As a major metropolitan area, Pittsburgh and its surrounding suburbs are bursting at their seams with excellent flooring retailers. Of course, all of that variety can generate a lot of confusion; after all, how are you supposed to decide between hardwood flooring, tile flooring or carpet in Pittsburgh? As you set out to find the perfect flooring for your home, keep the following tips in mind - they will lead you to the solution that's right for you.

The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Many people swear by hardwood flooring; Pittsburgh stores are overrun with many great wood flooring possibilities. Those who like hardwood floors can tick off many of their great advantages: elegance, design, longevity and convenience. Whether you use throw rugs on your hardwood floors or leave them bare, there's no denying their elegant appearance. Hardwood flooring in Pittsburgh is available in a number of designs; parquet is one popular option. When properly maintained, a hardwood floor can stand the test of time like a champ. Finally, wood floors are relatively simple to maintain, making them convenient choices.

Like anything else, there are a few drawbacks to hardwood flooring. Pittsburgh endures cold, wet winters; when that water is tracked onto a hardwood floor, it can do serious damage. If they're not properly installed, hardwood floors provide little or no insulation; rooms with hardwood floors are often chilly and uninviting. Finally, anyone who's ever owned a house with hardwood floors knows about the issue of dust bunnies; unless such floors are swept frequently, those dust bunnies will blow through like tumbleweed in the Old West - and that's not very appealing.

The Pluses and Minuses of Using Carpet

There are plenty of fantastic reasons to use carpet. Pittsburgh retailers offer a plethora of options when it comes to carpeting. In addition to the huge variety of colors, styles, piles and designs that are available, carpeting is popular for its comfort, softness and texture. There's nothing quite like the sensation of soft carpeting under your feet. People who prefer carpet often cite its comfortable feel. Texture is another big plus that's associated with carpet in Pittsburgh; great interior design should incorporate plenty of different textures, making carpet an optimal choice.

It's not all sunshine and roses when it comes to carpet, though. The biggest issue that people encounter with carpeting involves stains. Even those who are highly diligent about sopping up spills promptly often wind up with permanent stains on their carpets. People with small children and those with pets often fight a losing battle against stains. Low-quality carpet can also become threadbare over time. Despite these issues, there is a lot to love about carpet; Pittsburgh stores stock plenty of it so that you can find the design that's just right.

What About Tile Flooring?

Tile flooring in Pittsburgh is generally used in bathrooms and kitchens, where carpeting and hardwood floors are impractical. If you're going to be remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, it's smart to consider tile flooring. Pittsburgh is filled with contractors who can help you install topnotch tile floors. As with carpets and hardwood floors, though, tile requires a few special considerations. For the most part, though, it's the only practical choice for most kitchens and bathrooms.

There is plenty of information about flooring in Pittsburgh out there. For best results, go out and take a look at your various options in person. Pay close attention to what friends and family have done in their homes, too; many times, that's a great way to keep tabs on new, up-and-coming trends. Taking your time and selecting high-quality flooring will pay off in spades down the line.