Pet Proof Your Timber Flooring

According to the largest general survey of pet owners released by Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ), New Zealand has some of the world’s greatest pet lovers. Results showing that 41% of New Zealand households having a cat and 34% of households having at least one dog.

Feeding
Dogs can have a high level of ammonia in thier saliva and urine which can cause staining or discolouration on timber floors. Keeping dog bowls on a tray can minimise water splashes, limiting feeding areas outdoors or in spaces that are easier to clean or not timber finished can also reduce possible damage.  

Cleaning
It’s inevitable to have some accidents with toilet training, older pets or cats knocking over vases and the like. Cleaning these spills promptly will reduce the damage or discolouration that can occur to your floors.

Grooming
An excitable dog running around a house with your children is fun but can leave scratches in your timber floors. Keeping pet’s claws trimmed will minimise scratches to your floor surface.

Floor colour
Choosing flooring products with natural grains/variations and lighter tones draws less attention to any scratches or dents that are dealt to your flooring. Try looking at rustic and feature grades for your flooring choice.

Texture
There are a large range of flooring effects and textures that you can choose from, wire brushed to band-sawn to hand-scraped. Any scratches or dents made from pets can add character to these textured finishes.

Wood Species
Each species of timber has a different hardness. When it comes to most household applications, timbers classed as ‘moderately hard’ is appropriate.

The table below lists some examples of species hardness ratings by the AFTA.

Floor Finish

While a floor finish doesn’t improve the hardness of a floor surface, here’s some things to consider in what finish you choose for your home. Polyurethanes can be slightly more stain resistant, but if your pets scratch the floor, a re-sand and coat would be needed to re-treat the floors. ​ 

Oils and Hardwax finishes can give you a little more freedom with applying oil to scratch marks. But, regardless of the floor finish, any spills and messes will stain, if they aren’t cleaned up quickly. Regular care and maintenance of your oiled floor will make it easier to keep clean.   

We’ve had pets for years and still love our timber floors. If you have pets and want to discuss the best flooring options for your home, send us an email and one of our flooring specialists can help you find the best floor for your needs.

^{CANZ Survey: https://www.companionanimals.nz/publications
Images: Karolina Grabo | Pexels
Timber Hardness Chart: Australasian Timber Flooring Association (AFTA)}