BALANCE STYLE AND PRACTICALITY WITH PETS

Living with pets doesn’t mean giving up on stylish wood floors. With the right precautions and care strategies, you can enjoy both a beautiful home and happy, active animals.

1. Choose a Pet-Smart Finish

Opt for satin or matte finishes, which better disguise scratches and scuffs. Water-based polyurethane is durable, fast-drying, and pet-safe.

2. Keep Nails Trimmed

One of the simplest ways to reduce scratches is by trimming your pet’s nails regularly. Bonus: it’s good for their joint health too.

3. Use Area Rugs and Runners

Place rugs in high-traffic zones and where pets tend to play or nap. Not only does this protect the floor—it also adds warmth and style to your space.

4. Wipe Paws at the Door

Keep a towel or pet-safe wipe near entrances to clean paws before your furry friends track in moisture, dirt, or salt.

5. Clean Up Accidents Immediately

Even sealed wood can be damaged by lingering pet messes. Use a hardwood-safe cleaner to sanitize and dry the area quickly.

6. Choose the Right Wood Type

Harder woods like oak, maple, or hickory hold up better under pet traffic than softer woods like pine. Consider this if you’re installing new floors.

7. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Regular cleaning and recoating will help your floors stand up to years of zoomies and naps. Consider a seasonal maintenance plan to stay ahead of wear.

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By Deborah Shaw-Nelson. This article is one of a series of Caring For It articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.