BLOG
Wooden flooring, dogs and cats: friends or foes?
When choosing to have a wooden floor installed, the first concern of many pet owners is: will cats and dogs damage it? Wood flooring is valued for its timeless elegance and for giving warmth to any room but living with four-legged animals may raise some doubts. Scratches, stains and dirt are common problems, but with the right care it is possible to maintain wood in excellent condition even in a house full of life… and paws!
In this article we will be exploring i the pros and cons of wooden floors when you have a cat or dog, recommending the best types of wood to resist wear and tear, and providing tips on how to protect your parquet floor and keep it shining over time. We will find out how to combine style and practicality, ensuring comfort for both you and your furry friends.
Impact of cats and dogs on wooden floors
Scratches, stains and dirt are common problems when living with cats and dogs. And if you have wooden floors in your home, you need to take special care. Wooden flooring, contrary to what you might think, is not incompatible with cats and dogs: there are ways to preserve its beauty and durability, even with pets.
- Scratches caused by pet’s claws
One of the most visible damages cats and dogs can do to a wooden floor are scratches left by their claws. The paws of our four-legged friends, if not looked after, can leave visible marks, especially on softer wood. Their constant movement can inevitably ruin the surface of the wood, making the floor less uniform and aesthetically less appealing.
To reduce the possibility of scratches, it is important to regularly take care of the animals’ nails, trimming them when necessary. Alternatively, carpets can be installed in the busiest areas of the house. Furthermore, it is advisable to choose parquet with a resistant finish or protective treatment, such as varnished or oiled wood, which can offer an additional protective layer against surface marks.
-
Dirt and hair on the parquet floor
Pets inevitably bring dirt and hair into the house, and this can build up on the wooden floor, affecting its general appearance. To keep your wooden floor clean and free of dirt, regular maintenance is essential. Using a hoover with a soft brush or an electrostatic cloth removes hair and dust particles without damaging the parquet floor.
- How to prevent damage to the wooden floor
Another tip for protecting parquet is to invest in protective products for the floor, such as oil treatments or varnishes. These products form a barrier on the surface of the wood, making it more resistant to scratches and liquids. Some types of finish, such as high-strength finishes, also offer protection against daily wear and tear and make cleaning easier.
The best wood essences for pet-proof parquet flooring
When living with cats and dogs, choosing the right type of wood for the floor is even more important. Not all woods are the same: some woods are harder and more resistant to scratches and wear, while others could be more vulnerable to the daily routines of pets. Woods like oak, walnut and acacia offer an ideal combination of durability, beauty and ease of maintenance. Let’s discover them together.
Oak: a classic and durable choice
Oak is one of the most popular woods for floors in homes with pets. This hardwood is known for its great resistance to wear and scratches, making it an excellent option for people living with cats and dogs. Oak is available in different shades, ranging from light brown to dark grey, allowing to choose the finish that best suits your furnishing style.
In addition to durability, oak is also relatively easy to maintain. Thanks to its fibrous structure, this wood tends to mask surface scratches well, especially when treated with matt or brushed finishes. Regular maintenance and the application of protective oils can help maintain oak flooring in an excellent condition, even with lively pets.
Walnut: elegance and hardness
Walnut is another excellent choice for those looking for a durable yet elegant floor. This wood is valued for its natural beauty and rich hues, ranging from chocolate brown to golden brown. Despite being a medium-hard wood, walnut offers a good resistance to scratches, especially when treated with a protective finish.
Acacia: hardness and versatility
Acacia is one of the hardest woods available on the market, which makes it also suitable for environments with pets. This wood is known for its extraordinary resistance to scratches and wear, even with intensive use. The irregular grain of the acacia, combined with its variegated hue ranging from golden brown to amber, lend the floor a unique and visually striking appearance.
The hardness of acacia makes it particularly suitable for those with big dogs or highly energetic animals. In addition to durability, acacia flooring is also easy to maintain and tends to hide both signs of wear and dirt well.
To sum up, wood flooring is suited for cats and dogs, but it is essential to consider both pros and cons. On the one hand, wood lends elegance and warmth to the home. On the other hand, it can be prone to scratches and stains caused by pets. However, by choosing the right wood species and taking simple precautions, damage can be reduced and the beauty of parquet can be preserved.
When choosing the type of wood, opting for harder woods such as oak, walnut or acacia is a wise move for those living with very lively pets. These types of hardwood offer more protection against scratches and wear. Furthermore, it is important not to forget to treat the floor with protective finishes and to carry out regular maintenance to ensure the longevity of the wood. With the right care, wood flooring can be enjoyed without giving up the company of our four-legged friends.
You might be interested in:
Wooden parquet near the fireplace or radiator, what are the risks?
Wooden parquet and underfloor heating
