You can reduce dog scratches by selecting harder woods for your flooring. For example, hickory, maple, and oak are less susceptible to scratches than softer wood flooring like pine, birch, or cherry. Those harder wood surfaces help ward off scratches and dents.
The best hardwood flooring for dogs is one that is durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Options like oak, maple, and hickory are ideal, as they are tough and can withstand wear and tear. Consider floors with a protective finish or those designed specifically for pet owners.
But with a hardness rating of 1820, Hickory is among the strongest hardwoods commonly used for flooring. It's incredibly resistant to scratches, dings and dents.
Hardwood with open grain and prominent graining patterns can camouflage the scratches and dents on the floor. Red oak, hickory, ash, and several exotic species of hardwood are known for their unique and strong graining.
Basic facts about hickory wood
Wider boards are usually used for flooring because they better reflect the design and patterns of the wood. Although hickory wood is harder than many other kinds of wood, a major drawback is that it is very prone to swelling.
Does Hickory Flooring Yellow Over Time? As with any natural material, hickory flooring may undergo subtle changes in color over time. The heartwood, with its rich dark hues, can mellow into lighter shades, displaying a spectrum from pale blond to warm amber and golden brown.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
Put Some Rugs And Carpet
Place some mats or runners in hallways or places where your pets stay the most. Putting rugs in front of entrance ways and dog doors also helps minimize scratches and dents on the hardwood floor.
So, hickory is generally harder and more durable than oak. However, oak is more resistant to dents and scratches.
Always dry clean the floor first. DO NOT 'wet' mop the floor anytime as excessive amounts of water may cause damage. If spills occur remove as quickly as possible. Always use a lightly damp, 'wrung out well' mop to clean your installed Hickory floors.
First, the inherent density and hardness of hickory make it more challenging to work with, requiring skilled craftsmanship and specialized tools. Second, hickory wood is not as abundant as some other hardwoods, which can drive up its cost.
It's not recommended for dogs to consume walnuts, pecans or hickory nuts. While not toxic to dogs, these tree nuts are high in fat and bigger than other nuts.
Our recommendations for pet-friendly floors include: Choose a harder floor… Selecting a floor such as Hickory, Hard Maple or White Oak can protect your floor from damage, as these hardwoods are less susceptible to scratches than softer woods like Pine, Cherry or Black Walnut.
Durability is where hickory shines. On the Janka hardness scale, which measures the resistance of wood to denting and wear, hickory scores an impressive 1820 out of 4000. For reference, white oak, maple, and teak have a 1360, 1450 and 1155 Janka score respectively.
Dogs, with their playful antics and sharp claws, can leave scratches and dents on your beloved hardwood floors if proper precautions aren't taken. However, with the right knowledge and strategies, you can enjoy the warmth of hardwood floors while keeping your four-legged friends happy.
Typically for finish, we recommend either a commercial grade finish, or a UV finish. These are both great options for protecting your floors, especially if you have pets. Another option is to use a hard wax oil as opposed to a film finish which is what the commercial and UV finish are.
Place a Mat or Pad Under Your Dog's Crate
That's where dog crate floor protectors can come in handy. Something as simple as padding, a mat, or even just a towel or blanket can help prevent scratching.
Installing hardwood floors in a 1000 sq ft area typically costs between $7,000 and $25,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $16,000.
Hickory is an incredibly hard and dense hardwood species, making it an excellent choice for dog-friendly homes. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, including the running and playing of dogs, without showing significant signs of wear. Hickory's natural grain patterns add character and charm to any space.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the best waterproof and scratch-proof flooring options. It gives a natural hardwood look and offers great durability and resistance to water and scratches. Luxury Vinyl Plank is made up of multiple layers, including a tough top layer that protects against scratches and dents.
Factors such as the number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the flooring, the temperature and humidity of the room, and the ventilation in the space can all affect how quickly the off-gassing process will occur. In general, however, most floors will off-gas for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Light Wood Floors: The Versatile Option
There's something inherently timeless about light wood floors. They bring a sense of freshness, openness, and brightness to any room. Light hardwood floor colors like Maple, Birchwood, and Hickory have a classic appeal that never fades.