Many homeowners in Minnesota love the look of hardwood floors, but they have a dog. Does that mean hardwood flooring is out of the question? Definitely not. What is the best wood flooring for dogs?
Your dog can live harmoniously with your hardwood floor as long as you review and consider the following factors:
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Whether you have a dog or not, deciding between prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring is challenging enough for homeowners.
Choosing one or the other depends heavily on your specific needs, but for homes with dogs specifically, prefinished is generally your best option.
Why? Well, manufacturers often use an aluminum oxide finish for prefinished hardwood flooring. This finish contains tiny flecks of aluminum oxide and this creates a stronger and more durable surface, which protects against scratching.
Additionally, manufacturers typically cure prefinished hardwood planks under UV lights which hardens the coats of finish even more.
Dark vs. Light Hardwood Flooring
Another major decision homeowners make in regard to hardwood flooring is whether they should install dark or light.
This decision relies heavily on taste and style preferences, however, when factoring in a dog, light hardwood floors are your best bet.
Light hardwood flooring will not protect against or prevent scratching, but lighter wood species have a tendency to camouflage scratches and dents better than darker wood species.
For example, species like oak with a fair amount of graining is a great option if you have a dog.
Untextured vs. Textured Hardwood Flooring
Similar to the coloring of your hardwood floor, the surface texture of your floor will not prevent scratching, however it can greatly minimize the appearance of scratching or denting.
Therefore, for households with dogs, choosing a textured hardwood flooring option over a smooth texture is your best option.
For example, handscraped flooring is a popular option because it not only adds unique character to homes, it helps camouflage wear and tear.
Soft vs. Hard Wood Species
Wood species used in the production of hardwood flooring offer different hardnesses.
There are incredibly soft wood species, like American Cherry, and incredibly hard wood species, like Brazilian Walnut.
With that said, the harder the wood species is, the less drastic scratching and denting will be.
A huge positive in relation to this factor is the hardness of wood species does not depend on color.
Therefore, whether you want light or dark hardwood flooring, you won’t have to sacrifice the color you would like to get the strength you are looking for.
For example, if you want light flooring, hickory is a great option that is highly durable.
Here Are Some Flooring Choices For Dogs
When it comes to choosing the best hardwood flooring for dogs, you’ll need to consider several factors, such as durability, hardness, and resistance to scratches and stains. Here are some of the best hardwood flooring options for homes with dogs:
Red Oak
Red oak is a popular hardwood flooring option due to its affordability and durability. It has a unique grain pattern and a warm reddish hue. Red oak is rated 1290 on the Janka hardness scale, making it resistant to scratches and less likely to dent.
Maple
Maple is a hardwood with a uniform appearance and a light, natural color. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1450, making it ideal for homes with dogs. Maple is also resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it easy to maintain.
Hickory
Hickory is a durable option that has a rustic look due to its natural grain variations and knots. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1820, making it one of the toughest hardwoods available. Hickory is also resistant to scratches and dents and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
In summary, there are several hardwood flooring options that are ideal for homes with dogs. Red oak, maple, and hickory are all durable, resistant to scratches and dents, and easy to maintain, making them great options for pet owners. With the right care and maintenance, there are many options available
Choosing Your Best Option
Now that you know the common factors and have a few options to consider when choosing the best hardwood floor option for your home and furry friend, its time to get started on your home improvement project!
For three generations, Dave’s has partnered with homeowners in the Twin Cities metro to install hardwood flooring efficiently, as well as provide essential maintenance and care tips for your hardwood floor longevity.
If you have a dog and are considering hardwood flooring, contact us and we will be happy to help you determine your best option – 763-784-3000.