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When choosing whether to install carpet in your home, consider the pros and cons of this change:

Pros

• More affordable than laminate flooring

• Gives the room a warmer feel

• Softer on feet

• Wide variety of textures and colors

• Hides dirt easily

• Faster and easier to install

Cons

• Shows wear and tear more quickly than laminate flooring

• Shows stains

• Soaks up liquids

• May not work well in some areas, such as a bathroom

• Less durable than laminate flooring

• Susceptible to water damage, mold, and mildew

The cost to put wooden flooring in an attic can run a wide range. Carpeting can cost as little as $1 per square foot, or even less if you opt for unfinished flooring types like rubber or painted plywood. On the high end, hardwood floors might cost as much as $45 dollars per square foot. For a previously unused space, you’ll probably need to add a subfloor which usually costs about $5 per square foot.

While it is possible to install carpet yourself, it is a challenging DIY project that requires precise measurement, proper cutting skills, and knowledge of correct installation techniques. The process involves multiple steps, including removing old flooring, installing underlayment and tack strips, and stretching the carpet to prevent wrinkles, which can take several days to complete.

Before starting, consider these factors:

• Warranty: Many manufacturers' warranties are voided if the carpet is not installed by a professional.

• Tools: You will need to buy or rent specialized equipment like a knee kicker, carpet stretcher, and seam roller.

• Complexity: DIY installation is most suitable for simple, straightforward rooms. Projects involving stairs or floor vents are significantly more difficult.

• Cost: While you can save on labor, the cost of tools plus the risk of expensive mistakes—which may require re-installation—can make hiring a professional more cost-effective in the long run.

Given the potential for errors, voided warranties, and the need for special tools, hiring a local carpet installer is often recommended to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

The flooring that is the least toxic is solid wood. Natural linoleum, tile, stone, bamboo, and cork flooring also make the list of least-toxic flooring types. These flooring materials are safer and healthier for your home because they are natural materials that aren’t manufactured with chemicals, unlike laminate flooring. While some laminate flooring brands are made with less formaldehyde, many contain high levels of toxic chemicals that can off-gas in your home for months and years after installation.

Choosing natural flooring materials that are easy to clean without chemical cleansers can also help keep your home safer.