SVB Wood Floors Blog

Category Archives: Tips for Homeowners

Wood floor tips for homeowners. SVB Wood Floors helps Kansas City area homeowners properly care for their wood floors.

The One Secret to Installing a Wood Floor in a Finished Basement

March 19, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationfloor, hardwoodNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on March 19, 2018

Finishing a basement is one of the most popular home renovation projects among homeowners in the U.S. It’s no wonder because basements house a large amount of unused space that can be turned into a wide variety of options to fit your lifestyle. With a basement renovation, it’s possible to add a family room, an extra bedroom, a bathroom, recreation room, home gym, home office, toy room, craft room, or just about anything you desire.

A key part of your basement renovation is choosing a great flooring option – something that will look great, be comfortable, and work on a concrete base, where moisture can sometimes be an issue.

If you thought hardwood floors weren’t an option, because of excess moisture, we have great news for you! For homeowners who love solid hardwood floors, we have a solution – engineered wood floors.

What Are Engineered Wood Floors?

Engineered wood floors are designed for use in places where moisture cannot be controlled, such as on a concrete slab. As opposed to a solid piece of wood, which will warp when exposed to moisture, engineered wood planks are composed of multiple layers of wood that are glued, pressed, heated, and then covered with a thin veneer of wood on top. This process makes the flooring less susceptible to warping. An engineered hardwood floor looks every bit as beautiful as a solid hardwood floor and is typically pre-finished and ready to use right after installation is completed.

Engineered Wood Floors Cost Less Than Solid Wood Floors

Another benefit is that engineered wood is less expensive than solid wood because less expensive woods are used for the lower layers. Some engineered floors with a thin veneer typically cannot be refinished, however, many modern engineered wood floors are made with a thicker veneer that makes refinishing possible. If you’re looking to add the warmth of wood floors to your basement, without risking moisture damage, engineered wood floors are a great option.

Why Install a Moisture Barrier to Wood Floors?

Engineered wood floors should be installed over a moisture barrier and underlayment. Humidity levels below ground are too inconsistent to risk skipping the extra protection afforded by a moisture barrier. There are glue-down options that are designed to protect the finished floor from fluctuating moisture levels below the finished floor. An even better option is to have them professionally installed.

With all of the beautifully engineered hardwood flooring choices on the market today and professional installation methods that include a moisture barrier and underlayment, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the beauty of a hardwood floor in your new basement living space!

SVB Wood Floor is Kansas City’s premier custom hardwood specialists and we’d love to add you to our list of satisfied customers! For more information give us a call at (816) 965-8655 or get a free quote now!

4 Design Tricks to Make Your Wood Floor Unique

March 10, 2018Tips for Homeownersfloor, hardwoodNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on March 10, 2018

Choosing new hardwood flooring for your home is an exciting step in the home renovation process. Perhaps you’ve already made those crucial decisions regarding species, size and finish, but now it’s time to talk design. If you’re looking for a simple way to dial up the wow in your wood floor, consider the angles. Check out these four examples of floors that refuse to follow the straight and narrow and by doing so, create some unexpected drama.

Take a Different Angle with Diagonal Wood Floors

It’s amazing how much energy is added to a wood floor simply by shifting the angle it is laid out in. Instead of following the natural line of the wall, these planks are installed at a 45º angle to it. Sleek and simple, this design element adds breadth to your room by drawing your attention out to the corners. It creates interest without being busy or overpowering, which means it can be the perfect choice for those who want to focus the attention on other design aspects of a room. This classic pattern deserves far more credit than it receives.

Chevron Wood Floors Refuse to Be Ignored

The chevron design uses a series of angle cuts to form a consistent “V” pattern. This “V” pattern is then repeated, which creates a stunning 3D effect. In addition, it has the ability to make a smaller room appear larger, plus you’ll appreciate the longevity obtained from its high structural integrity. A beautiful, yet simple pattern, a chevron wood flooring design is an ideal choice for anyone looking to make a statement.

