Is It Cheaper to Lay Flooring or Carpet?

If you’re updating your home in Madison or one of the nearby towns like Sun Prairie or Verona, one of the first questions that comes up is cost. Many homeowners wonder, is it cheaper to lay flooring or carpet? The short answer: carpet often costs less upfront, but the long-term picture depends on material quality, durability, and maintenance.

Let’s break down the factors that determine what’s truly the better value for your home.

Initial Installation Costs

In most cases, carpet installation is cheaper upfront than hard surface flooring like hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP).

• Carpet: On average, carpet costs between $3 and $7 per square foot installed. Budget options can go lower, while premium textures or wool carpets can reach $10 or more.
  
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP typically ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot installed, depending on thickness and brand.
  
• Laminate Flooring: Often runs between $4 and $8 per square foot.
  
• Hardwood Flooring: A premium choice that can range from $8 to $15 per square foot installed.
  

For homeowners on a tight budget or refreshing a rental property, carpet is often the cheaper short-term choice.

Durability and Lifespan

While carpet saves money at first, hard surface flooring tends to last longer, which can make it the more cost-effective option over time.

• Carpet lifespan: 5 to 10 years (depending on traffic and care)
  
• Luxury Vinyl Plank: 15 to 25 years
  
• Hardwood: 30 or more years (and can be refinished)
  
• Laminate: 10 to 20 years
  

In Wisconsin, where winter salt, moisture, and mud can take a toll, vinyl or hardwood stands up better to daily wear than carpet. Over a few decades, you might replace carpet twice while a well-maintained hardwood or vinyl floor keeps going strong.

Maintenance and Cleaning Costs

Carpet requires more maintenance to stay fresh. It traps dust, pet hair, and allergens and typically needs deep cleaning every year or two. Hard floors, on the other hand, just need regular sweeping and occasional mopping.

If your home has kids, pets, or heavy foot traffic, those professional carpet cleanings can add up over time, tipping the balance in favor of a durable hard surface.

Comfort and Warmth

Carpet has one major advantage in Wisconsin’s chilly winters. It feels warmer and softer underfoot. Many homeowners still prefer carpet in bedrooms and basements for that cozy factor.

However, pairing vinyl or tile with heated underlayment can give you the same comfort with better durability.

Resale Value and Long-Term ROI

Hardwood and quality vinyl floors tend to boost resale value more than carpet. Many homebuyers view hardwood as a premium feature, while carpet can sometimes feel dated or less hygienic. So, while carpet may win on initial price, hard surface flooring can pay off in property value and longevity.

The Bottom Line

If you’re choosing purely based on upfront cost, carpet is the cheaper option to install.

If you’re thinking about long-term value, durability, and maintenance, flooring like luxury vinyl plank or hardwood often makes more financial sense.

Every home and budget is different, and Harmony Flooring can help you find the perfect balance between cost, comfort, and style.

Ready to compare your options? 

Visit Harmony Flooring’s Madison showroom or schedule a free in-home consultation. Our team proudly serves communities across Dane County and nearby towns, covering every detail to help you make the best choice for your home.