As Americans, we love our pets. Many of us have multiple dogs or cats. We all know the damage pets can do to just about any type of flooring. If you’re looking at hardwood floors, you may be wondering if wood flooring is a good option and if so, which type is the best. Here are some tips to help you choose the hardwood flooring that will last even in your home with pets.
Wood Species
In a previous blog we discussed the Janka hardnes scale and why you should understand hardness of various species of wood flooring. As you look at different wood species there are a few you should avoid like pine, cedar, American cherry and American walnut as they’re softer woods. Some harder species include: white or red oak, ash and heart pine. You may also want to look at flooring that has a tight or busy graining pattern which will make scratches less apparent.
Finish
Darker stains show damage (and dust) more easily than lighter colored stain. We would recommend a lighter stain and to consider an extra coat of polyurethane. This will help protect the actual wood from scratches longer which may mean you can put off a buff and recoat a bit longer too. When choosing the finish, keep in mind that the higher the gloss, the more likely you’ll notice an imperfection. We recommend a matte finish for homes with both pets and kids.
Reclaimed or Distressed Wood Floors
Another option is to choose an already imperfect wood flooring material. Reclaimed and distressed wood floors are a great way to have a beautiful hardwood floor without the worry of the occasional scratch or other dent or ding. We can finish your hardwood floors in an artificially distressed manner if reclaimed wood isn’t in your budget. Depending on your home and style preferences, this is a great way to create a historic look in your home. Authentic Hardwood Flooring offers many flooring options from leading mills. We’d be happy to discuss the best options for your family, budget and lifestyle during your free consultation. Call (727) 786-6330 or fill out our contact form today.