Choosing between carpet and hardwood flooring is one of the most common questions we hear at Monarch Floors 1953, our flooring store in Edmonton. Both options have a lot going for them, and honestly, the best choice depends on your lifestyle, your budget, and the rooms you're updating.
We put this guide together to help homeowners in Edmonton and beyond think through the decision clearly, without the overwhelm. Whether you're renovating a bedroom, updating a main floor, or thinking about your whole home, this post covers what you need to know about carpet flooring vs. hardwood, room by room.
If you'd like a hand narrowing things down, our team is always happy to help. Stop by our showroom on 118 Avenue, call us at (587) 402-8455 or contact us online to get started.
Before diving into specific rooms, it helps to understand what sets these two flooring types apart at a basic level.
The decision between carpet vs. hardwood really comes down to a few factors: the room, who uses it, your cleaning preferences, and your budget.
| Feature | Carpet | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Soft, warm, cushioned | Firm, smooth underfoot |
| Warmth | Excellent insulation | Can feel cool in winter |
| Noise Reduction | Very good | Moderate (with rugs) |
| Durability | Good with quality fibers | Excellent, can be refinished |
| Maintenance | Regular vacuuming, periodic cleaning | Sweep and occasional refinishing |
| Cost | Generally lower upfront | Higher upfront, strong long-term value |
| Best Rooms | Bedrooms, family rooms, basements | Living rooms, hallways, kitchens |
| Resale Value | Neutral | Adds perceived home value |
Edmonton winters are no joke. When temperatures drop to -20°C or colder, the last thing you want is to step out of bed onto a cold, hard floor. Therefore, we suggest picking the most suitable flooring for Edmonton winters.
Carpet wins on warmth. It traps air within its fibres, acting as a natural insulator. In bedrooms, basements, and living rooms, carpet keeps the space feeling warmer and more comfortable during those long Alberta winters.
Hardwood, on the other hand, can feel cold underfoot, especially on above-grade floors with minimal subfloor insulation. That said, hardwood pairs beautifully with in-floor radiant heating, which is an option worth considering if you love the look of wood but want that warmth underfoot.
In our experience, homeowners who prioritize comfort in bedrooms and family rooms tend to lean toward carpet, while those who want a polished, low-maintenance look in living areas and kitchens tend to go with hardwood.
The bedroom is where this debate gets the most heated, and for good reason. It is the room where you spend the most time, and the one where comfort matters most.
The living room is a high-traffic area that sees a lot of activity. Both carpet and hardwood work here, but they give you very different results.
Hardwood creates a clean, open look that flows well from room to room. It is easy to vacuum and mop, and it handles foot traffic very well over time. If you have pets or young kids, hardwood is forgiving when it comes to spills.
Carpet in the living room feels inviting and comfortable. It works especially well in homes where kids play on the floor regularly. The downside is that it shows wear over time in the highest-traffic paths, and deep cleaning is more involved.
Many Edmonton homeowners go with hardwood in the main living area and use area rugs to add warmth and define the space. It is the best of both worlds.
This one is easy. Hardwood wins in the kitchen and dining room, hands down.
These areas are prone to spills, moisture, and grease. Carpet is not a practical choice here. Hardwood, or luxury vinyl flooring are all much better fits for spaces where food is being prepared and served.
Both carpet and hardwood work on stairs and hallways, but they deliver very different feels.
Carpet on stairs reduces noise and is softer underfoot, which is great for homes with young children or elderly family members. Hardwood on stairs looks stunning, though it can be slippery without proper finishing or stair runners.
In our experience, homes that use hardwood throughout their main floor often finish stairs with carpet for safety and warmth. It is a practical and popular choice.
Edmonton basements need flooring that handles moisture and cold subfloors. Carpets can work in a dry basement, especially with a good moisture-resistant pad underneath. However, if your basement has any history of moisture or flooding, carpet is risky.
For basement spaces, we often recommend luxury vinyl plank or laminate flooring as practical alternatives, such as vinyl flooring, that are moisture-resistant and warm underfoot with the right underlayment.
