First, stone flooring is very easy to clean. All you have to do is mop it, and with some of the easy to use mop tools that are on the market (battery powered mops that squirt out cleaning liquid, for example), mopping is no longer the tough chore it once was. In fact, it can actually be easier to mop your stone floor than it is to get out the vacuum and vacuum carpet. Stone flooring can be cleaned easier than hardwood floor too, since all you can really do with hardwood floor is sweep it. To go beyond that, you have to get out the various oils and really give your hardwood floor a cleaning. That can be a huge pain.

Second, stone flooring is more resilient than other types of flooring. Like tile and hardwood, when your kids track mud all over stone flooring, it’s fairly easily to mop up. This isn’t true with carpet – that can be a huge pain if the mud gets ground in to it. Stone Flooring will also hold up against damage. Tile can crack or break, sometimes very easily. Stone, however, will handle a good amount of wear and tear, especially if it’s a really hard stone like granite. You can drop just about anything on stone flooring and it won’t break. It can also withstand drips and water, while hardwood flooring can be damaged if it gets too wet or is exposed to moister for a long time.

Third, stone flooring will last you forever, or close enough to it that you won’t need to worry about replacing it. Unlike carpet, which wears out very quickly (within five years, you’ll see wear and tear), stone will not. Tiles can always crack, and you’ll eventually need to re-grout them. Hardwood floors can get scuffed up, requiring you to apply oils and buff them. With stone flooring, however, you won’t ever have to think about replacing it unless you simply want to.

Fourth, stone flooring looks nice. While other types of flooring also look quite nice, they do show stains, age, and wear and tear. Stone flooring typically doesn’t show any signs of age. Stone flooring also adds a nice, natural look to your home. This is where the different types of stone come into play. If you go with marble, you’ll give your room a touch of elegance and class. If you go with travertine, the beige colour can give your room a very natural feel to it. These looks just can’t be duplicated with tiles or carpets. For some décor, only stone flooring will work.

First, you have to consider your budget. Some carpets are going to be much more expensive than others. Part of this is due to what the carpet is made out of. More luxurious carpets are going to be softer and look nicer, but they’re going to be costly. Certain brand names of carpet cost more than others as well. However, when it comes to carpet, going cheap is not always the best option. Cheap carpet tends to be, well, cheap—it will show dirt, stains, and will wear out more quickly. Carpet is certainly a long-term investment, so unless you want to replace your carpet every five years or so, it’s better to buy quality carpet the first time around.

Second, what will the room be used for? This will help you decide what type of carpet you need. There are some carpets that withstand wear and tear better than other carpets, but they may not look the greatest. If you’re doing a hallway, you’re going to want to look for carpet that is going to be durable and not show dirt. However, for your bedroom, you might want carpet that’s much softer and maybe even a bit on the luxurious side. A formal living room or dining room may require carpet that will impress guests with its vividness.

Of course, it’s also important to think about things like spills and dropped plates. For carpet in the dining room, you’re going to want something that is stain-resistant. Look for carpets that are designed to repeal spills or hide stains. If you have pets, you will definitely want to look at carpets that feature resistant backing that helps stop pet urine from sinking into the carpet and the floor underneath. There are carpets specifically designed for pet owners out there, and you may want to purchase these. However, note that they are often a bit more expensive, and you’re probably not going to be able to find a luxurious looking carpet that is also designed for pets.

Third, colour is certainly going to play a role in your carpet selection. Again, think about the room’s use when you look at colour. White carpet for an entryway or a hall is probably not a good idea since it will very easily show dirt. However, if you have a room that has few windows or always looks dark, a light carpet can make the room seem brighter overall. You also want to select a carpet colour that goes well with your décor and with the other carpets in your home if you aren’t replacing all your carpet. Also consider the colour of your pet’s fur if you are concerned about fur showing.