You love your pet, but chances are, you have made compromises on home design because of them. Maybe you have always wanted to enjoy the beauty of a hardwood floor in your home. Unfortunately, many people think that you can’t have both an animal companion and hardwood flooring. After all, if your dog or cat has long claws, they can scratch and cause damage to the floor. Additionally, accidents happen, and when they do, they may stain the wood. How could you possibly invest in hardwood flooring when you have pets? At Texas Hardwood Flooring in Dallas, TX, we want you to know that it is possible to have the hardwood floor of your dreams, even when you live with furry friends. The key is to make an informed decision about the best hardwood flooring option for you, and to take certain preventative steps to ensure that your pet is happy and your hardwood stays pristine for years to come.
Considerations to Make
The key to having both hardwood floors and pets is choosing the right hardwood flooring. Sure, hardwood floors are more susceptible to the certain brand of destruction that pets offer, especially when it comes to scratches and stains. However, not all hardwood flooring is created equally, particularly in terms of durability. Here are some considerations to make when choosing hardwood flooring.
First, consider the sheen of the wood. The lower the sheen, the fewer dents or scratches will appear. A glossy floor will amplify the appearance of any damage. The added benefit of opting for a lower sheen floor is that it requires less cleaning and maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about pet hair and dirt as much. Additionally, choose a wood that has a high Janka rating. The Janka Hardness Scale is the measurement of wood’s strength and resistance to damage and wear. The higher the Janka rating, the more wear and tear your hardwood floor can take from your pet’s claws. Finally, you may consider opting for a distressed wood with a low sheen finish instead. That way, if your pet does cause damage, it does not detract from the wood’s natural beauty.
Flooring Options
Laminate Wood Flooring
While laminate wood flooring is not technically hardwood flooring, there are many benefits to going for a laminate floor over a hardwood one. One of them is that laminate wood flooring is more scratch resistant than hardwood floors. A laminate wood floor can take more damage from your pet’s claws than most hardwood flooring.
Brazilian Walnut
This type of hardwood floor is very hard and dense. In fact, Brazilian walnut is often used on outdoor decks because it can withstand the elements.
Hard Maple
Hard maple is a type of wood that can withstand a beating. With a Janka rating of 1,450, it is an incredibly durable option for hardwood flooring. In fact, this type of wood is used for basketball courts, so it can probably withstand anything your pup has to throw at it!
Bamboo
Bamboo itself is very pliable (and not technically a wood), but during the manufacturing process, it is impregnated with a resin that makes it incredibly strong. You can opt for bamboo flooring with a Janka rating up to a whopping 5,000.
How to Prevent Damage
Once you have installed the hardwood flooring of your choice, there are preventative measures you can take to prevent damage to your floor. Properly train your dog to prevent accidents, and when you are training your dog, use training pads around the house. Routinely trim and clip your pets’ nails. Additionally, add waterproof mats underneath any food or water bowls to prevent spills. Wipe your pets’ paws before letting them inside.
At Texas Hardwood Flooring, we want you to be able to have both the hardwood flooring of your dreams and a comfortable and safe place for your furry family member. We can work with you determine which flooring option makes the most sense for your home. Contact us today for hardwood floor installation in Dallas and the surrounding areas!
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