Whether you choose traditional hardwoods or engineered hardwoods, you're always going to be susceptible to some scratches from your dog's claws. But keeping nails trimmed and the use of area rugs, especially at the base of stairs in a multi-story home, can help protect your floors.
If wooden flooring is what you want despite having a cat or dog, then engineered hardwood is the choice to make every single time. This is because the manufacturing process generally gives this sort of surface a veneer that is tougher and more able to resist damage from scratches and stains made by your furry friends.
An engineered wood floor that is untreated will not only be succeptible to moisture ingress and water damage but also to scratching and marking. You can buy unfinished engineered wood floors but should never leave them untreated.
Engineered hickory flooring is our best recommendation for indoor pets if you are looking for hardwood. Key Takeaway: When selecting hardwood flooring for a pet-friendly home, consider factors such as species type, hardwood type, and finish.
If you want added protection from scratching, select engineered hardwood with HDF – or high-density fiberboard – instead of plywood as the core material. HDF is heavier, stronger, and denser than plywood, so it resists scratching better and makes your floors sturdier than plywood does.
Vinyl is our top choice, but laminate is also an excellent option. If you have a bit more money to spend, you can consider tile, which is more expensive than vinyl or laminate flooring but offers similar dog-friendly characteristics like water and scratch resistance.
Cons of Engineered Wood Floors
Require special care: These floors cannot be cleaned the same way hardwood floors can be. Only use engineered specific cleaning products. Not as Thick: With only a single thin layer of true hardwood, they can scratch and become damaged more easily.
Prone to Fading: Engineered wood is prone to fading in the sun. While this is true of many hardwood varieties as well, it's of greater concern for engineered floors due to refinishing limitations. VOCs: Because engineered flooring is constructed with adhesives and chemicals, there is a risk of VOC off-gassing.
To prevent damage and scratches, fit felt pads on heavy pieces of furniture that might have to be moved across the floor, like beds, coffee tables, and couches. Also, keep in mind that heeled shoes will dent an engineered wood floor, so it's helpful to avoid walking across these floors in heels when possible.
Remember, your engineered flooring is cared for mostly the same as you would for hardwood floors since the uppermost wear layer is comprised solely of hardwood. Always sweep or dust before you mop. Remove as much dirt and debris before mopping to avoid damaging your floors. Clean up spills as soon as possible.
Most engineered wood flooring has a core that isn't water-resistant and will be damaged if it's soaked in water. Once the core has absorbed enough water, the floor will begin to expand and cupping will occur.
Scratch-resistant flooring is an ideal option for pet owners. Laminate, tile, and vinyl floors are all great options that can withstand scratching and denting. Laminate floors are a great choice, as they offer the look of hardwood but with added protection against claw marks.
DEEP CLEAN OF ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORS
When I want to deep clean my engineered wood floors, I use BONA Hardwood Floor Cleaner with the BONA Microfiber Mop! This is the ONLY product I trust on my wood floors! Let's just say I learned the hard way what products NOT to use on my wood floors!
The Swiffer® WetJet Wood™ system features a unique dual-nozzle sprayer that will coat your Hearthwood engineered hardwood floor evenly with an ultra-fine mist. This will loosen dirt so that you can maneuver the flexible swivel head and microfiber-like pads to absorb and lift dirt, grime, and germs off of your floor.
Engineered floors are generally very durable and if properly maintained will last for decades. Engineered wood flooring consists of plywood, HDF, or softwood, combined with a layer of hardwood. The durable nature of engineered wood means that it should last for at least 25 to 30 years before needing replaced.
Engineered hardwood floors do not need to be refinished and maintained the way authentic hardwood does over time. At the same time, they offer the same look as authentic hardwood, increasing the value of your home at a fraction of the cost.
At a minimum, LVP flooring offers water resistance. However, many LVP floors go a step further and deliver 100% waterproofing. So, if you're terribly concerned about water damage, LVP may be the better option. Engineered hardwood flooring offers better moisture resistance than solid hardwood flooring.
Overall, engineered hardwood offers a more natural feel as well as longer durability, making it the better investment option in the long run. However, if budget is your primary concern, laminate can be a great choice with its lower price tag and ease of installation.
Most dog owners forgo hardwood flooring because it can be easily damaged by dogs' nails. If you're set on hardwood, consider a hard wood variety or engineered hardwood planks, which tend to hold up better. Laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet have excellent scratch resistance to hold up to the click-clack of claws.
Brazilian Walnut or Ipe
Whenever you want the hardest hardwood, domestic species tend to be the way to go. However, Brazilian hardwood flooring is universally hard and dense. Ipe, often called Brazilian walnut, is hard enough that it is even used on outdoor decks.
Many DIY kennels have concrete floors, but the material is hard on dog joints and can lead to skeletal problems. Far better flooring options include rubber, epoxy, plastic, vinyl, and engineered wood. Each of these has its pros and cons. For example, epoxy floors are shock, fire, and water-resistant.
Engineered Hardwood vs Solid Hardwood: Lifespan
Since solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times, Yahoodain says it can last up to 100 years. Because the veneer of engineered hardwood is thin, you can only refinish it once or twice. So, it will last between 20 and 40 years.