When it comes to hardwood flooring or carpentry, in recent years more and more people unanimously agree that hardwood flooring is the way to go. True, at first it is a little more expensive, yet the joy it will bring into your life does not compare with the little pennies it costs to choose it over carpet.
An often spoken about benefeit of hardwood flooring is its longetivity. If it treated right it should still be there when your grandkids come to visit the house (if you already have grandkids, your grand grandkids, depending on if you live that long). Another great aspect of the hardwood floor is that no one is allergic to it! Unlike carpet with its mildew and dust and fur, hardwood floor holds none of that and should not induce any medical wrath upon anyone.
Another not often spoken about fact of the hardwood floor is that its actually warm. Unlike carpet, which feels lifeless, and laminate which is cold to the touch, hardwood floors are naturally warm! Their chambers lock in heat and keep your little toes and feet cozy.
Hardwood floors are easy to clean and maintain. Unless you do something stupid (like allow a flood to happen or scratch it with your furniture) your floor should remain gleaming for yours. And you can always clean it up and recoat it if the need be. But all in all its is FAR easier to maintain than carpet, and looks much better than laminate (feels better too). All these factors factor into the fact that it having a hardwood floor will also increase your houses value. It is unlikely you will spend your whole life in one place, and thus when it comes time to sell, you might make an extra 10k with a prospective buyer.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you feel comfortable with the decision! If you really want that hardwood floor, get it. You don’t want to dread seeing that carpet for the rest of your life. Yet if you really don’t want it, don’t get pressure into it. Get that cheaper alternative of carpet or laminate. Just know you might regret that down the line, but at least it will give you peace of mind.