Carpet vs Laminate: Which Is Best?

Carpet and laminate flooring are both popular choices when it comes to decorating homes, and each material has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Our guide will help you choose between carpet vs laminate, explaining the pros and cons of each choice, and showing you some of the rooms around your home where each material works best. We’ll also cover the appeal of these flooring types for homebuyers if you end up selling your property. Read on for all you need to know about carpet and laminate flooring.

What are the differences between carpet and laminate flooring?

Carpet and laminate are two very different flooring materials, with each choice having its own properties that set them apart from other options. 

Laminate is a hard flooring option made of layered high-density fibreboard, designed to mimic the look and feel of other materials such as wood and stone. It’s viewed as a cost-effective alternative to these options, and is popular for its durability, easy installation, and easy maintenance.

Carpet, however, is made of either natural or synthetic fibres (such as wool, cotton, polyester, and more) and is ideal for anyone looking for softer floors. They’re known for their comfort, noise reduction, and versatility, with a wide range of piles and patterns to choose from to suit your home.

Is carpet cheaper than laminate?

Although laminate is cheaper than other hard flooring materials, such as engineered wood and LVT, carpet typically costs less to buy up-front. However, installing and cleaning laminate flooring is much easier than carpet, which means it is likely to be cheaper in the long run. Consider whether you’d rather prioritise short-term or long-term affordability when buying.

Is laminate easier to install than carpet?

One thing to consider when deciding between laminate and carpet is the installation process. When adding carpet to a room, a professional installation surface is typically recommended, as experts will be able to sort difficult tasks such as tacking and stretching your carpet.

Laminate, in comparison, is more DIY-friendly. Most laminate floors will have click-and-lock systems, allowing you to install them without the need for adhesive or nails. The installation process also requires fewer specialist tools than carpet, which can help you save money.

Which is more durable between laminate or carpet?

With the right level of care, a carpet can last between 5 and 15 years in your home. While it offers a more comfortable underfoot feeling than laminate, it’s prone to staining and can become worn out quickly with extensive use.

In comparison, laminate is much more resistant to stains, scratches, fading, and more. The best laminate flooring can last up to 25 years when treated with the right maintenance routine. If you’re looking to invest in flooring that will stand the test of time without needing frequent replacements or repairs, you may want to consider choosing laminate over carpet.

How should I care for my carpet or laminate flooring?

When caring for your flooring, it’s typically much easier to clean laminate than carpet. To clean a laminate floor, simply vacuum any loose dirt before using a damp mop with a mild cleaning solution. Some harsh chemicals and excess moisture will damage your laminate, so take care to test your cleaning tools on an inconspicuous area first.

Carpets, on the other hand, are typically higher maintenance when it comes to cleaning, as dirt and germs can get caught deep inside the fibres. Start with a thorough vacuum, then spot clean by gently applying a stain remover. You can also use a homemade solution for treating dirty patches. In the case of deeper cleaning, try using a specialised carpet cleaner.

Overall, cleaning laminate requires fewer expensive tools and products, making it a better option for anyone looking for low-maintenance flooring.

Carpet vs laminate: room by room

Each flooring material has its own environment that it is best suited to, and carpet and laminate are no different. If you’re deciding between laminate vs carpet for a particular room in your home, we’ll help you decide the best fit for your chosen area.

Kitchens

Your kitchen flooring should ideally be easy to clean in the event of spills or stains, and should be durable enough to deal with years of use. This is why we recommend choosing kitchen laminate rather than carpet for this part of your home.

When buying laminate floors for a kitchen, keep an eye out for stain-resistant options that can withstand heavy foot traffic, as these will be best adapted for your needs.

Living rooms

When choosing a living room floor, carpets are generally more common than laminate flooring. This is due to their comfort, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. Our range of living room carpets can help you find the perfect match for your home, regardless of how you style your communal areas.

Bathrooms

Laminate flooring is much better equipped to deal with humid environments than carpet, making it the favourite when it comes to bathroom floors. Many types of laminate are porous, however, which makes them prone to moisture damage. That’s why it’s important to buy specialised bathroom laminate flooring if you’re choosing this option, which will be much more water-resistant (but still not waterproof).

Hallways and corridors

Both laminate and carpet are suitable for corridors and halls in your home, but their advantages make them better suited to different purposes. Hallway laminate is easy to clean, making it ideal for dealing with mud and dirt at the entrance of your home when welcoming your guests. Meanwhile, carpet for your stairs can be a stylish way to prevent slips and reduce noise.

Bedrooms

Like living rooms, you should aim to prioritise comfort and aesthetic in your bedroom, as it’s where you’ll spend a large portion of your day. Choosing a carpet for your bedroom can help give it a calming atmosphere, especially if you’re looking to decorate a child’s room to protect them during playtime. If you’re looking for a more stylish option, however, bedroom laminate can also give your room a unique visual appeal, with its easy cleaning properties keeping your space classy for years.

Is carpet or laminate more appealing when selling a home?

When selling a home, you may be tempted to choose between laminate and carpet based on which would be more appealing to a buyer. However, since both have pros and cons, this difference comes down to personal preference.

A buyer who’s looking for a modern, minimal aesthetic that won’t require heavy maintenance will likely opt for a laminate floor, whereas families looking for a warm, comfortable atmosphere are more likely to choose a carpeted home. Consider your demographic when making your choice, but don’t be put off from using a mix of both around your home.

Conclusion

Both laminate and carpet have a range of uses around the home, so you can mostly choose the best option for you based on your personal tastes. However, remember to consider how well suited each material is to different rooms around your home.

Looking for more advice when choosing your ideal flooring? Our guide to the different types of flooring will run you through all your options, so you can find the best option to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for carpet or laminate, trust Flooring King to offer the best prices on all the UK’s top brands. Get in touch today to see how we can help you bring your flooring ideas to life!