Some Tips for Keeping Your Pet and Wood Flooring on Good Terms

Are you thinking of installing new wood flooring, but a little voice inside your head is warning you to think again because of the havoc your beloved pooch could wreak? This is a concern often shared by our customers that we hope to ease.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that it is indeed possible for pet owners to enjoy the appearance and allure of wood floors. That being said, certain precautions should be taken to preserve the original look of your floor.

Like any piece of furniture or decorative item, there are no guarantees that your floor will stay perfect for life (see the Preverco guarantee). However, here is some practical advice to help your furry friend and hardwood floor get along:

1. Opt for a matte (or oiled) finish. This low luster finish will help to minimize the appearance of marks that your pet’s claws can cause.
2. A brushed finish makes for an excellent choice. The surface of the wood has undergone brushing to remove the softer grain and accentuate its appearance with greater texture.Not only does this finish have a natural and rustic look, it also contributes to concealing small scratches.
3. Edge and Wave. The combination of random texture, low luster, and natural wood character make these styles more pet-friendly.
4. Dark or light? The colour and gloss level of your floor can also help to exaggerate or lesson the appearance of scratches and shed fur. It is important to take this into consideration when choosing the floor to best suit your needs.
5. Room lighting. To further attenuate the appearance of scratches on the floor, it is advisable to adjust the lighting in your room. In that regard, a dimmer switch can make all the difference to soften your lighting when you have guests over.

Did you know that your dog’s claws do not actually penetrate your floor’s finish when he/she is scampering around the house? In fact, what happens is that the claw lightly compresses the wood fibre and stretches the finish to fill the tiny voids left behind.

Will your pet leave its mark everywhere? Not likely. However; you should identify his/her most frequently travelled paths around your home (i.e. entryway) and cover these areas with a rug or carpet. Also, it is important to clip your dog’s claws frequently and to wipe your pooch’s paws after a walk to ensure he/she is not tracking any dirt or stones in from outside.

If you follow these simple tips, if you put a small waterproof mat under your pet’s food and water bowls, and if you clean up any small spills or accidents as they happen, you’re sure to be delighted with having chosen wood flooring — particularly if it bears the Preverco tag!