Can I Install Wood Floors in a Pet Friendly Home?

What is the most durable pet-friendly flooring?

Bamboo is the best wood floor for pets and one of the most common choices for pet-friendly homes. Bamboo wood flooring is more scratch-resistant and stain-resistant than classic hardwood floors due to its natural hardness. It is also naturally antibacterial, which keeps mould and allergens at bay.

Bamboo flooring is also simple to care for. So whatever your pet brings in from outside is simple to clean up.

Food and water spills and pet accidents will not harm these floors if cleaned promptly and thoroughly. Furthermore, bamboo is highly sustainable. Therefore, when you choose bamboo, you will also do good for the environment.

Is laminate or wood better with dogs?

Solid hardwood flooring is regarded as a genuine article. Laminate flooring takes up the next notch as an affordable way to simulate the appearance of natural hardwood flooring. But, of course, solid hardwood flooring and laminate flooring both have their own distinct set of values and issues.

Solid hardwood flooring is one of the most elegant, fashionable and timeless options. Unfortunately, while this classic flooring type appeals to many people, most types will not last in a home with pets. It can also stretch your hardwood flooring budget.

It doesn't do well as a scratch-resistant option as other flooring types. However, there are scratch-resistant finishes that can boost durability.

Laminate, on the other hand, is well-known for its resilience and resistance to scratches, making it an excellent choice for active pets.

Which flooring is more scratch resistant?

Your floors see the most traffic on all the surfaces in your house. To keep up with your busy life, you'll need a sturdy, scratch-resistant floor. The durability of high-quality flooring allows it to withstand:

Heavy shoe traffic

Dirty and muddy feet and pet paws

Pet and toddler hard plastic toys

Whatever else the day may bring

The last thing you want to be concerned about is easily damaged flooring when balancing life, your work, raising your children and looking after your pets.

Scratch-resistant flooring can withstand the wear and tear of regular foot traffic, allowing you to direct your attention to more important things! 

There are a few scratch-resistant flooring types to choose from, such as:

• High-quality wooden tiles
• Laminate floors
• Vinyl floors
• Engineered hardwood flooring

You'll be able to enjoy your scratch-resistant floor for an extended period if you choose any of the above floorings. It's a wise investment for anyone with foot traffic in their home. 

Will dogs scratch engineered wood floors?

The endurance, use, and upkeep of a floor are all factors to consider when deciding on the best choice for your home flooring.

However, dog owners must take into account additional factors. For example, when you own a furry friend, they need flooring that can withstand the day-to-day scuffs, scratches and scrapes. 

Pre-finished engineered hardwood flooring is far more durable and long-lasting than original hardwood floors. These are an excellent option for dog owners who prefer the cosy feel of wood floors but with an added layer of protection and durability.

The finish of the engineered hardwood flooring

Why? You might ask. Engineered hardwood flooring has a finish that extends below the floor's surface, making it resistant to dog scratches. In addition, one of the market's most durable and scratch-resistant finishes comes with an additional layer of liquid acrylic-infused topcoat.

Slip-resistant options 

Just think of this common scenario. The doorbell rings and your Fido's ears perk up. He scrambles to his feet and, in doing so, tries to get his footing on the smooth hardwood floor by digging his nails in, resulting in noticeable scratches.

Until now, the only solution to this issue was to use throw rugs to prevent slipping. But now, there is a better option in engineered hardwood flooring. This flooring is resistant to dog scratches and offers slip resistance, providing the dogs with improved underfoot hold.

Aesthetics and functionality

A scratch-resistant floor doesn't necessarily require sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Various styles and colours are available for engineered wood flooring, from traditional designs to more up-to-date colours.

How do I protect engineered wood floors from my furry friend? 

It goes without saying that with any floor, proper maintenance and care are necessary to keep it looking its best. This is particularly true for people who own dogs, as they are not unfamiliar with the following being tracked and brought into the home:

• Dirt and debris
• Pet hair and dander
• Sometimes the odd dead bird or a dirty toy
• Heavy foot traffic with general wear and tear

Let's look at some tips to keep your floors looking great and get that clean feel with your floors.

Cleaning liquid spills immediately 

Regardless of the type of flooring, cleaning up spills and mishaps as soon as they occur will help prevent lasting stains or damage to the floor. Your floors are more vulnerable to liquid damage the longer liquid lies on them. 

Grooming and trimming your dog's nails regularly  

Grooming your dog regularly is one of the most effective ways to protect your hardwood floors from dog scratches. In addition, if you don't keep your dog's nails trimmed regularly, they will grow longer, which will cause them to grip the wood more deeply. If you take the time to keep your dog's nails trimmed, you can cut down on the amount of damage that your dog causes to your floors. 

Create a designated spot for feeding your pet 

Likely, the area where your cat or dog eats is messier than the rest of the house.

Placing protective mats on your flooring in the kitchen and under your pet’s food and water bowls will help catch spills and reduce the risk of damage. This will also prevent the bowls from moving around the floor while your pet takes a well-deserved snack or drink.

Vacuuming and mopping regularly  

Embracing a daily floor cleaning schedule can reduce the effort required to keep your floors in good condition. In addition, vacuuming regularly will help keep pet fur and particles at bay. Mopping keeps your floors smelling fresh. To keep things simple, concentrate on high-traffic places for a daily mopping and vacuuming routine.

Use floor mats or runners 

Consider the high-foot traffic areas in your home where you know your dog will take a sprint or run. These can include areas near a doggie door, the front door, and areas where your dog frequently plays. Installing floor mats or runners in key positions will significantly help.

Take your dog for a daily walk 

Taking a dog for a walk on a hard surface effectively keeps their nails in good shape. To prevent your dog's nails from growing too long, it is recommended that you take him for long walks outside frequently. 

Using the above ideas will help you keep scratches to a minimum. Needless to say, it will also help 'Fido' be happy and comfy.

Choose quality floors - You and your pet deserve it!

Your furry friends have the ability to enrich the lives of everybody they come in contact with. If you invest in good quality hardwood flooring, vinyl, laminate or engineered hardwood, you can rest assured that your floor will last through your pet’s rough play without sacrificing its aesthetic value.

Hardwood pet-friendly flooring contributes to a healthier environment, both for humans and the furry members of their families. 

You can depend on us at Havwoods for all your flooring requirements, from solid wood to engineered wood. View our selection of products and request a free sample to select the ideal flooring for your home.