Hardwood FOR YOUR HOME

You can certainly have hardwood floors in a pet-friendly home. In fact, you will find hardwood floors in many homes with pets! However, there is always the risk of scratching. Luckily, when scratching does occur, it's usually only in the top layer of the wood surface, rather than in the wood itself. This means it's easy to fix.

Regardless, you should strive to keep your pets’ nails or claws neatly trimmed. It is best not to place water or food dishes directly onto your hardwood floor. Consider laying down a mat with a rubber backing to provide maximum protection from any spills that your pet may leave behind.

You can, but you should be aware of the risks. Food or liquid spills can damage the finish and wood grain, which can result in permanent stains. If you’re going to opt for hardwood floors in your kitchen, be prepared to wipe up any spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. If you’re vigilant, you can keep your hardwood floors in great shape!

This comes down to a mix of your personal taste and needs. Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive, but it can also last for many decades and increase the value of your home.

That being said, engineered hardwood floors are just as beautiful and are far more versatile than solid hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood can be installed on any level of your home and it better tolerates changes in moisture and temperature. If you’re in need of a more affordable solution, engineered hardwood floors also tend to be more budget-friendly.

Moisture can damage hardwood floors. If you do use a wet mop, be sure to dry your flooring immediately. Alternately, you can use a dry mop to deal with dust. Any tough, dried-on messes can be addressed with a damp cloth followed by a dry one to ensure no moisture is left on your floor.