Choosing the right hardwood floor for a pet-friendly home doesn’t have to be stressful. At Ralph’s, we understand that your pets are part of the family, and your flooring needs to handle everything from playful paws to the occasional mess. Let’s talk about how to find the perfect hardwood for your home.
Durable Finishes: A Pet Owner’s Best Friend
When it comes to finishes, durability is key—and we’ve got options that work well for homes with pets:
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Aluminum Oxide Finish: This finish is fantastic for pet owners. It’s tough, long-lasting, and highly resistant to abrasions and scratches. Even with pets running around daily, it helps your floors look great.
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Swedish Finish (Glitsa): Our Glitsa Swedish finish offers different durability. While it’s easier to scratch than aluminum oxide, its unique properties make those scratches much less noticeable, which is a big plus in a pet-friendly home.
Ideal Wood Species for Homes With Pets
Picking the right wood is just as important as choosing the right finish. Here’s what we suggest:
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Oak: Oak’s strong grain is a lifesaver when hiding those small indentations pets can leave behind. It’s also durable enough to handle a bit of roughhousing.
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Hickory: Hickory is your go-to if you’re looking for the toughest option. It’s the hardest domestic wood we offer, and its density means it’s less likely to show indentations from your pet’s nails.
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Ash: Ash is another great choice. Like oak, its grain helps mask imperfections, making it ideal for active households.
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Maple: Even though maple is technically harder than oak, we don’t usually recommend it for pet owners. Its lack of grain makes indentations stand out more.
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Softer Woods (Birch, Cherry, Walnut, Pine): These woods will show indentations more easily. If you love the look of softer woods, you’ll need to stay on top of nail trims or embrace the “character” those marks bring to your floors.
Tips for a Pet-Friendly Finish
- Choose a Lower Sheen: Lower-sheen finishes are great at hiding scratches and indentations, so your floor stays looking its best.
Expert Installation
A quality hardwood floor starts with expert installation. Our team knows how to secure each plank properly, ensuring your floors handle everything life (and your pets) throws at them. A level floor also adds to the longevity and performance of your investment.
Easy Maintenance Tips
Keeping your floors in great shape with pets is easier than you think:
- Use rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize wear.
- Trim your pet’s nails regularly to reduce scratching.
- Clean up spills promptly, especially accidents, as pet urine can cause permanent damage if left too long.
Refinishing Services
Even with the best care, your floors might need a little TLC down the road. Our refinishing services can remove surface scratches and dents, restoring your floor’s original beauty. It’s a simple way to keep your investment looking fresh for years.
At Ralph’s, we help you find the perfect hardwood floor for your pet-friendly home. Please stop by our showroom, and let’s find a solution that works for you, your family, and your furry friends!
