Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its warmth and beauty, as the material enhances the look of their living space. However, if you share the roof with a wagging tail, then that same flooring will be quickly filled with the print of their paws, visible scratch marks, and accidents as well. You may wonder whether wooden flooring is in your destiny. The answer is yes! All you need to do is opt for the correct styles and see how the flooring impresses you by enduring the rigors of a canine’s presence.

In this blog, we will discuss the best hardwood flooring options for dog owners and how Central Mass Hardwood, Inc. can help with our professional consultations and installations.

Dogs and Hardwood Flooring: The Challenges

As a dog owner planning to get hardwood flooring at your end, it is also important for you to understand the challenges dogs bring:

Scratches

Despite trimming your pup’s nails, they can still leave scuffs and scratches on the flooring, especially on softer wooden surfaces or finishes. 

Dents

Big-sized or obese dogs cause dents on less dense surfaces when they run around the house. 

Moisture

You can’t stop accidents from happening. For instance, your pet might urinate on the floor, which can seep into the wood, resulting in stains and an unpleasant odor for any visitor, even if they are an outsider. Hence, prompt cleaning is vital. 

Top Hardwood Flooring Choices 

When picking hardwood for a dog-friendly home, concentrate on the hardness, grain pattern, and finishing of the wood: 

1. Hardness: Embrace The Janka Scale

Embrace the Janka hardness scale as which measures the resistance of the wood to tell you if it would be able to tolerate denting and wear. Higher Janka ratings mean that the wood is harder and ideal for dogs to move around:

Hickory

Hickory takes the lead in being one of the hardest woods for domestic purposes. It is exceptionally durable, with a unique grain pattern that helps conceal minute flaws, making it an ideal choice for active households. 

Maple 

Maple is another durable choice, although not as hard as hickory, it has a fine, consistent grain that can be more prone to showing scratches from your furry friend. However, the light shade can hide those scruffs. 

Oak 

In the list of the best types of hardwood flooring, oak is also present. Whether it’s white oak or red oak, both are equally popular and widely available in the market. The white one is a bit harder with a more pronounced grain, which will work in your favour as it camouflages minor destruction. 

Exotic Hardwoods

You can consider buying exotic hardwoods such as Brazilian Cherry and Walnut. These typically have very high Janka ratings, which translates to higher durability scores. However, keep in mind that these can be pricey and darken with time. 

Grain Pattern

Grain patterns in the wood help mask minor scratches and scuffs, making them less prominent compared to a smooth-grained floor. Therefore, hickory and oak are more attractive to dog owners. 

Finishing 

Search for hardwood flooring that consists of aluminum oxide finishes and oil-based polyurethane. Both of them impress you with their durability, offering a scratch-resistant layer and a protective coating.

Get a Free Quote on Marlborough’s Best Wood Flooring Services with Central Mass Hardwood, Inc.

At Central Mass Hardwood, Inc., we are more than just flooring experts. We are committed to delivering exceptional services and products that consistently exceed our customers’ expectations. Our professional team is highly trained and experienced in all aspects of wood flooring installation, repair, staining, and finishing. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly, durable, and stylish flooring option for your home or business, we’ve got you covered. To learn more and get a free quote, contact us online or call us at 508-460-0199.