Hardwood flooring and dogs don’t go together, right? Like many other dog owners, you probably believe in this statement and that’s why you either don’t have a dog or hardwood flooring. However, nothing can be further from the truth. It’s quite possible for your pet to live in harmony and step on the flooring without damaging it. All you need is to focus on the following when installing the flooring.
Go for Less-Shiny Flooring
It’s true that dog paws can scratch the surface of the flooring. This not only destroys the appeal but also may affect the flooring’s structural integrity. However, did you know that the defects are more noticeable on very shiny surfaces? Fur, hair and other stains are also more visible on very glossy surfaces compared to dull surfaces. You can help hide the imperfections by going for less-shiny hardwood flooring.
Choose Flooring with High Janka Ranking
The hardness of the flooring is indicated by using a Janka Hardness Scale that measures the wood’s ability to withstand scratches, dents and normal wear & tear. The higher the rating, the more resistance and reliable the flooring surface is. Besides being able to withstand the damaging effects of dog paws or bite marks, the hardwood flooring isn’t easily affected by dog saliva, sweat, urine or poop.
Ensure the Flooring is made from Hardwood
Only the hardest wood will be able to put-up with scratches and dents from the paws. Nonetheless, unless you exactly know how to categorize the wood, you may end up going for semi-hard wood instead of the hardest. Good hardwoods include Brazilian cherry, Ipe (Brazilian walnut), maple, red oak, pecan (hickory), white oak, and white ash. Softwoods that you need to avoid include American cherry, fir, American walnut, cedar, carbonized bamboo and pine.
Go for Solid Hardwood instead of Engineered Type
Solid hardwood is more ideal for dogs compared to engineered type. Though it may offer some resistance, engineered wood can be sanded down to a certain limit. Thereafter, it has to be taken care of the right way. Solid wood is not only of better quality and more sturdy, but can also be sanded down more times. This ensures your flooring will last for a longer time even after being sanded down severally.
You don’t have to fear that your dog will ruin the elegance and functionality of your hardwood flooring. Also, you shouldn’t stop yourself from getting a dog because you fear ruining your flooring. What you require is focusing on the above issues prior to installing or replacing hardwood flooring. If you follow these rules then you will be just fine with your pets and your floors.
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