If you’re lucky enough to have historic hardwood floors in your North Richmond home, you recognize they’re an impressively charming feature that also requires proper care. Add a playful dog to the mix, and those beautiful boards can start to show signs of wear. The good news is that, with a little care and a few smart habits, you can protect your floors from scratches and still let your pets enjoy your home with you.

Here we’ll talk about how to prevent dog scratches on wood floors, and the best way to repair hardwood that’s become scratched.

If you have floors that are already showing signs of wear, our team at Floor Coverings International® of North Richmond offers skilled wood refinishing services, and we can help restore your historic wood floor’s original charm. Contact us for a free consultation to get started.

Why Historic Wood Floors Are More Prone to Pet Damage

Will dogs scratch wood floors? Yes, over time even well-mannered pets can leave tiny scratches that dull the surface and wear away the protective finish on your floors. Since historic wood floors have more age and softer patinas than other wood flooring, they may take more care to preserve.

Historic wood floors in North Richmond are especially vulnerable because of:

  • Thinner top layers. Over decades of refinishing, the wood eventually becomes thinner and thinner, which makes each new scratch more damaging.
  • Delicate finishes. Many historic wood floors have hand-rubbed or oil finishes that are more prone to visible marks.
  • Environmental conditions. Virginia’s humidity can cause expansion and contraction that makes older floors more sensitive to surface wear.

Simple Steps to Prevent Everyday Wear

A little everyday care can go a long way in protecting your wood floors from dogs. A few simple habits, like keeping your pet’s claws trimmed, cleaning up dirt before it grinds into the surface, and using rugs in high-traffic areas, can help you enjoy your pets and your beautiful floors without worry.

  • Keep pet nails trimmed. For most dogs, scheduling a trimming every three to six weeks is best to keep the nails from scratching your floors.
  • Place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas. By covering heavily used spaces, like hallways and entryways and creating paws-off zones for playtimes, you can minimize how much your dog can scratch the floors.
  • Clean paws regularly. Wiping your pet’s paws after outdoor time removes grit and small pebbles that could otherwise scratch the wood.
  • Use furniture pads. When pets play or get excited, they can push furniture, which can cause scratching and damage to the floors.

The Right Finish and Sealant Helps Protect Your Floors

With older wood floors, a good sealant is one of the best ways to protect your investment. The strong layer can protect from pet scratches or scuffs while highlighting the wood’s unique texture and age. With the right treatment, you can preserve your beautiful flooring in North Richmond and still enjoy life with your pets.

Here’s how to keep your flooring looking its best:

  • Choose a durable finish. For most historic North Richmond homes, oil-based finishes can help the flooring maintain its original character, while modern, water-based polyurethane finishes offer strong scratch-resistant protection. Many opt for polyurethane finishes because they’re strong, dry fast, and show off the wood’s natural grain.
  • Reapply a protective topcoat. For many pet households, reapplying a topcoat every three years keeps historic wood floors protected. If you notice the shine fading or scratches appearing sooner, it may be time to schedule a quick recoat before the wear reaches the wood.
  • Avoid wax-based products. Since wax can trap dirt, over time, it will dull the finish.

Rugs and Runners for Strategic Protection

A few practically placed rugs and runners can go a long way in preserving your hardwood’s rich charm. Look for breathable backing and a natural pad to avoid trapping moisture and discoloration that can come with rubber-backed rugs.

These are a few strategic spots to place rugs to protect your floors:

  • Under food and water bowls.
  • Near entryways.
  • Along main walking routes for pets.

Preserving Character and Repairing Pet Damage

Even the best-behaved pets are likely to cause scratches, stains, and dull patches eventually. A few refinishing techniques can give you the chance to restore the floor’s original glow without replacing the wood.

Here are a few tips for how to fix hardwood floor scratches from dog nails:

For light scratches:

  1. Clean away dirt. Gently clean the area with a soft cloth and hardwood safe cleaner.
  2. Apply a wood touch-up marker or scratch repair kit to match your floor’s Follow the wood grain and gently press to fill the mark.
  3. Buff the area with a clean cloth.
  4. Allow to dry.
  5. Add a light coat of finish to protect the spot.

For deeper gouges:

Sometimes scratches or damage run deeper than a quick touch-up can handle. If you can feel the groove with your fingertip or see raw wood showing through the finish, it’s time to call a professional. Deeper scratches often require sanding and refinishing to restore a smooth, even surface.

A local flooring expert, like our skilled refinishers, can repair the damage carefully with professional floor refinishing in Richmond, and preserve your flooring’s character.

Tips for Long-Term Preservation

For new and old floors alike, consistent upkeep can help maintain the floor’s strength and extend its lifespan. With the right care, you can enjoy both your rich wood floors and your pets.

These are a few tips for best results:

  • Set up maintenance calendars. Keeping your pet’s claws neat with routine trimmings will help prevent damage. And by scheduling regular cleaning, deep cleaning, and recoating for your flooring, you can minimize the scuffs and keep your floors protected.
  • Prepare for weather changes. Old wood floors are especially sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, so using a dehumidifier through Virginia’s humid summers and putting out rugs to protect against the mud and dirt in the winter can make a big difference for your floors.

Ready to Restore Your Historic Flooring in North Richmond?

Pets can bring joy to any home, but their claws and the dirt they track in can gradually scratch and dull old wood floors. With a little care, such as keeping nails trimmed, adding protective rugs, and maintaining a strong finish, you can prevent most of the scratches before they start.

And when wear does show, you can brighten the floors with professional hardwood refinishing in Richmond, VA, to restore the beauty and preserve the character of your floors.

If you want to protect your flooring without losing its historic charm, our team at Floor Coverings International® of North Richmond specializes in refinishing and protecting hardwood floors in historic Virginia homes. Reach out for a free in-home consultation or call us at (804) 409-2200 for expert care that fits your lifestyle.