Herringbone Wood Floors Zig While Others Zag

Often confused with chevron, herringbone is similar in that a “V” pattern is also achieved, though no angled cuts are present. The square edges simply butt together creating a timeless, symmetrical zigzag design which has made a name for itself all over the world. Though better suited to larger rooms, with its many small boards tightly woven together, the herringbone pattern also has superior structural stability due to its precise dimensions and alignment.

Mixing Wood and Tile Really Packs a Punch

The design is simple, but the effect is breathtaking. Mixing square tiles with long planks of wood at an unexpected angle creates a dynamic design that will have eyes turning and tongues wagging. With so many tile and wood options, the design possibilities are endless!

At SVB Wood Floors, we love the challenge of working with interesting patterns and making your dream floors come to life. If you have an idea you’d like to try to make your floors really unique, we’re all ears!

Contact us online or give us a call at (816) 965-8655 for more information, or visit our gallery for more great design ideas.

Top 4 Reasons to Replace Carpet with Hardwood Floors

March 1, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationhardwoodNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on March 1, 2018

Have you been considering switching from carpet to hardwood floors? You are not alone! While carpet has been a favorite for many decades and is lower in cost to install, there are many pitfalls that homeowners have to consider before officially committing to a carpet.

Don’t stick with carpet! Here are our four reasons to replace carpet with hardwood floors from SVB:

Reason #1: Carpets Collect Dirt and Stains

Did you spill on your carpet? Great… now you have to soak up the mess, pat it dry and go through the bothersome process of scrubbing your carpet or shampooing it clean. You may even have to call in a professional for particularly bad stains like wine, Koolaid, or grease/tar. And don’t forget the expense of having your carpets cleaned annually (or more often with lighter colors). But, if you don’t, your carpet will look nasty.

In contrast, hardwood floors are easy to take care of. All you need to do is weekly vacuuming and dust mopping. You will consistently have beautiful (and clean!) looking floors always. No disgusting stains and smells from carpet!

Tip: We recommend vacuums with a floor-brush attachment or an electric broom to avoid damaging the wood. For a deeper clean, use a slightly dampened rag mop or good old-fashioned sponge with diluted wood cleaner to remove pesky allergens, dirt, and other irritants in a flash.

Reason #2: Carpets Get Worn

We’ve all seen it; those paths in the carpet where people walk the most and have matted it down just a bit more than the surrounding areas. They’re called traffic patterns, and once they’re there, there is not much that can be done to fix them. They are the result of years of foot traffic that has worn down the carpet fibers as well as the pad below. When this happens, there’s no other solution than replacing the carpet. Carpets can also develop large wrinkles near these patterns that require hiring a professional to restretch the carpet.

Wood floors, however, hold up to foot traffic much better. The average wood floor lasts ten years before it needs any maintenance like professional cleaning or refinishing. When refinished, it will last another ten years or so. Solid hardwood floors can be refinished many times, the color and finish can be changed as well to keep your home up to date.

Reason #3: You Can’t Escape Your Allergies

Your carpet can easily become a magnet for allergens like dust mites, pet dander – and even mold spores – which can irritate your immune system. These pesky allergens can get trapped within carpet fibers and even down in the pad and are difficult to get rid of completely. If you are tired of the constant yuck feeling of allergies, installing hardwood floors in your home reduces allergens that are lurking beneath your feet.

Reason #4: Update Your Home

Do you watch HGTV and admire the beautiful hardwood floors? Or are you preparing to put your home on the market? Hardwood floors are popular due to their beauty, durability, longevity, and versatility. While initially a little pricier than carpet, hardwood flooring is a worthwhile investment in the long run because it lasts so much longer than carpet. Toss out your pesky, dated carpet and transform your living space with hardwood floors that make a statement.

Ready for a change? Read what to expect during a wood floor installation. To swap out your carpet for hardwood floors, contact us online or give us a call at (816) 965-8655 to schedule your free consultation.

