Installing a quality hardwood floor is a sure way to add a touch of elegance and class to your home. However, having pets shifts the stakes quite significantly. The stories of the amount of damage your pets can do to hardwood flooring becomes a real concern. Maybe it's not such a good idea after all - or is it?
It is possible to choose other flooring options such as laminate flooring that are better suited to resist scratches. However, if your heart is set on hardwood, it is time to learn the necessary precautions to take. Maintaining hardwood floors as a pet owner should not be strenuous, and these tips will help.
Use the Best Quality Hardwood You Can Get - Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Style is important, however, when you have pets running around, durability is a more relevant concern. Engineered hardwood flooring combines the natural aesthetics of hardwood with the reliability of synthetic material to make sure that your floor withstands all kinds of smudges, scratches, and dents for many years.
Keep Their Nails Trimmed
Trim your pet’s nails on a regular basis – this is to avoid scratches and makes for longer lasting and scratch-free hardwood floors. Alternatively, get nail caps for your pets. They will protect your floor from nail scratches for several months. However, consult with your veterinarian on the best brands.
Train the Pets
Damage to your hardwood flooring will happen quicker if your pets are overly playful in the house particularly at high speeds. Therefore, train your pets to walk while indoors. Alternatively, place some rugs in the areas where they are most playful and teach them to stick to those areas.
Clean Up Messes Immediately
Pets can be quite messy. If your pets make a mess on the floor, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible. Although engineered hardwood flooring is not moisture absorbent, making sure that you clean up spills will rid you of unsightly stains.
Opt for a Matte or Low Gloss Finish
The colors and gloss level of your hardwood floor can lessen or exaggerate the appearance of shed fur and scratches. Engineered hardwood flooring comes in a variety of colours, textures, and gloss levels. As a pet lover, lighter colours with low gloss levels will serve you best.
Sweep the Floor Regularly
It is amazing what you and your pet can bring into the house unknowingly. If left on the floor, rocks and dirt can seriously damage your hardwood floor as they are ground in by foot traffic. Sweeping will keep these destructive elements out.
It is possible to have pets and still maintain the appeal and allure of your hardwood floor for years. Contact Flooring Superstores Edmonton today to learn more about engineered hardwood flooring, the best option for all Edmonton pet lovers who love hardwood floors.