Wood Floor Refinishing Contractors in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh Wood Floor Refinishing

For a city that made its name as a hub of the steelmaking industry, Pittsburgh has undergone tremendous transformations, taking it from a gritty industrial city to a business and cultural hub. The "'Burgh," as many locals call it, is renowned for its hilly layout and diverse selection of neighborhoods.

In a city with above average precipitation, Pittsburgh's residents need to pay particular attention to maintaining their wood floors and preventing water damage. Refinishing the floors can restore their luster and enable homeowners to change the color of the stain to update the design. Although many wood flooring projects can be accomplished as DIY projects, homeowners may want to consult with a reputable local flooring company to ensure the job gets done correctly. Most Pittsburgh floorers provide free estimates to make it easier to budget for flooring projects of any size.

Local Cost Information

Square footage and materials are some of the main factors that affect the cost of any wood flooring project. Repairing and refinishing floors are the most cost effective options, especially when compared to a complete replacement. The table located below compares local prices for common flooring projects to the national average to see how Pittsburgh's costs add up.

As the above table demonstrates, prices in Pittsburgh typically fall significantly lower than the national average for common wood flooring jobs. Homeowners should consider requesting a detailed estimate from a reputable local flooring company to get a more exact idea about the cost of each individual project.

Repairing Wood Floors

Filling in cracks and buffing out scratches can go a long way to restoring the look and integrity of a wood floor, and it is necessary to accomplish these jobs as part of the refinishing process to ensure the floors look their best. Some of the most common wood floor repairs include:

• Removing scratches
• Stopping squeaks with screws or shims
• Filling cracks and gouges
• Replacing warped planks

Repairs may be sufficient for giving the floor a refinished look, or they might be necessary before refinishing the floor to create a smooth, seamless appearance. Minor repairs typically cost around $200 in Pittsburgh, although homeowners with more extensive, daylong projects can expect to spend up to $600 or so.

Refinishing Wood Floors

In some cases, that wood floor may only need a simple recoating or a fresh layer of polyurethane to enhance the shine. In other cases, the floor may need more the more extensive work associated with refinishing. Some of the most common reasons Pittsburgh homeowners refinish their hardwood floors include:

• Heavy wearing and scratching
• Restoring a floor after removing linoleum or carpeting
• Changing the color

To refinish wood floors after performing necessary repairs, floorers sand the floor down, removing the finish and exposing bare wood. The floor receives fresh layers of stain and a protective top coat to achieve the desired look. Most Pittsburgh residents spend $750 to $3,100 on refinishing their wood floors.

Necessary Licensing and Qualifications

Most Pennsylvania flooring contractors don't need to be licensed. Neither the state, nor the City of Pittsburgh requires licensure; however, homeowners should choose a bonded and insured floorer. Bonding protects consumers against unfinished work or shady contractors who fail to pay suppliers, while insurance takes homeowners off the hook for the costs associated with accidents or damages that occur during the project.

Additionally, some flooring contractors opt for voluntary certification from professional organizations such as the National Wood Flooring Installers Association or the Certified Floorcovering Installers Association. Although certification isn't necessary, it does demonstrate a high level of professional competence.

Other Projects to Consider 

Realistically speaking, refinishing wood floors isn't always a viable option. In these cases, homeowners can consider whether to replace the floor with carpeting or new hardwood flooring.

Installing Carpeting

Homeowners on a tight budget might consider installing carpeting instead of going with new hardwoods. Most Pittsburgh homeowners spend between $517 and $1,855 on carpeting, although the price varies widely depending on the caliber of carpet used for the project.

Installing Hardwood

Homeowners may choose to upgrade to eco-friendly flooring such as bamboo, or stay with a classic such as oak. Other hardwood flooring options include mahogany, walnut, white ash, hickory, and Brazilian cherry. Most Pittsburgh residents opt for wider planks. To install new hardwood floors, local homeowners generally spend $1,576 to $4,307.

Popular Pittsburgh Neighborhoods and Suburbs

Pittsburgh may have a distinguished skyline, but what really sets the "Steel City" apart is the vitality and diversity of its neighborhoods and suburbs. Each area has its own amenities and vibe, making it easy for Pittsburghers from all lifestyles to find the perfect spot to call home.

Neighborhoods

Residents of Pittsburgh have many different neighborhoods from which to choose. The following are a few highlights of this classic American city:

Mexican War Streets- No other Pittsburgh neighborhood has the vibrant artistic appeal of Mexican War Streets, located within walking distance of North Side attractions such as the Children's Museum and Heinz Field. Its colorful row houses and innovative art scene appeals to everyone from young hipsters to families who enjoy being close to all the action and to Allegheny Commons, which offers plenty of green space.

Highland Park- Young couples who want a little more space to spread out often look for a home in Highland Park. With its quiet streets and friendly vibe, this neighborhood offers a low key alternative to the bustling city. With walkable streets and a large park, this standout neighborhood has a lot to offer. Expect to find an eclectic mix of historic homes, including Victorians and Craftsman style homes.

Mount Washington- Home of the Monongahela Incline, the Mount Washington neighborhood is a favorite among visitors and residents alike. With some spectacular city views and some of the best new restaurants in the city, Mount Washington has plenty of amenities.

Suburbs

When most people think Pittsburgh, they assume a big city feel steeped in rich industrial history. However, the suburbs also steal the spotlight.

Mt. Lebanon- Mt. Lebanon offers some of the best schools in the country, making it particularly well suited to young families. It also has charming tree-lined sidewalks and a bustling main street with plenty of shops and restaurants. Residents of Mt. Lebanon have easy access to mass transit, and a 20- to 30-minute commute to downtown.

Moon Township- When it comes to affordability and proximity to the city, Moon Township is hard to beat. In 2007, BusinessWeek named it among the best affordable suburbs in the northeast. It offers everything from apartments and established homes to new construction.