How to Refinish Hardwood Floors in 6 Simple Steps

January 28, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenancefloor, refinishingNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on January 28, 2018

One of the most wonderful things about hardwood floors is that they last forever. That’s because when the surface gets too marred by scratches, dents, and scrapes, you can fix it with a quick sand and refinish. At SVB Wood Floors, we have refinished hundreds of wood floors in the Kansas City area and made them look like new. Whether your floors are badly worn or you just want to change the color of the stain, we make it easy with our dustless refinishing process. With just a few quick steps, we will be in and out of your home in just a couple of days! Here is our hardwood floor refinishing process laid out in six easy steps. And we promise, it really is that simple!

Step 1: In-Home Refinishing Consultation

We start any installation or refinishing job with an in-home consultation with you. We review our hardwood floor checklist with you and help you decide on a stain color that you like and that will mesh with the style of your home. We can mix custom stain colors to get the exact shade you want. We also need to determine the species of wood your floors consist of so we can care for them correctly during the refinishing process.

Step 2. Sub-Floor Preparation

We walk the floor to find squeaks, low spots, and uneven seams. Then we fix them by tightening from below and sanding planks to an even plane.

Step 3: Dustless Sanding

We use the Bona Atomic Dust Containment System® which sucks the dust into a sealed tube that is then carried to our trailer outside. This dust-free system has many advantages:

- No need to vacate your home
- No need to board your pets
- No need to seal off rooms
- No dust in your ductwork
- No dust to ruin a perfect finish
- No strong odors from stripping agents
- Environmentally friendly

Step 4. Repair Gouges and Holes

Once the floors are sanded, we examine them closely to find and fix any final problems. We fill any cracks, gouges or nail holes that we find left over.

Step 5: Staining Your Hardwood Floors

Next, we stain your newly sanded floor. We start with a water-based stain of your choosing. We test it on your floor so you can see it. Once you are happy with the color, we apply the stain to the floor and replacement base shoe.

Step 6: Three-Coat Finish

After the stain is dry, we finish the floor with three coats of an environmentally safe, durable and fast-drying top coat to protect your hardwood floor from normal wear and tear. The first coat seals. The second and third coats build thickness for years of durability. Choose finishes from low luster to a high gloss. Additionally, we screen, buff, and vacuum between refinishing coats for the absolute best results possible.

How to Prepare for Refinishing

Before you have your floors installed, there is a bit of prep work that you can do to ensure that your experience is fast and flawless.

Move Furniture off Flooring

First things first, move furniture off of the area where the floors will be refinished. So when the installers arrive, they will be able to get going right away.

Schedule Activities Out of the Home

With today’s dustless refinishing, there is no need for you to leave your home. However, if our team is working in a common area of your home, it may be more convenient for you to schedule activities out of the home. This will make the experience feel less intrusive.

Retrieve Any Belongings from Rooms Beforehand

Before we get started on refinishing your home’s hardwood floors, be sure to retrieve any belongings that you may need in the next 24 hours. For example, if you are installing hardwood flooring in the hallway and you use items daily from the bathroom, which is accessed from the hallway, you won’t have access once the work begins.

Crate Your Pet

We recommend creating or containing your pet for their safety. Oftentimes, homeowners will even gate off a section of the home for Fido to continue to roam.

These are just a few tips to help make the experience even better. If you’re considering refinishing your hardwood floors, contact us online or give us a call at 816-965-8655 to schedule your free, in-home consultation.

Also download our FREE Guide to Keep Your Wood Floors Looking Like New by clicking the image below!

Cleaning Your Carpets before the Holidays? Don’t Forget Your Wood Floors

November 10, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenancehardwood, refinishingNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on November 10, 2017

Yes, now you can have your wood floors professionally refreshed as easily as you have your carpets cleaned. It’s called hardwood floor recoating and it renews your hardwood floor’s shine and luster without the cost and inconvenience of refinishing.

