Replace Carpet with Hardwood
Thinking about how to replace carpet with hardwood? Swapping out carpet for hardwood flooring is one of the best ways to improve your home’s appearance, durability, and long-term value. Here’s what to know before you get started.
Why Replace Carpet with Hardwood?
Timeless, Stylish Appeal
Hardwood suits just about every design style and adds a high-end finish to your space.Healthier Living Environment
Unlike carpet, hardwood doesn’t trap dust, pollen, or pet dander—making it easier to keep your home clean and allergy-friendly.Built to Last
While carpet may need replacing every 10–15 years, hardwood can last for decades with the right care.Low Maintenance
A quick sweep and occasional damp mop are all it takes to keep hardwood floors looking good.Increases Home Value
Hardwood flooring is a major selling point and can make your home more appealing to buyers.
What to Consider Before Replacing Carpet
Home Layout & Lifestyle
Think about how your space is used. High-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and kitchens are ideal for hardwood. In quieter or cosier areas like bedrooms, you might still want to use rugs for warmth and sound absorption.
Professional Advice
Before starting, it’s worth having a carpenter or flooring specialist assess your subfloor. They can recommend the best type of hardwood for your space and flag any potential issues early on.
Acclimatization
Your new hardwood should sit in the room for 5–7 days before installation. This helps the wood adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home, reducing the risk of movement after it’s laid.
Undercutting & Expansion Gaps
Door frames and trim may need undercutting to fit the new floor properly. Always leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural wood movement.
Step-by-Step: Remove Carpet and Install Hardwood
Clear all furniture and prep the room.
Remove the carpet, padding, staples, and tack strips.
Inspect the subfloor. Make sure it’s level, clean, and dry.
Install a moisture barrier if needed.
Allow the hardwood to acclimate in the room for at least a week.
Undercut any door casings or trims.
Lay the flooring, starting from a straight wall and staggering the boards.
Nail, staple, or glue the boards as needed, depending on the flooring type.
Fit skirting or scotia to cover expansion gaps.
Give it a final clean, and you’re good to go.
More Pro Tips for a Smoother Installation
Check for squeaks: Fix any loose or creaky floorboards before installing the hardwood.
Use quality underlay: Even with hardwood, a good underlay improves comfort and sound reduction.
Plan your layout: Decide on the direction of the boards in advance—laying them parallel to the longest wall often gives the best look.
Protect your new floors: Use felt pads under furniture and rugs in high-traffic areas.
Mind the moisture: Avoid installing hardwood in rooms with high humidity unless it’s engineered wood.
Hardwood vs Carpet: Pros and Cons
| Hardwood Flooring | Carpet |
|---|---|
| Stylish and timeless | Soft and cosy underfoot |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Traps dust and allergens |
| Lasts decades with proper care | Typically lasts 10–15 years |
| Increases property value | Lower initial cost |
| Susceptible to moisture if not sealed | More sound-absorbent |
Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
While it’s possible to replace carpet with hardwood yourself, it’s easy to miss small details that can lead to bigger problems later. A professional carpenter will make sure the subfloor is ready, the boards are fitted cleanly, and your new floor lasts as long as it should.
Carpet Removal in London
If you’re based in London, carpet removal can be handled quickly and professionally as part of the hardwood installation process. Many older homes in the city have layers of underlay, staples, or even glued carpet that can be time-consuming to strip out. A local carpentry team will make sure your subfloor is cleared properly and ready for new flooring, saving you time and avoiding future problems. We also dispose of old carpet responsibly, so you don’t have to worry about the mess.
Final Thought
Replacing carpet with hardwood flooring is a smart upgrade that pays off in both style and function. Whether you’re updating a single room or redoing the whole house, getting the job done right makes all the difference.
If you’d like help with removal, preparation, or full hardwood installation, our team of skilled carpenters is ready to assist. Reach out today for a free consultation.
