One of the most common questions I face is how to choose the right material for your new dog. In this article I will give you a variety of tips to consider before making your final choice. The material you choose can make a big difference in the overall appearance and durability of your home. You want to be sure that it will look good with the rest of the house, that your pet will be able to access the areas that they need to, and that it will be durable enough to withstand your dog’s activity levels. Choosing the right material can also help you keep your heating and cooling costs down. Here are some of the different types of hardwood flooring that you might encounter and a few tips to help you decide.

1. Solid Hardwood Only

Solid hardwood provides the most durability of any of the available options. This type of wood is typically engineered so that the planks are designed to be interlocking. This allows the wood to have the tightest grain pattern, which makes it the best choice if you are looking for something that will last a long time. Solid hardwoods come in several different stains and finishes and are a great choice for any home. Solid hardwood is also the heaviest of the choices, so if you have pets or young children it may not be the best choice. If your dog is active and your children live in an apartment, you should think about choosing a different type of wood.

2. Pre-finished vs. On-Site

If you are handy with tools and can install your own wood do it yourself, then you can probably install your own pre-finished hardwood floor. This is great for you because it allows you to choose the wood stain and finish that you want. However, most people who are buying pre-finished hardwood at the store will have a large selection from which to choose. You may find that you miss out on a really good deal by choosing to buy pre-finished rather than on-site.

3. Dog Grooming

If you have dogs that are particularly active and you are trying to reduce your dog’s time on the hardwood floor, you should consider using a dog-cleaning product or even an aerosol sprayer. This way you won’t have to use as much pressure when you clean their paws or any other areas. Also, these types of products don’t contain as much water or cleaning solution, and they are easier to work with. Many people who are concerned about their dog’s paws often don’t clean them as frequently as they should, which leads to more dirt accumulating. By using a professional-grade dog-cleaning product once a month or so, you can dramatically reduce the amount of dirt your dog sheds on a daily basis.

4. Dog-Proofing Your Home

If you don’t want to be bringing your family pet into the home, you can install a doggie door on the lower level of your house. This will make it so that your hardwood floors won’t be damaged by a small dog that is running around. Dog doors are quite sturdy and durable, and they can usually withstand a lot of weight. In fact, an average sized dog can easily push its body through a ten-inch opening!

5. Dog Mattress Cover

One of the most popular items in the market nowadays is the dog mattress cover. Dog owners use them not only to give their pets a place where they can sleep undisturbed but also protect their own carpets and floors from wear and tear caused by their pets. Dog mattress covers are made from various materials like wool, suede, and cotton, and they allow you to keep the warmth in during cold seasons and prevent the absorption of heat during hot summers. If you already have a set of dog bedding, you can simply replace it with a new one that meets the needs and requirements of your dog.

6. Dog Leash

A dog harness can prevent your dog from escaping when you are walking him. They are usually made of nylon and rubber, and they attach to the leash just below the ribs. They are perfect for large breed dogs as well. The harnesses vary in terms of size, colors, and design, and you should buy one that fits your dog perfectly. There are also leashes that are designed to work on hardwood floors.

Do you have enough room in your yard to put your dog inside a dog house? Some dog owners prefer to buy houses that are made from wood because they are more aesthetically pleasing. But if you are short on space or simply don’t want to buy a pre-built dog house, there are other options to provide shelter for your pet. You can opt for dog houses that come with portable oxygen tanks, thus allowing your dog to remain inside when the weather becomes too hot. You could also opt to buy an electric heater so that your dog can stay inside even during the winter season. If you want the expert’s opinions, you can give us a call at (310) 848-4712 or get in touch today to get a free quote. Let’s start working on your floor project today.