Recoating Only Takes a Few Hours

We can make your hardwood floor look new in just a few hours. Our recoat system removes the dirt and grime that build up over several years of everyday use dulling your once beautiful wood floors. We use Bona’s professional strength, non-toxic, hardwood floor cleaner concentrate which is formulated to be safe and effective on all hardwood floors that are coated with a clear, unwaxed finish. The process is minimally invasive and the results are phenomenal.

Remove Dirt, Grime and Surface Scratches without Refinishing

Often, the scuffs on your hardwood flooring are actually caused by a layer of dirt and grime that naturally gathers on your flooring over time. There’s a good chance a simple recoat treatment is all you need: A few hours of work, two days to rest, and you can move your furniture right back over hardwood that looks brand new. If you have damage like deep gouges or scrapes, refinishing may be a better choice as recoating will only clean grime and remove light scratches from the surface.

Give Your Wood Floor A Facelift

If you thought refinishing was your only option, think again. Recoating may be exactly what you need to renew your floor for several years. We recommend recoating about every three to five years depending on foot traffic conditions. If you’re not sure which process is right for your floors, give us a call and we can take a look and recommend the best treatment.

Make your hardwood floors look like new this holiday without the hassle of sanding and refinishing. Give SVB Wood Floors a call at (816) 965-8655 or click the button below to get your free quote:

Best Hardwood Floors for Dogs

August 6, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenancefloor, hardwoodNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on August 6, 2017

You should never have to choose between your family “fur baby” and beautiful hardwood floors. We offer a variety of hardwood flooring that complement the hectic lifestyle of having a dog.

When looking for hardwood flooring that is a fit for an increased amount of wear and tear, it is important to factor in the following characteristics: hardness, glossiness, and color.

What You Need to Know About the Best Hardwood Floors for Dogs

A quick word:

A hardwood floor’s degree of hardness is determined by the Janka Hardness Scale
Choose floors with a lighter shade to better hide any light damage caused by your dog
It is best not to apply a gloss finish to your floors because scratches will easily show
Make sure to keep your dog’s nails trimmed

If you are worried about scratches and stains, here are some of the best hardwood floors for dogs from hardest to softest:

Why Hickory Is Great for Homes with Dogs

Hickory, which has a Janka score of 1,820, is an ideal choice because of its strong graining and distinct variants in hues. This flooring option is great for pet owners because the floor boards already vary from one another, therefore any imperfections as a result of your dog’s nails won’t take away from its beautiful appearance.

Not a Fan of Hickory? Try Hard Maple Flooring

If you are looking for something that is more consistent in appearance than Hickory, we recommend maple wood flooring. Maple has a Janka rating of 1,450 or higher and provides beautiful and stable flooring for your home, giving you the perfect combination of envy-worthy floors and dependable strength.

Related Read: How to Protect Hardwood Floors from Dogs

Consider White Oak for Your Next Flooring Project

White Oak has a Janka Hardness Score of 1,360, meaning that the floor is in the middle — not too soft, but also not the hardest wood available on the market. White Oak is one of our top choices for homeowners with dogs because of its strong grain, or texture, which is ideal for pet owners.

Rustic-Inspired Wired Brush Distressed Floors

Wired brush distressed hardwood flooring looks similar to wood floors that have been reclaimed and updated, while still keeping its original appearance. This type of wood is an excellent option, because the inevitable scratches from your dog will not take away from the beauty of the wood. To maintain this look, we brush away the soft portion of the wood to expose the grain, enhancing the definition and character of each plank. By doing this, the wood is more durable since the harder portion of the planks become exposed.

Learn more about Wired Brush Distressed in 3 Must-Have Wood Flooring Trends

Call SVB Wood Floors at (816) 965-8655 and one of our hardwood flooring experts will help you choose the perfect wood floor that you and Fido will both love.

Water Damage to Your Wood Floors: Repair or Replace?

