Is Vinyl Flooring Cheaper Than Carpet?

Is vinyl flooring cheaper than carpet? One of the biggest reasons I considered vinyl flooring over carpeting when remodeling my home was my desire to save money in the long run. Vinyl flooring doesn’t need as much maintenance or upkeep as carpeting, so it saves you money on costs like carpet shampooing or replacing worn patches over time. But, does this make vinyl flooring right for you? In this guide, I’ll compare these two flooring types in terms of price, durability, cleanliness, and more, so you can make the right decision.

Contents

• Is vinyl flooring cheaper than carpet?
• Factors to consider when choosing vinyl flooring over carpet
• My experiences switching from carpet to vinyl
• The pros and cons of vinyl flooring

Is Vinyl Flooring Cheaper than Carpet?

The price of vinyl flooring vs carpet will vary depending on a huge number of factors. These can include:

• Quality
• Type of carpet
• Size of the room
• Color and/or pattern
• Installation (DIY or professional)

To name a few. So, some types of carpet might be cheaper than some types of vinyl for the same size room. But, upfront cost isn’t the only thing you should be considering. Floor maintenance will also cost you money. And, will eventually need to be replaced. Carpet generally costs more to maintain than vinyl flooring. So, you should take this into account when choosing, even if the carpet you’re considering is cheaper upfront.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Flooring Over Carpet

While traditional carpeting seems like the most attractive choice, most people choose to go with vinyl flooring instead because it better suits their needs and preferences in the long run. Here are some factors to consider when choosing vinyl flooring over carpet.

Vinyl Flooring Cost

Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for those who want durable, inexpensive, and easy-to-clean floors. In terms of upfront price, vinyl floors are generally cheaper than carpet and tile alternatives. It is also cheap to maintain, because it rarely needs to be professionally cleaned, as carpet might, and to install.

Resilient and Durable

Vinyl flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a much more durable option than carpet. It also offers the added benefits of being water-resistant and resistant to mold, so you’ll be able to enjoy your floors for years without worrying about discoloration or damage.

This can be a massive appeal if you have kids or pets that might cause damage to your floors. It’s also an excellent choice for allergy sufferers because it doesn’t collect dust like carpet.

Diverse Styles

Vinyl is available in various textures and styles, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. Carpet will also have a huge range of colors, textures, and styles, but intricate patterns can be less common. So, it’s worth comparing both if you have a specific style in mind. The same pattern or color can look very different on vinyl and carpet.

Easy to Clean

Vinyl flooring is easy to clean since it is made from synthetic materials and does not absorb dirt. It does not require the same levels of upkeep as the carpet in terms of cleaning, vacuuming, or replacing.

Longer Lifespan

In addition, vinyl flooring lasts longer than carpet. Studies show that carpet needs to be replaced every ten years, while vinyl flooring can last up to 20 years before needing replacement. Some carpet types, like wool carpets, can last for much longer – up to 50 years. But, they need a very high level of care to achieve this lifespan.

How and Why I Switched from Carpet to Vinyl Flooring

I bought my house about two years ago, and one of the first things I noticed was that the carpets were not in good shape. They were tattered and stained, making me feel like I had an old house with no updates, and its cleaning wasted much of my time. The smell of urine from the previous owners’ pets would seep through the hallway when you entered the door, making it seem like something was wrong with the home.

So after some research, I replaced my old, worn-out carpet with new, easy-to-clean vinyl floors. It was the best decision I ever made. The new floor is easier on my back and knees (old age problems), but it also creates less dust and allergens in the air. I can vacuum or sweep more often without worrying about a massive cleanup later.

It’s been about two months, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Suddenly my home is as allergy-proof as it could be, with no lingering smells. As soon as I walked in my house door every day, I felt better.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has been around since the 1960s and was the first alternative to natural materials like ceramic, hardwood, and tile. Vinyl flooring continues to be popular today because it is durable, easy to clean, and affordable compared to other types of flooring.

However, there are some disadvantages associated with vinyl flooring that buyers must consider before making a purchase decision. Here are the five main advantages of vinyl flooring to consider first:

1. Easy Maintenance

Vinyl flooring is easy to clean, which means you will spend less time on the chore and more time enjoying your beautiful floors. It’s also more accessible than ever to find attractive, high-quality vinyl floors that will suit every room in your home.

2. Affordable Option

Vinyl flooring is an affordable option when updating the look and feel of your home. Whether you’re looking to replace old carpet, vinyl can provide a quick and easy solution with many benefits. You can install It over existing flooring to make it look new, and it has a low-maintenance appeal.

3. Versatile Design

Vinyl flooring is a versatile material in many different colors and patterns. It can be an excellent option for your home’s kitchen, bathroom, office, entryway, or living room because it is durable and easy to maintain. And, the designs are so varied that you can find an option for any of the different aesthetics in your home.

4. Long-Lasting Material

Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for any home because it is durable. It will last for years and is resistant to scratches and scuffs. Plus, vinyl flooring can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. So, you can put minimal effort in and still achieve the best results, after years of owning your flooring.

5. Great for High Traffic Areas

Vinyl flooring is excellent for high-traffic areas because it is durable and easy to clean. It can handle a lot more wear and tear than carpet, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it often. The surface also resists stains and molds, making it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where spills are likely to happen.

The Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring

• Vinyl floors can be a little noisy
• They give off a fake new car smell
• Overheating can cause warping and bow
• Difficult to remove if you decide to replace them later.

If you’re looking to soften the noise from footfall, or place a flooring in a room with underfloor heating, you might be better off looking at carpet. And, if you like to switch up your flooring regularly, it can be cheaper to choose a flooring type that’s easier to remove, like carpet.

In Summary: Is Vinyl Flooring Cheaper than Carpet?

Whether renovating your current home or looking to build a new one, deciding what flooring to choose can be tricky. You might know you want something sturdy, easy to clean, and hard-wearing, but where do you begin? Be sure to understand the factors that make a perfect vinyl flooring to pick a high-quality, durable choice that complements your home’s decor. But, a cheaper price isn’t always the sign that vinyl is right for you.

More Flooring Guides

• Will carpets keep my home warmer?
• How to clean stained wool carpets
• Why are wool carpets so expensive?
• Is tile flooring good for pets?
• Can I clean matted carpet thoroughly?

References

• ‘Vinyl Flooring’, World Flooring Covering Association (2022)
• FitzGerald, R. ‘Vinyl Flooring Patterns for Your Next Design Project’, Parterre (2022)