Thinking about replacing carpet with hardwood?
Many New Zealand homeowners are making the switch – not only for the natural beauty of wood floors but also for the health benefits.
Unlike carpet, which can trap dust, pollen, and pet dander, wooden floors are allergen-free and easy to keep clean. This makes them a perfect choice for households with allergy or asthma concerns.
Hardwood flooring is also durable, stylish, and adds long-term value to your home. Whether you’re looking at replacing carpet with floorboards in a single room, converting carpet to hardwood floors throughout your home, or simply upgrading your living area, understanding the process will help you make informed choices.
At The Wooden Floor Company, we specialise in supplying premium products such as Kährs and Europlank – we’re also happy to work with other wooden flooring products of your choice.
In addition to supply, we provide expert installation and maintenance services, and stock a range of cleaning products to keep your floors looking as beautiful as the day they was laid.
In this guide to replacing carpet with hardwood flooring, we’ll cover:
- The benefits of replacing carpet with hardwood
- Preparing your room for carpet removal and floor installation
- Choosing the right wooden flooring
- The installation process
- Finishing touches and maintenance tips
- FAQs about replacing carpet with hardwood
Replacing Carpet with Hardwood Flooring – What are the benefits?
Carpet has its place, but it’s often short-lived, holding stains and odours – and it can also harbour allergens. Replacing carpet with hardwood flooring brings several advantages:
- Improved air quality: With no hidden dust, dirt, or allergens caught in fibres, wooden floors make it easier to maintain a clean, healthy home.
- Timeless style: Wood floors never go out of fashion and suit both modern and traditional interiors.
- Durability: Quality wooden flooring such as Kährs or Europlank is designed to last for decades with proper care.
- Ease of maintenance: Unlike carpet, which needs deep cleaning, wooden floors only require regular sweeping, damp mopping, and occasional polishing.
- Added value: A wooden floor is seen as a premium upgrade, adding long-term value to your property.
If you’re deciding between carpet or wooden floor in the living room, or any other room for that matter, wood is often the smarter long-term choice – offering durability, easy cleaning, and timeless design appeal.
Preparing Your Room for Carpet Removal and Wooden Floor Installation
Getting your space ready is essential for a smooth installation.
Room clearance
- Furniture Removal: Clear the room of furniture and other items to provide a clean working area.
- Door Removal: Take down any doors that open into the room, including bi-fold doors, to prevent damage and allow easier access.
- Protective Measures: Wear safety gloves, knee pads, and a face mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Floor and subfloor preparation
- Cleaning: Vacuum the room to remove dust and debris before carpet removal.
- Subfloor Inspection: After the carpet is lifted, check the subfloor for cracks or uneven spots and repair them.
- Protect Adjacent Areas: Cover neighbouring floors with drop cloths or sheeting to protect them.
Carpet removal guidelines
When learning how to replace carpet with hardwood floor, carpet removal is the first step:
- Initial Cuts: Use a utility knife to cut the carpet into thin strips.
- Roll and Remove: Pull the carpet up from the tack strip and roll tightly for disposal.
- Tack Strips and Padding: Remove padding and any damaged tack strips carefully.
Choosing the Right Wooden Flooring
The type of floor you choose plays a big role in the final result.
Types of Hardwood Flooring
- Solid Hardwood: Made of solid wood throughout, ideal for a timeless look and can be sanded multiple times.
- Engineered Hardwood: High-quality hardwood veneer over multiple layers for added stability and moisture resistance.
- Laminate Flooring: A budget-friendly alternative with a wood-look finish.
Wood Species and Finishes
Choose from light, medium, or dark timbers depending on your aesthetic. For example:
- Light woods (Maple, Oak) – bright, minimalist feel
- Medium woods (American Cherry, Walnut) – warm and versatile
- Dark woods (Jarrah, Smoked Oak) – rich, dramatic tone
Finishes range from water-based polyurethane for durability to oil-based or distressed finishes for a natural look.
Premium Options with The Wooden Floor Company
- Kährs engineered timber flooring – innovative click-lock system for faster, cleaner installation. Wide variety of finishes.
- Europlank wide boards – contemporary, spacious appearance with natural grain detail.
Our experts can advise on everything from wood type and finish to carpet to hardwood transitions, ensuring a seamless look throughout your home. Contact us for advice on which products will suit your project best.
Installing the Wooden Floor
Installing a hardwood floor is a precise process that requires skill and attention to detail. While some may attempt switching from carpet to hardwood as a DIY project, professional installation ensures a premium, long-lasting result.
Here’s how the process works:
- Underlay installation: Adds sound insulation and moisture protection.
- Board placement: Laid row by row, Kährs boards lock easily; Europlank requires expert alignment.
- Cutting and fitting: Boards are trimmed for neat edges around doors and walls.
- Expansion gaps: Left to accommodate seasonal wood movement.
- Carpet to hardwood transitions: Special trims ensure a professional finish where carpet and wood meet.
- Final inspection: Every detail is checked for a smooth, even result.
Finishing Touches and Maintenance
Unlike carpet, wood doesn’t require constant deep cleaning – but it does need the right care.
The Wooden Floor Company provides:
- Specialist cleaning products for timber floors
- Professional maintenance services – refinishing, repairs
- Expert advice on keeping your floor allergen-free and beautiful
With proper upkeep, hardwood can last a lifetime, making the cost to replace carpet with wood flooring a smart long-term investment.
FAQs – Replacing Carpet with Hardwood Flooring
The cost to replace carpet with wood flooring depends on the product, room size, and preparation required.
While hardwood is a bigger upfront investment than carpet, it lasts much longer and adds value to your property.
If you would like a customised quote for your project, please contact The Wooden Floor Company today.
Yes. Hardwood is allergen-free, durable, easy to clean, and enhances your home’s aesthetic and resale value.
Some homeowners attempt DIY, but it can be challenging. Professional installers ensure precise fitting, smooth carpet to hardwood transitions, and long-lasting results.
The Wooden Floor Company has a team of proefssional installers ready to assist you. Contact us today for a customised quote.
Removing carpet is straightforward, but installing hardwood requires levelling subfloors, cutting boards, and managing expansion gaps. Professional help ensures a seamless finish.
The Wooden Floor Company has a team of professional installers ready to assist you. Contact us today for a customised quote.
Ready to Replace Carpet with Hardwood?
Replacing carpet with hardwood is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make. Whether you’re planning to change carpet in a single room, debating carpet or wooden floor in the living room, or want to fully convert carpet to hardwood floors, The Wooden Floor Company has the expertise, premium products, and maintenance services to help.
Ready to make the switch?
Contact The Wooden Floor Company today to explore your options and arrange a consultation.