July 19, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance, Wood floor repairNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on July 19, 2017

Water is the natural enemy of every wood floor. You do everything you can to stay on top of spills, but you can’t control everything, and now the worst has happened! Your once gleaming hardwood floor has been damaged by water!

What Does Water Do to a Wooden Floor?

Wood is an organic material that can only resist the effects of water for a short time. That’s why expediency is key to preventing damage from occurring. But sometimes, things happen that you can’t plan for. For example, you’re away on vacation and while you’re lying on a beach soaking up the sun, a pipe breaks and floods your kitchen which then remains that way for several days. Now what?

Signs of Water Damage on Wood Floors

Depending on how long the floor was wet, damage can vary. Here are some signs of damage to look for:

1. Staining and/or discoloration

2. Cupping and buckling from absorbed moisture

3. Popping nails

4. Lifting of floorboards (especially at the ends)

5. Mold growth (can occur within 48 hours of flooding)

Considering that the normal moisture content in a typical hardwood floor is somewhere between 6 and 12 percent and a flooded hardwood floor can have a moisture content of up to 40 percent, damage can be severe. Much of it has to do with the amount of time that the floor is exposed to the water. More moisture will be retained if the floor is left to dry on its own.

Deciding Factors for Replacement or Repair

Determining whether a water-damaged wood floor can be repaired or must be torn up and replaced will depend on a number of factors such as:

1. the length of time the floor has been exposed to water

2. whether your floor is solid hardwood or engineered hardwood

3. the severity of the damage (Has the water penetrated into to the subfloor?)

4. the floor’s finish (It can be difficult to match certain stain colors when replacing isolated floorboards, especially if the stain has “mellowed” with time.)

If the damage is minor, the floor can sometimes be saved by replacing affected boards and then sanding and refinishing the whole floor. If the damage is severe or extensive causing significant expansion, the entire floor may need replacing — and sometimes even the subfloor will have to be replaced.

If you suspect water damage, the first step is to have the floor’s condition assessed by a hardwood flooring professional. Call SVB Wood Floors at (816) 965-8655 and one of our hardwood water damage repair experts can help assess the situation and give you an estimate on repairing or replacing your wood floors.

Dustless Wood Floor Refinishing – No Other Way To Go!

June 20, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenancedustless refinishing, refinishingSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on June 20, 2017

Anybody who has ever had hardwood floors installed or refinished knows what a hassle it can be. Sealing rooms off from the rest of the house, having to put Fido or Fluffy in the kennel until the job is done, and even having to take a day off work in some cases.

Thanks to our Atomic Dust Containment System by Bona, we are happy to say those days are long gone.

SVB Brings You the Latest Technology in Hardwood Floor Refinishing & Installation

Today, there’s a brand new way to get the job done without the mess and without all the hassle! It’s SVB’s dustless sanding & refinishing process. No more will you need to worry about having to leave your home when getting your hardwood floor refinished.

We will leave your home as clean as when we started because our machine sucks up all of the dust, even before it enters the air.

How a Dust Extraction System Works

When SVB Wood Floors refinishes a floor, we use a system to sand that actually removes the dust from your home immediately.

Where other sanders kick dust into the air that must be later cleaned up and removed, our dust containment system pulls all the dust out of your home and straight into the containment unit in our truck outside, keeping the inside of your home clean and 99.8% dust-free.

Homeowners don’t have to worry about closing off the rooms to be worked on, covering other rooms and furniture, or staying out of the home. The dust is never loose in your home, which makes the process much cleaner, faster, and safer for everyone involved.

It also ensures a nicer end-result, free of any microscopic dust particles that might get trapped in the finishing process. It’s state-of-the-art floor finishing.

Benefits of the Atomic DCS System:

No airborne dust particles
No allergy or asthma issues
No need to vacate your home
No need to kennel your pets
Dust does not enter the ductwork where it can stay for months and get re-circulated
No need to seal rooms with plastic sheeting
Dust free environment ensures a perfect finish coat

No Dangerous Respiratory Effects

Traditionally, when a home’s floors are refinished, a technician begins by sanding the floors. As the top layer is sanded away, it becomes dust that fills the air of the home. Everything in the house must either be covered or removed to escape the dust.

