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Is switching from carpets to hardwood floors actually worth it? [message #99406]

Mon, 11 May 2026 10:44

Bercle
Messages: 32
Registered: December 2025

Baron

What has been your experience with hardwood floors in a listening room? What I currently have right now is carpet, and it seems it makes the room feel quiet and the music not sounding the way that I want it to sound. In the beginning, I felt it was fine since I didn't have to get echo, but I don't feel that satisfied and have been thinking of switching to hardwood floors.

Is there anyone who's tried using both? Do you think hardwood floors with good treatment are better than using just carpet, or should I keep managing this?

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Re: Is switching from carpets to hardwood floors actually worth it? [message #99409 is a reply to message #99406]

Mon, 11 May 2026 11:52

gofar99
Messages: 2025
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona

Illuminati (5th Degree)

Hi, This something Wayne should comment on as he has considerable experience in that area. My simple take is the hardness or softness of a room relates to how any particular speaker will sound. I have what would be a mostly soft room. Carpets, furniture, bookcases and acoustic stuff on the ceiling. This in my case is required because I use electrostatic speakers that are bi-dimensional. They rely on controlled back sounds. More conventional speakers are not usually as demanding in that area, but will still depend on room resonances and reflections. I hope this helps.

Good Listening
Bruce

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Re: Is switching from carpets to hardwood floors actually worth it? [message #99410 is a reply to message #99409]

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:57

Wayne Parham
Messages: 19031
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Hardwood floors are beautiful, but acoustically difficult. Same with tile, stone or concrete. These kinds of surfaces are very reflective at all frequencies, which makes for an unnatural-sounding floor bounce.

If you want to make a listening room out of a room with hardwood floors, it's best to have a large rug between the listening area and the speakers. That will at least reduce the high-frequency "slap" reflection.

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