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Dogs and Hardwood Floors
Dogs and hardwood floors are a good match, contrary to popular
belief. Dogs can do a lot of damage to any style of flooring; damage like scratches and urine stains. That's a fact.
Dogs produce or stir up a great deal of dust, dirt, dander, shedding, fleas, ticks and odor you
wouldn't have to deal with in a pet-free home.
So as a dog owner, your flooring choice should reflect two main factors:
- Ease in cleaning and repair
- Health of your family
With those criteria in mind, are dogs and hardwood floors compatible?
| DID YOU KNOW? Our beloved pets favor lounging on the insulating effects of hardwood floors ... which keep your rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter! |
Let's review a few different flooring materials and see ...
Dogs and Carpet
Carpet confines animal dander, shedding, fleas, ticks, dust and dirt, and odor. Urine stains are extremely difficult to clean and really never go away. They soak into the backing and pad of the carpet. They lurk where you can't see them. In addition, dogs have oils on their skin that can transfer to the carpet and cause damage or discoloring. Dogs commonly have a habit of "digging" on softer surfaces like blankets, couches, the lawn, even your lap if they can fit on it (and doesn't every dog think he/she is a lap dog!). With a dog in the house, there is a much greater certainty that the carpet will wear faster and need to be replaced sooner, apart from the spots of dog damage here and there.
Dogs and Laminate
It is easy to wipe up dog urine on a laminate floor. It typically won't seep through unless it is left to sit for a long period of time. But if that happens, the floor may bubble. The drawback to laminate is that it is permanently damaged by scratches, chips, dents and bubbling made by dogs and cats. You can't fix it. It needs to be replaced. And here's a tip: If you are considering purchasing laminate flooring, check into the specifics of the warranty. Often, the manufacturer won't guarantee the floor if you have pets. Learn more about Laminate Hardwood Flooring.
Dogs and Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood can be sanded, to repair dog scratches and the like, But only one to three times ... and then it will need to be replaced. Also be sure to wipe up dog urine immediately as it often soaks into the seams and permanently warps the floor. Find out more about Engineered Hardwood Flooring.
Dogs and Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors sustain the same use and abuse by dogs as carpeting or any other flooring ... but:
- Hardwood Floors do not confine dog allergens, hair, dust or odor.
- Moisture damage from dog urine can occur on hardwood floors just like any other flooring; however, hardwood floors are the
only type that can be fully restored to look like new again, in most cases, with a sand and recoat.
- Likewise, dog scratches and other surface damage can be sanded and refinished ... as many times as is needed, for generations of dogs.
Floors, just like the houses they are installed in, are meant to be used, enjoyed, and lived on. Hardwood doesn't highlight little dings, dents, and nicks like other flooring - in fact, if they are noticeable at all, they add to the character and charm of the wood. Hardwood floors really are a healthy and practical choice for homeowners with pets.
Dogs and Hardwood Floors Tips:
1.) Clip your dog's nails regularly.
2.) Wipe up urine as quickly as possible.
3.) Keep water bowls off the floor (use a rug or raised dog bowls)
4.) Place an area rug at doors in and out of the house your dog uses frequently.
5.) Use an area rug or oversized dog bed as the "play area" where your dog can play with chew toys, bones, etc.
Here are some of our top picks to manage your dogs nails and keep that water dish off your floors. Simple, inexpensive solutions that help protect any kind of floor. NOTE: The braided pet diner rug below is okay for poly-finished hardwood floors because it is straight polyester or cotton. Please don't use just any rug or mat on your floor as the backing can, and often will, damage the finish. Check out our Area Rugs For Hardwood Floors page to learn about choosing the right area rug pads.
Dogs and hardwood floors can get along just fine, with no more effort than you would want to make for other flooring materials, but with some definite benefits.
Dogs and Hardwood Floors to Pet Urine and Hardwood Floors