All vents and ducts must be carefully sealed to prevent dust from collecting, and then spreading through the house again when the air is turned on. Sanding and cleaning may take anywhere between a day to a week, depending on the square footage. Even after the project is finished, it is common for homeowners to be cleaning up lingering dust for months afterward.

Dustless Sanding Means a Flawless Finish

With our dustless sanding system we can provide better service to you during the refinishing process and also ensure that you end up with a better final product afterwards.

If you’ve been putting off having your wood floors refinished, or having wood floors installed because of the hassle, give us a call.

With our dustless refinishing, you’ll have beautiful, new hardwood floors in no time with no hassle.

Other Great Reasons for Using Our Dustless Floor Refinishing

You won’t need to remove sensitive electronic equipment.
No need to use a harsh chemical to strip the finish from your floor.
No wondering about how secure your home is at night.
No need to seal off the room from the rest of the house.
Your pets will be less anxious because they can stay with you.

We would love to talk with you more about our environmentally friendly, dustless floor sanding process. Our consultation is free of charge and will cover everything you need to know about making your floor look its best.

Give SVB Wood Floors a call today at (816) 965-8655.

Top 10 Tips for Moving Heavy Objects without Scratching your Hardwood Floors

May 25, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor MaintenancetipsNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on May 25, 2017

Here at SVB, we get hardwood floor repair calls all the time when homeowners scratch their floors, many of which are caused while moving furniture. Next time you’re in a pinch and need to move something heavy, see these tips showing how to move heavy objects without scratching your wood floors.

1. Never Drag Furniture

First things first, if you can avoid dragging furniture, do. If it can be lifted and moved, it is always safer for your hardwood floor. But sometimes you don’t have the luxury of a burly friend or the time to find additional help. If lifting is out of the question, be very careful when dragging or sliding. Always make sure there is a cushion of some sort between the furniture and the floor.

2. Move Furniture Slowly

Don’t be in a hurry when moving heavy objects. If it slides off of its padding, damage can happen fast. It’s best to keep a close eye on the part that is on the floor to avoid damage. If something feels off, you can stop easily and reduce any scratches that may have started.

3. Keep It Clean

First things first. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is moving furniture before cleaning their floors. Clean my floors?! you may ask. Why? You may be surprised, but small pieces of gravel and even general dust/debris buildup under your furniture can wreak havoc if caught between a heavy piece of furniture and the floor. Always sweep your floors and make sure there is no grit especially in the pathway you will be using.

4. Lighten the Load

First things first: shed the weight. If you have a heavy object, you’ll want to make it as light as possible before making the move. For instance, remove the drawers from dressers or the contents from your refrigerator or the books and knickknacks from your bookshelves.

Additionally, if you have a piece with a mirror attached, take the time to unscrew a few screws and set the mirror aside to avoid potential damage and some seriously bad luck. Not only will removing drawers and other objects make the piece lighter, it will also prevent them from sliding out and hurting your hardwood floors and toes.

5. Soften the Surface

Once again, this should be a no-brainer, but always put something soft between the floor and the object.

Choose something that will easily move across the floor like folded towels, thick moving blankets, small area rugs or carpet remnants with the fuzzy side toward the wood floor, or these handy moving sliders available on Amazon!

One thing to remember, if you do choose to use rugs or carpet leftovers, make sure to shake them out to avoid any grit or debris. Also, avoid using cardboard as it can be abrasive and leave dull spots.

6. Try It on Its Side

If it’s not too big or heavy, consider laying the object on its side or back to slide it. Make sure it is on something soft and easily slidable, but extra thick and durable for the added surface area that’s needing to be covered.

