For heavy traffic areas, such as kitchens, living rooms and hallways many people are opting for wood or laminate flooring. These floors are now being designed in a quickstep process that allows you to click the pieces together in the installation, with no glue or nailing required.

While many people may prefer carpeting for bedrooms for the warmth and insulation qualities, laminate flooring may be the choice where ease of cleaning is required. Laminate and wood flooring often just requires dust mopping and an occasional wet mop to keep clean. Most now come with finishes that are resistant to scuffing and are more durable than carpet, when it comes to stain prevention.

Interior design factors may determine how you want the flooring to appear, and in high traffic areas, laminates now come in stone and ceramic looks that appear to be the 'real deal'. It offers an alternative to the original timber or wood floor laminates and can be accented with area rugs for colour and warmth.

Laminate flooring can often be installed yourself, without special knowledge, where as carpeting may need to be professionally installed and stretched and this cost should be added when budgeting one against the other. Underlay selection can determine the moisture, heat and sound insulating capabilities of carpeting or wood flooring and should be considered when budgeting, as well.

Carpeting can be a good option for people with toddlers that need the additional fall protection; however, it is not as good for durability on stains and cleaning. Also, carpeting can give allergic reactions to some individuals and can aggravate asthma conditions; it is worth noting that new carpets may release fibres into the air for the first year after installation. It may not be a good option if you have pets, as vacuuming may not get all the animal hair out like dust mopping a laminate floor can.

Laminate and wood floors are gaining in popularity for their beauty, durability, and value that they add to a home. They can be accessorised with area rugs to change the colour or appearance of a room, if you decide to redecorate. They are known for their ease in cleaning and stain reduction over carpet.

While carpet is still preferred for certain areas of the home such as bedrooms or family rooms because of their warmth and cosiness, laminates and wood flooring might be preferred for their durability and natural beauty. Depending on the area and traffic patterns, one may be preferred over the other. You may want to consult with a flooring expert for any questions you have on special installations.

Your guide to choosing the right flooring depends on the factors of the area you are planning to re-floor. Look at traffic patterns, sound and heat insulating requirements and durability factors such as stain prevention, when choosing the right flooring.