Some homeowners worry about having pets and hardwood floors, but is it really a big deal?
Which comes first—your pet or your hardwood flooring? Chances are, you answered your pet. However, that doesn’t mean that both can’t coexist! There are many simple ways that you can work to integrate your pets and your hardwood flooring to protect the animal that means most to you and the investment you made in your hardwood flooring.
Choose a Hard Hardwood
It sounds a little bit silly, but there are several different hardness levels of hardwood floors. The hardwood flooring you have is rated using the Janka Hardness Test, which measures how much force it takes to dent wood with a tiny steel ball. The Janka rating is typically available at the store you are using for purchasing your hardwood flooring (JKE Hardwood Flooring, of course!), and the higher that the rating is, the more likely it will be to stand up to nails and pet stains.
Some of the most common types of hardwood flooring have ratings of:
- Bamboo: 2789
- American Hickory: 1820
- Hard Maple: 1450
- White Oak: 1360
- Red Oak: 1290
- Heart Pine: 1225
- American Cherry: 950
- Brazilian Walnut: 3680
Add a Finish
One of the best ways to prevent your pets from scratching up your hardwood flooring is by adding a finish. A good finish will prevent scratches from setting in and the need to refinish your flooring. Your flooring expert at JKE Hardwood Flooring can recommend the best sealer or finish for you.
Make Your Hardwood Flooring and Pets Get Along
Other than choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home, there are several ways that you can ensure that your pets won’t do any undue damage:
- Keep your pets off of hardwood flooring until they are house trained. This will prevent any stains from setting on your hardwood flooring if your dog or cat has an accident.
- Trim sharp claws, especially if your pet is heavier in weight.
- Reduce playtime on hardwood flooring by discouraging your pets from playing in hardwood areas frequently.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? You Can Trust John K Eareckson & Co.!
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come. From a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.