This can help by distributing the weight over a larger area, thus, reducing the chance of scratching. This will also put less stress on the object’s legs if it has them. Just be careful to watch the corners and legs when you lift it back up to its upright position. (We suggest having help for this option.)

7. Get Some Gliders

You can buy special pads called gliders that fit under your furniture for moving heavy objects with ease. There are tons of nifty options online that come in different sizes and variety packs, and all at great prices! These are reusable and super convenient for homeowners who are known to do a little feng shui rearranging from time to time.

8. Refrigerator Tip

Refrigerators are notorious for scratching hardwood floors. When installing a refrigerator, we suggest laying two pieces of hardboard just in front of where the back wheels will be when it is in its final position, slide it back into place on the boards, and then carefully lean it backward to remove the boards.

9. Watch for Wheels

Always be careful of wheels. Just because a piece is on wheels, doesn’t mean that those wheels won’t scratch or dent your wood floors. Wheels can also get stuck in a sideways position and not roll at all, but rather scrape the floor. Place a piece of 1/4” thick hardboard on your floor and roll the wheels over it.

10. Don’t Use Dollies with Hard Rubber Wheels

Dollies are great for moving heavy objects, but certain kinds can be a nightmare for your hardwood floors. If you use a dolly, make sure it has inflatable rubber wheels, not hard rubber. Hard rubber wheels, plus the weight of the object, can create the perfect storm for dents and damage.

We hope these tips help keep your hardwood floors looking great. If you accidentally damage your wood floors, give us a call and our experts can make them look new again.

Call us at (816) 965-8655 for wood floor repairs. If you’d like to learn more ways to keep your hardwood looking great, download our free guide below:

How to Protect Hardwood Floors from Dogs

April 28, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor MaintenanceNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on April 28, 2017

Nothing speaks elegance quite as much as hardwood floors. They add warmth and sophistication to any home. But what if you have pets? Can you still keep wood floors beautiful if you have a cat or a dog?

The answer is yes. It is true that pets are tough on wood floors, but you can take steps to minimize the damage.

Place a Waterproof Mat under the Water Bowl

While cats are typically tidy water drinkers, dogs are not. They tend to slobber and splash water outside of the bowl. To prevent water damage to your floor, place a waterproof mat under your dog’s water dish. It is surprising how many homeowners neglect to do this and wind up with a floor section that is discolored or cupping (having a wavy appearance).

Quickly mop up any water that spills beyond the mat to keep the water from soaking into the wood. Skilled wood restoration is usually necessary if too much water has spilled and soaked through the wood for too long.

Related Read: SVB Wood Floors is GREENGUARD CERTIFIED. We pride ourselves on using products that are non-toxic, safe for children and pets, and they don’t leave any unpleasant odors behind.

Trim Your Pet’s Nails

This applies to both cats and dogs. While feline nails are small, cats that like to race around the house or play with toys can easily dig their nails into soft wood to gain better traction. A veterinarian or groomer can trim your cat’s nails if you are uncomfortable doing it.

Dogs get excited when their owner comes home. They dance around when they think a walk or car ride might be in their future. And every time they do, there is a good chance that they will leave scratches in the wood floor.

To help prevent this, trim your dog’s toenails on a regular basis and place throw rugs in his or her favorite areas. When scratches do happen, a professional recoating is a great option.

Clean Up Pet Urine as Fast Possible

Few things ruin a wood floor as quickly as pet urine. It seeps into the boards, leaves a very unpleasant odor and causes staining. Once a pet has marked a spot on the floor, then it tends to reuse the same spot again.

Clean up pet urine as soon as you can to prevent smells and discoloration. If the stain is several hours old, treat it with vinegar to slow the damage. If the stain becomes too great, then the wood might need patching to make the area look like new again.

With a few precautions, pets and wood floors can coexist. It is possible to have beautiful floors and your furry friends, too.

Protect the shine and beauty of your hardwood floors from your four-legged friends with the tips above.

Kansas City’s Custom Hardwood Specialists