Can I have Solid or Engineered Wood Flooring With Pets?

spaniel on rug atop engineered wood flooring

One question frequently asked by our prospective clients is  –  Can I have solid or engineered wood flooring if I have pets? The answer is definitely yes.  However, a little knowledge about the different options available is essential to help decide which is best for you.  With a little care and maintenance wood flooring can withstand the messiest of pets.   In this guide we offer a few tips to keep your flooring looking good whilst allowing for the comings and goings of muddy paws.

Hardwood flooring is very durable and definitely the better option over soft wood. With oak and elm popular choices. Other species include ash, sycamore and chestnut in both solid and the engineered flooring range.  There is very little difference between the look of the surface of a solid wood floor and an engineered floor.  Solid wood flooring consists of solid boards.  Engineered boards are a layer of solid wood bonded onto a ply base.  Buy the best you can afford especially if opting for engineered.   Best quality engineered boards have a thicker top veneer of solid wood. This allows for re-sanding 3 – 4 times giving the floor greater longevity.  Solid flooring is equally suitable allowing re-sanding many times.

FINISHES

Choose your finish carefully, opt one that is hardwearing.  Steer clear of lacquers that often have a glossy finish that will show scratches more easily.  An oiled finish retains the natural look of the wood and any scratches seem less apparent. If after time the floor appears a little tired oiled floors are easily repairable. Repair small scratches with the use of a maintenance oil, for deeper scratches lightly sand first. Choose a high quality matt oil finish (we recommend OSMO products).  Oil finishes do wear off after time. Applying a fresh layer is a really simple process and will bring the floor back to new again.

MAINTENANCE

Regular cleaning and weekly vacuuming with a soft head will keep your floor clear of dust increasing its longevity.  Fur balls that appear like tumbleweed across the floor are easily visible and easy to sweep up. Read our blog on maintenance for further advice.

To prevent marks in the first place try to keep your pets claws trimmed. Keep claws short to prevent small scratches. A mat at the entrance of hallways reduces the amount of dirt and moisture entering the room.

Far more hygienic than carpets, wood flooring is so easy to clean. It dramatically reduces the existence dust mites along with all other parasites such as fleas. A great relief for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Don’t let the thought of pets and hardwood floors deter you – millions of homes harbour both peacefully and without issue. Making the right choice when it comes to wood types and styles, quickly cleaning up accidents. Keeping an eye on claws will all help maintain the floor.

It’s a compromise. However, we think that a few scratches here and there is a small price to pay to have a beloved pet and a stunning wood floor.

Author photo for Ben Sutton

About the author

Ben Sutton has established himself as independent hardwood timber merchant and supplier with a solid reputation built up over the last 20 years. He is committed to providing a bespoke and professional service to his clients at all times, whilst maintaining the highest quality product. Follow Ben on LinkedIn.