Hardwood floors are a major investment in any home. And the wear and tear of daily living, especially if you have pets, can take its toll. Many Pittsburgh area homes are older, with hardwood floors that have been around a while and are badly in need of refinishing. Refinish, or install a new one? is a question many Pittsburgh homeowners are asking, as the season of home improvement projects arrives.

Consider the state of your current floor

The severity of damage is obviously the first issue - obviously if the floor has sustained a lot of damage, and it shows, or if it has previously been refinished a number of times, then you may be looking at a new hardwood floor. If you can see the tongue where the boards fit together, or if the floor is unstable or no longer sturdy, then a new hardwood floor is the best choice.

If your current floor is in decent condition, but you are looking for a different type of wood, pattern or style, then you are looking at installing a new hardwood floor. Keep in mind that hardwood floor replacement means paying for new flooring, as well as ripping up and hauling away existing wood, as well as labor costs.

Consider your feelings toward your current hardwood floor

Many Pittsburgh area homes have hardwood floors that complement their particular style of architecture, and many were built with loving care with durability in mind. Or, your home may have some historic value that you want to preserve. In this case, hardwood floor refinishing may be the best option for you, and certainly a less expensive one than total replacement.

In most cases, it will always be less expensive for hardwood floor refinishing than it would be for total replacement. Cost is in fact the major consideration for most in their decision to have their wood floors refinished. If you are thinking of tackling this project yourself, note that this is a project that can be extremely demanding, and requires the right tools and know-how. Consulting a flooring professional with experience in hardwood floor refinishing may be your best choice - they would have the equipment and the experience to perform the task as well as take care of the cleanup.

Having your floors refinished is a project that can not only add longevity to your flooring, but add a whole new look to your home. The beauty and elegance that this new look will provide will make it worth what it took to get them looking brand new!