Hardwood Flooring Tips For Pet Owners

Whether it's a cat or dog, your furry friend is a member of the family. However, this doesn't negate the fact that you're probably somewhat concerned about whether or not your pet will damage your hardwood floors, should you have them installed. Don't stress. You can have beautiful hardwood floors and a comfortable and happy pet; here are just a few tips.

Choose A Harder Species

As a pet owner, it's best to begin with a harder species of wood and avoid softer options like cedar, pine, redwood and juniper. Good hardwood selections include mahogany, oak, walnut and maple. Although hardwoods are typically more expensive than softwoods, this cost difference will be worth it in the long-term.

Hardwoods naturally have a higher density rate than softwoods do. For you, this higher density means a reduced risk of dents or scratches on the floor. Even if your dog or cat digs on the floor, this is less likely to have an impact on your beautiful floors.

Avoid A High-Gloss Finish

Few things are quite as stunning as a shiny, high-gloss hardwood floor. Unfortunately, as a pet owner, this high-gloss can also be your worst enemy. The shine from the gloss will serve as nothing shy of a magnifying glass for any dents, scratches or other imperfections in your floor, causing it to look worse.

It's a better choice to select a floor with a matte finish or a satin finish. Not only is the type of finish easier to maintain, it can also help hide any imperfections in the floor, keeping your floor looking better regardless of any damage.

Add Texture

When you think about a new hardwood floor, the last thing you are probably thinking about is damaging your floor. The reality is that no matter how diligent you are with keeping your pet's nails trimmed, your pet will scratch your floor at some point. Why not beat them to it?

Distressing your floors can add texture that will make any scratches or dents much harder to see. Wire brushing and hand scraping are just a couple of the distressing techniques you can have applied when you have your floors installed. In addition to hiding imperfections, distressing can also give your floors a unique and rustic look.

Don't let the fact that you're a pet owner keep you from enjoying the beauty of hardwood floors. Let an installation expert assist you. For more information, consider contacting a professional like those at National Carpet Mill Outlet.  


Share