Dog scratching floorboards ranks among the most common concerns pet owners with timber floors share with us. Sharp nails meeting your beautiful hardwood can feel like watching your investment deteriorate right in front of you.
Here at Quicksand Flooring, we believe you shouldn’t need to choose between your four-legged companions and beautiful timber floors. The good news is that proper care can keep your timber floors looking pristine for years to come. We’ll explore ways to fix dog scratches on hardwood floors and share expert advice to maintain that perfect finish.
Common ways pets damage timber floors
Pets bring happiness to our homes, but wooden floors take a beating from their daily activities. Let’s learn about how pets can damage wood surfaces to help protect them better.
Scratches from dog nails
Your dog’s nails can chip away at your timber floors. Unlike cats that retract their claws, dogs’ nails stay partially extended and keep touching your flooring. Small dogs running around can leave thousands of tiny dents in the surface. And while big dogs might move slower, they can still extend their claws to grip into your flooring. These marks go deeper than just the protective coating and damage the wood underneath.
Stains from accidents or spills
Pet urine stains are among the toughest floor damage to fix. Accidents can quickly seep through the timber’s protective finish and into the wood, and the damage gets worse the longer it stays untreated.
Slipping and scuffing from running pets
Timber floors can become slippery for dogs, who extend their claws to get better grip and leave deeper scratch marks. Dogs also face higher risks of falling on slippery timber surfaces if they have weak muscles or health issues. Your pet might become scared of certain areas in your home after falling, which affects their quality of life.
The good news is these problems aren’t permanent. Professional sanding and refinishing can make your floors look new again, but in the next section, we’ll cover some simple ways you can prevent damage and choose the best finishes for pet-friendly timber floors.
Simple habits to prevent pet damage
Fixing damaged timber floors takes a lot more work than preventing the damage in the first place. You can protect your beautiful floors and still enjoy life with your furry friends by following a few simple daily habits.
Trim your dog’s nails regularly
Long nails can be your timber floor’s worst enemy. By trimming your dog’s nails every month or two, you can keep your floors scratch-free. It’s also good for your dog, preventing overgrown nails that can cause them pain and discomfort.
You might want to visit a professional groomer if you’re not comfortable trimming your pet’s nails yourself. It also helps to keep the fur between your dog’s paw pads short to avoid dirt buildup that could scratch your floors.
Wipe paws after walks
Your dog’s paws pick up all sorts of nasties during outdoor walks that can build up and leave scratches on your timber floors. Make it a habit to keep a microfibre towel or cloth near each entrance and wipe your dog’s paws before they come inside.
Use rugs in high-traffic areas
Strategically placed rugs and runners are a great way to protect your timber floors. Put them in hallways, entryways, and spots where your dog likes to play or run. The rugs will absorb the impact instead of your timber floor taking every hit.Add a non-slip underlay under your rug to stop it from sliding around and damaging your floor’s finish. This way, you’ll protect both your pet and your floors.
Place mats under food and water bowls
Water and scattered food around pet bowls often damage timber floors. Waterproof mats under these areas stop long-term damage. You can also find machine-washable options that match your décor if you want a softer look.
Choosing the right finish for pet-friendly timber floors
The secret to pet-proof timber flooring lies in something many homeowners overlook—the finish. Your choice of coating can make a huge difference in how visible pet-related wear and tear becomes.
Why matte and satin finishes work best
Matte finishes are great at hiding scratches, dirt, and imperfections that make them perfect for homes with four-legged family members. These finishes don’t show dirt as easily as other options and need less frequent cleaning. Of course, this makes them ideal for busy households with lots of foot (and paw) traffic. Satin finishes work just like matte ones, diffusing light to conceal minor flaws.
Avoiding high-gloss finishes with pets
High-gloss finishes look elegant but show every little scratch and mark clearly. These finishes reflect more light, which makes even tiny imperfections from dog nails stand out.
How to fix dog scratches on hardwood floors
Dog nail scratches will show up on your timber floors despite taking precautions. You can save time and money by knowing your repair options and the right time to use them.
How sanding and refinishing restores your floor
Deep scratches need professional help. The restoration process uses industrial-grade sanding equipment to remove the damaged surface layer. The surface becomes smooth and ready for refinishing after multiple rounds of sanding with finer sandpaper.
Why Quicksand Flooring is the expert choice
Quicksand Flooring has spent decades restoring pet-damaged floors in Melbourne. Our experts can check your floor’s condition and tell if scratches are just on the surface or deeper. We’ll then figure out the best way to fix them.
Our use of premium products and tools
Quicksand Flooring only uses the latest floor sanders and polishing equipment. We apply top-quality finishing products from leading European manufacturers, including Berger-Seidle’s professional-grade coatings. These finishes are very durable and protect your restored floor from future scratches, spills, and wear.
Need a Professional Assessment?
You don’t need to give up beautiful timber floors just because you have pets. If you’ve noticed some damage and you’re not sure how to fix it, Quicksand Flooring is here to help.
We’ve brought countless pet-damaged floors back to life across Melbourne using our state-of-the-art equipment and durable finishes. With our help, your timber floors can stay beautiful for decades, even with four-legged family members around.
Contact us online today for a free estimate or give us a call to see how we can bring your scratched timber floors back to life.
With over 25 years of experience, Clinton Tracy is a Melbourne timber flooring expert dedicated to delivering exceptional results. He and his team constantly test new products and finishes to ensure the highest quality.
Clint’s commitment to excellence includes traveling to Europe to stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.