Hardwood

Not necessarily! You’ll find hardwood floors in many homes with pets, but there’s always the risk of scratching. Luckily, most scratching that occurs will only be in the layer of finish on the surface of the wood, rather than the wood itself.

Regardless, you should strive to keep your pets’ claws neatly trimmed. Don’t place their water or food dish directly onto your hardwood floors, either. Consider laying down a mat.

You can, but be aware of the risks. Food or liquid spills can damage the finish and wood grain, or even cause permanent stains. If you’re going to opt for hardwood floors in your kitchen, be prepared to wipe up any spills immediately with 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 your needs. Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive, but it can also last for many decades and increase the value of your home.

That said, engineered hardwoods are just as beautiful and are far more versatile. They can be installed on any level of your home and stand up better to changes in moisture and temperature. If you’re in need of a more affordable solution, engineered woods are your best bet.

Moisture can damage hardwood floors, so wet mop at your own risk. If you do, be sure to dry the floors promptly. As an alternative to wet mopping, we recommend a dry mop to pick up 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.