Having dogs in the home may be a terrific way to bring pleasure and companionship into one’s life, but it can also create some issues when it comes to choosing the floor. The installation of hardwood flooring is a well-liked option for many homeowners, yet, this kind of flooring may be challenging to clean and maintain when dogs and other pets are present. This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of having hardwood floors in a home with dogs and other pets, in addition to providing some advice on how hardwood floor repair and maintenance look their best over time.
Advantages of Hardwood Floors for People Who Own Pets
- Hardwood floors are an ideal option for pet owners since they require minimal cleaning and maintenance
- Hardwood floors, in contrast to carpets, do not take in pet hair or smells, which means that they maintain their clean appearance for a more extended period of time
- In addition to their longevity, hardwood floors are scratch-resistant, making them ideal for households with animals
- Furthermore, they are hypoallergenic, which is a benefit for pet owners who battle allergy responses.
Tips for Maintaining Hardwood Floors Wile Having Pets
Pet owners may take a variety of preventative measures to ensure that their hardwood floors retain their lustrous appearance over time. To begin, it is essential to vacuum often so that debris and pet hair may be removed. In high-traffic areas, the use of area rugs to protect the flooring from scratches is another fantastic suggestion that should be considered. Pet owners should protect their furniture from dings and scratches by placing felt pads below each leg.
Choosing the Appropriate Hardwood Flooring
When purchasing hardwood flooring for a house that also has dogs, it is essential to choose a kind that is both long-lasting and simple to clean and maintain. It is recommended to go for engineered hardwood rather than conventional hardwood since engineered hardwood is more resistant to scratches and dampness. It is also essential to choose a finish that does not need a lot of effort to maintain, such as polyurethane or wax.
Hardwoods with more dramatic grain patterns are better able to conceal scratches than those with less dramatic patterns. Both red oak and hickory have noticeable grain patterns, which make them excellent choices for covering up minor imperfections.
Cleaning Up After Your Pet’s Messes
It is essential for people who own dogs to be ready to clean up any messes their animals generate on hardwood floors in the event that an accident occurs. Utilizing a moist mop or cloth to remove any solid dirt and then following up with a cleaning solution developed particularly for hardwood floors is the most effective approach to do this task. In order to avoid further damage caused by water, it is essential to dry the area as soon as it has been cleaned.
Protecting Hardwood Floors from Pet Claws
Hardwood floors are susceptible to being scratched and dented by the claws of pets, which is why it is essential to take precautions to preserve them. Regularly cutting the nails of one’s animal companions may help lessen the danger of injury. When their animals are allowed inside the home, pet owners have the option of providing their animals with booties or coverings for their claws.
Invest In A Bed For Your Pet
Over time, the finish on your hardwood floors will get worn in areas where your dog likes to sleep, such as the corner of your living room or below the table in the kitchen, especially if he does this often. Investing him in a comfy dog bed for him to snooze on is a simple answer to this problem. Both your floors and your dog will be grateful to you for doing so.
Go Low Sheen
Scratches are more likely to be less noticeable on a floor that has a finish that is matte or has a lower sheen level. This is because any marks or imperfections in the finish won’t stand out as much against the sheen level of the floor.
Maintain A Light Tone Throughout
Pets’ scratches are less likely to be seen on surfaces that have been treated with a lighter tone since the markings do not create as dramatic of a contrast with the color of the floor. The finest hardwood floors for dogs and cats are flooring with lighter colours because lighter floors are better at hiding pet hair than darker floors, which show scratches and pet hair from shedding pets much more clearly.
Final Thoughts
It may be difficult to keep pets and dogs in a home with hardwood flooring, but this does not mean that it is impossible to do so. Pet owners may retain the beautiful appearance of their hardwood floors for many years to come with the correct flooring, regular cleaning, and specific preventative measures. Pet owners may appreciate the elegance of hardwood flooring while still enjoying the company of their treasured animals if they are willing to put in a little bit of extra work.