Carpet Or Hardwood Floors?

[Falcon]

Bought the house new. Except for the kitchen and 2 bathrooms, The entire house came with hardwood (Oak) squares.

After awhile we had the living and "family" rooms wall-to-wall carpeted. Use small throw rugs here and there in various spots elsewhere.

 

[Ruthanne]

Carpeting in all rooms but the kitchen where there is tile.

 

[Wandrin]

I've got tile in one room, cedar in another and carpet in the bedroom. Don't think there is any better or worse. Just whatever turns your crank.
I do use braided rugs because the fur babies seem to like it.

Do the slide around or get nervous on the hard surfaces?

 

[squatting dog]

Do the slide around or get nervous on the hard surfaces?

Not me, but sometimes the little furry ones go crazy and zoom across the floor on the rugs.

My other house in Florida was all tile. the only time that got a little dangerous was when it was raining out or coming from the pool and you stepped in with wet feet.

 

[DaveA]

I've found that wood, linoleum, or tile floors are deadly when wet and give you cause for great care if using a cane. I haven't fallen ( thank the Lord) but have to be really careful as I do use a rubber tipped cane and it's not forgiving if you lean on it at a slight angle.


For us, it's wall to wall in all but the kitchen, bathroom, and back entry.

 

[Sunny]

I think carpet is very good for cushioning falls. Years ago, I fell a couple of times when walking outside on the sidewalk, and got pretty banged up. Once I also fell in my carpeted living room, actually just sat down hard when I tripped over something. I was totally unhurt. So I'm a big believer in carpets.

I also like the way it feels when I walk barefoot.

 

[SeaBreeze]

Squatting Dog, your furkids are so cute, nice flooring too!

 

[Warrigal]

We have removed all carpets and rugs. Rugs to remove trip points and carpets because they were old.
In the living areas we have vinyl tiles that look like slate tiles but are much less rigid and brittle. They are also non slip and don't show the dirt so they are low maintenance. They get a vacuum and mop fortnightly with the occasional sweep in between.

Because we couldn't match the tiles we decided to have the floor boards sanded and polished. They look good, are not really cold in Winter and are easy maintenance. I believe they are Pacific maple.

I'm looking ahead. We want to stay in our house as long as possible and who knows whether one of us might need a wheelchair or become incontinent. Either way carpet could be a problem.

 

[ClassicRockr]

We have removed all carpets and rugs. Rugs to remove trip points and carpets because they were old.
In the living areas we have vinyl tiles that look like slate tiles but are much less rigid and brittle. They are also non slip and don't show the dirt so they are low maintenance. They get a vacuum and mop fortnightly with the occasional sweep in between.

Because we couldn't match the tiles we decided to have the floor boards sanded and polished. They look good, are not really cold in Winter and are easy maintenance. I believe they are Pacific maple.

I'm looking ahead. We want to stay in our house as long as possible and who knows whether one of us might need a wheelchair or become incontinent. Either way carpet could be a problem.

Read my post on me using a wheelchair in our living room that has low pile carpet...........no problems.

 

[Sunny]

Warrigal, if that kind of incontinence starts to occur, you've got bigger problems than worrying about how to carpet your floors!