Carpet vs vinyl

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Picking new flooring for your home should be fun – there are so many gorgeous choices! On the other hand, that sheer range of possibilities can make choosing more difficult. So, if you’re struggling to compare vinyl vs carpet, this guide is here to help you make up your mind.

We’ll cover everything you need to know to compare carpet and vinyl, from style options to maintenance requirements, and answer the question, is vinyl flooring cheaper than carpet?

In this guide:

Carpet vs vinyl: everything you need to know
About carpet
About vinyl
Is vinyl cheaper than carpet?
When to choose carpet vs vinyl flooring

Carpet vs vinyl: everything you need to know

You’re probably not in any danger of getting carpet and vinyl confused, but let’s just review the basics before we go ahead.

About carpet

Carpet has long been considered the go-to flooring for homes around the UK: it’s a classic choice that never goes out of fashion and helps keep homes warm and cosy in the winter months. It’s soft and comfy underfoot and can come in a wide range of colours and styles.

Learn more about how carpet is made and the different types of carpet in our guide to carpets.

Pros

A well-cared-for, high-quality wool carpet could last for 20 years or even more.
Carpet is a great insulator so it will make your room feel warmer.
Carpet comes in a huge range of colours, textures, and patterns to suit a variety of schemes.
Carpets feel really comfortable to walk on, especially if you’re barefoot.
Carpets can significantly reduce noise by dampening footsteps and absorbing sound.
The soft texture of carpet can reduce slips and cushion falls.
Some carpets are very tough and can even be bleach-cleaned, and wool carpet is naturally stain-resistant.

Cons

A cheap synthetic carpet that undergoes a lot of usage might only look good for as little as three years.
Once a stain does set into certain carpets, it may require more specialist care. You can find out more about this in our carpet care guide.
Carpet fibres, especially those with a high pile, can trap allergens such as dust and pollen, potentially exacerbating allergies or hay fever.
Carpets can retain moisture, making them susceptible to mould and mildew growth.

John Lewis Connaught Loop

Browse Carpet

About vinyl

Vinyl flooring has been around since the 1930s. This water resistant flexible covering is made up of several different synthetic layers and comes in a variety of thicknesses, materials, and styles. There are so many beautiful designs available, from stone-effect vinyl that could pass for genuine marble, to wood-effect vinyl that perfectly mimics real timber planks at a fraction of the cost.

If you’d like to dig a little deeper, take a look at our guide to vinyl which explains all the finer details.

Pros

Vinyl is strong and durable, generally lasting from 10 – 20 years.
Vinyl is water resistant and suited to any room, including high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
Vinyl requires little maintenance - regular sweeping and mopping should keep it in top shape.
Vinyl is easy to install yourself.
Vinyl floors can be printed to mimic tiles, hardwood, and even marble, making it a very versatile flooring option.

Cons

Heavy furniture can leave scratches and dents in the surface of vinyl flooring.
It can be tricky to repair if damage does occur.
When wet, it can become slippery and a safety hazard for pets or young children.

Charisma - Light Grey Marble

Pemberley - Black Offset Slate

£28.99 m²

Browse Vinyl Flooring

Is vinyl cheaper than carpet?

Generally speaking, both carpet and vinyl flooring are cheaper than hardwood, stone, or tiled flooring and offer great value for money. Both products are available at a wide range of prices. High-pile, 100% wool carpets usually cost more per square metre than any type of vinyl flooring, but on the other hand, you can expect to pay more per m2 for realistic wood-effect vinyl than for basic quality synthetic carpet.

When it comes to carpet and vinyl fitting costs, carpet installation is £5.50 per m2 while vinyl installation is £6.75 per m2*. We have fitting guides if you’re keen to try installing carpet or vinyl yourself, but we’d always advise calling the professionals in to make sure you get a perfect fit first time.

When to choose carpet vs vinyl flooring

Still unsure which flooring would be best for your home? Check out our comparison of vinyl vs carpet below.

	Vinyl	Carpet
Price	£10 to £35 per m²	Less than £10 to over £100 per m², depending on the materials and style
Wear Guarantee	5 – 15 years	5 – 20 years
Durability	Resilient, long-lasting and water resistant, with a protective wear and tear layer	Polypropylene, polyester and wool carpets are all very hardwearing and resilient
Maintenance	Easy to clean with a soft-bristled broom and lightly damp mop	Vacuuming regularly should keep it in good shape, may need a deep clean in high traffic areas after a few years
Installation	Professional fitting is recommended but can also be DIY installed	For a perfect fit, professional fitting is recommended
Look	Patterned or plain designs that imitate wood, tile, marble and stone	Plain neutrals and vivid colours, as well as patterns like stripes, herringbone and florals
Feel	Smooth with a slightly textured surface for grip, and embossing to match the design	Different levels of softness and texture depending on style of carpet, materials used, pile depth and pile density
Format	Rolls	Rolls
Sustainability	Long lifespan, low VOC (volatile organic compound), and largely recyclable	Long lifespan and largely recyclable. Wool carpets are made from 100% natural materials

Choose vinyl if:

You want flooring that is easy to keep clean and maintain
You want flooring that can stand up to moisture splashes or spills
You love the look of wood, tile or stone flooring, but not the price
You want to be able to install your flooring yourself

Shop Vinyl Flooring

Choose carpet if:

You want flooring that’s soft to walk on
You want to minimise slips and trips
You hate the feeling of cold flooring under your feet when you get up in the morning
You want flooring that absorbs noise to reduce echoes

Shop Carpet

The general guideline is to choose vinyl for water resistance and easy cleaning, and carpet for comfort and warmth.

It's likely by now you have a good idea whether vinyl or carpet will be the best choice for you, but if you're still unsure, book a free home visit today to speak to one of our floorologists. You can also visit your local Tapi store to view our inspiring range of flooring if you're ready to buy your new carpet or vinyl.

*Prices correct at time of publication.