Here is a general idea of what Edmonton homeowners can expect to pay.
Entry-level carpet is one of the most affordable flooring options available. Premium carpets with stain-resistant technology or thicker, more luxurious pile will sit at the higher end.
Solid hardwood and exotic wood species will cost more. Engineered hardwood offers a more budget-friendly way to get the look of real wood with slightly lower material costs.
While carpet costs less upfront, hardwood lasts significantly longer and can be refinished rather than replaced. It also tends to add more resale value to your home. When you look at the full picture, hardwood can be the more cost-effective investment over 20 or 30 years.
At Monarch Floors 1953, we offer flexible financing options to help you get the flooring you love without stretching your budget all at once. Contact us for more information today.
At our flooring store in Edmonton, we carry a wide selection of Canadian flooring brands. Our flooring product lineup includes Mohawk, Godfrey Hirst, Aladdin Commercial, Pergo, Mannington, Shaw Floors, Armstrong Flooring, and more.
Whether you are looking for a durable, pet-friendly carpet from Mohawk's SmartStrand collection or a rich, warm hardwood from Shaw Floors, we have options to suit every style and budget.
We also offer take-home samples so you can see how a floor looks in your actual space, under your lighting, before making a decision. It is one of our favourite ways to help customers feel confident in their choice.
Visit us at 14240 118 Avenue or browse our flooring products collection online. Our team will walk you through the options and give you honest, practical design advice based on your home and lifestyle.
Here is a quick summary to help you decide:
Choose carpet if you:
Choose hardwood if you:
Of course, you do not have to pick just one. Many homeowners use hardwood in high-traffic living areas and carpet in bedrooms, creating a combination that delivers both comfort and practicality.
Our flooring services include in-home measurements, so we can come to you and help you see exactly how different options would look and work in your space. Our in-house installation team handles everything from start to finish, so you get consistent, quality workmanship throughout the entire project.
Monarch Floors 1953 has been helping Edmonton homeowners find the right floors since 1953. From the Glenora neighbourhood to Windermere, Mill Woods to St. Albert Road, we have worked in homes all across this city and we bring that experience to every project we take on.
Carpet is a soft, textile floor covering that adds warmth, comfort, and sound absorption. Hardwood is a natural wood product known for durability, a timeless appearance, and long-term value. The right option depends on the room, your household, and your budget. Both are excellent choices when matched to the right space.
Most Edmonton homeowners prefer carpet in bedrooms because it feels warmer underfoot during cold winters and adds a cozy feel. Hardwood is a great choice if allergies or easy cleaning are priorities. Adding a large area rug over hardwood is a popular way to get the look of wood with the comfort of carpet in bedroom spaces.
Carpet generally costs between $4 and $13 per square foot installed, making it one of the more affordable flooring options. Hardwood typically runs between $9 and $26 per square foot installed, depending on species and grade. Monarch Floors 1953 offers flexible financing options and provides quotes with in-home measurements so you always know what to expect.
Yes, hardwood is an eco-friendly flooring option for pet owners and allergy sufferers. Pet hair and allergens sit on the surface rather than embedding in fibres, making cleaning much easier. Hardwood does not trap dust or pet dander the way carpet does, which can make a noticeable difference for households with sensitivities.
Whether you are leaning toward carpet for your bedrooms or hardwood for your main living areas, the team at Monarch Floors 1953 is here to help you make the right call.
We have been helping Edmonton homeowners find floors they love since 1953. That is over 70 years of experience, honest advice, and quality flooring installation you can count on. We are a family-owned business, and we treat every project like it is our own home.
Here is what working with us looks like:
We also work with commercial flooring clients across Edmonton, from offices and retail spaces to multi-unit residential projects.
Stop by our showroom at 14240 118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5L 2M5 or call us at (587) 402-8455 to request your quote today.
No obligations — let’s discuss your project and see how we can help!
| Mon | 8:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Tue | 8:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Wed | 8:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Thu | 8:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Fri | 8:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
Let one of our experts help you find the perfect floor!
Thank you! We'll be in touch shortly.