limit them. These additional flooring types are just as effective at keeping harmful debris from settling in your home.
Natural Stone
Natural stone or tile is another option that provides similar benefits to hardwood. Keeping them clean is a breeze and they don’t have small fibers that can cling to dust. These stones also don’t give off VOCs which will keep your home healthier in the long run.
Laminate Or Vinyl
Vinyl and laminate flooring give you the look of hardwood at a lower cost, but they contain chemicals that could be released into your home for years. Adhesive and the composition of the laminate pieces can cause reactions in allergy sufferers. Even if an installer uses proper ventilation, VOCs can linger as the floor is used and as it ages.
Options From The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
When hardwood flooring is not in your budget, consider options backed by The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. These certified flooring options must pass environmental tests to earn the trademark. Looking for these flooring types online or in a hardware store will save you from regretting choosing a chemical option.
Stunning Homes From Wilson’s Paint & Floor Coverings
Located in Kaysville, UT, Wilson’s has been helping homeowners achieve their dream homes for over 25 years. We offer many flooring options including carpet, tile, hardwood, engineered hardwood, vinyl composite tile, luxury vinyl plank, and vinyl flooring. All of these options come in a variety of colors and patterns to help you achieve a home that speaks to you.
Our staff is knowledgeable about home decor and design. We can help you choose the best flooring, paint, and window coverings for your unique needs. One thing that Wilson’s will always offer is affordable pricing. We believe that your dream home shouldn’t cost a fortune and can be classy without breaking the bank. Contact us to learn more about all of our current offerings and get started on a happier and healthier home, today!
