Pittsburgh Wood Flooring

Very few things make a home's interior look as good as well maintained wood flooring. Pittsburgh residents who already have hardwood floors know that they require some maintenance from time to time and some weekly attention to look their best. Although they might require a bit more work than some other flooring options, most would say that they are well worth the effort. If you are thinking about installing hardwood floors in your southwestern PA home, however, it is good to know their strengths and weaknesses before you make your investment.

Benefits of Wood Flooring in Pittsburgh
Most people choose to install wooden floors because of their unique and desirable appearance. While there are some pretty convincing imitations on the market, there's just something about real wood that can't be duplicated. It is that difference that keeps people wanting hardwood for their homes, even though other products are less expensive, and in some cases, better suited.

Despite some environmental drawbacks, Pittsburgh wooden flooring can still be a very durable material if it's taken care of. After being installed properly (which is very important) a hardwood floor can outlast most other flooring, and look good doing it. Some wood floors can literally last a lifetime, or even longer!

Hardwood floors can also add value to your property. While no home improvement goes unnoticed when assessing a house's value, some things have a better return than others. While faux wood and other materials are extremely practical in many ways, you won't see the same kind of increase in the value of your home after installing them.

Pittsburgh Wooden Flooring Drawbacks
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of wooden flooring, and Pittsburgh, unfortunately, has moisture to spare. There is moisture in the air, in the ground, in the rivers and streams, and, of course, moisture falling from the sky. When added to the accidental spills, leaks, and overflows that occur in a household from time to time, you produce an environment that is not exactly wood friendly.

The best thing you can do to keep your Pittsburgh wood flooring in good shape is to react quickly. If snow or rain gets tracked in, clean it up immediately. If you spot a leak or watermark somewhere, have it checked out by a professional. Direct contact with water isn't the only thing that effects hardwood; moisture in the air can also make wood swell, which can make it age prematurely. During the winter, those with forced air heating should be fine, but in the summer (and for those who use hot water or steam heat in the winter), a dehumidifier can actually make a difference in the life of wooden floors.

Of course, scratching is also an issue with wood floors. Sweep or vacuum often to remove dirt and grit, which can cause tiny scratches and leech a finish of its luster. Adding felt pads to the legs of furniture is also a good idea. If your finish has seen better days, you may even want to hire a professional to strip, sand, and reseal your wood (an option you don't get with most other kinds of flooring).

Pittsburgh Wood Flooring Prices
Pittsburgh area prices for hardwood floor installation range between $3,500 and $9,000, with the average job running at around $5,000. Installation usually takes a week or two. Refinishing existing floors usually takes less than a week and ranges between $800 and $3,000. To partially replace or repair hardwood costs around $500 on average.