Can You Have a Dog with Hardwood Floors?

April 25, 2025

Short answer: Yes. But not all hardwood floors are created equal, especially if you have a dog.

Between scratching nails, water bowl spills, and high-energy zoomies through the hallway, dogs can be tough on flooring. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up the look and feel of real wood.

Choosing durable, low-maintenance, and forgiving hardwood flooring in high-traffic areas is key. We’ll uncover the best wood species, finishes, and maintenance tips for dog owners. And we’ll throw in a few tricks to protect your hardwood floors from scratches and dents.

So, if you’re wondering whether wood floors and dogs can coexist, the answer is yes, with the right strategy.

Dog pulling on a toy addressing whether you can have hardwood floors and dogs

What to Look for in Hardwood Floors When You Have Dogs

Dogs are wonderful and worth every day you get to spend with them. They bring energy, loyalty, and unconditional love. Unfortunately, they can terrorize your floors with unsightly scratches and dents.

First, your dog’s nails can easily scratch wood floors, even with consistent attention to trimming. Second, there are water concerns with spilled water bowls or shaking from rain. Third, even the best-trained dog has accidents. That’s why choosing the right hardwood is critical.

Dog-proof wood floors (if such a thing exists) must offer:

3 Hardwood Flooring Options That Work for Dog Owners

Let’s get real—no floor is entirely scratch-proof. But some are far better than others. Here’s what matters most when choosing hardwood floors for dogs:

1. Choose Harder Wood Species

The Janka Hardness Scale ranks how resistant a wood is to denting and wear. As a pet owner, avoid softer woods like pine or birch. Instead, go for harder options such as:

Harder wood species don’t just resist scratches—they also hold up longer in high-traffic zones.

2. Opt for Textured or Matte Finishes

Glossy floors may look sleek, but they show scratches and dents much more clearly. A better strategy? Go with:

Wire-brushed or Hand-scraped Textures

They add character and hide imperfections well. For example, Hartco® offers American Scrape® hardwood flooring with a hand-scraped finish, as the name implies. It also comes in the three most durable domestic species: oak, hickory, and maple.

Close up of a hand-scraped hardwood floor

Matte or Satin Sheens

They’re a perfect solution when you live with dogs. Glossy finishes reflect light and highlight every scratch. On the other hand, matte finishes absorb light, making scuffs, dents, and your dog’s nail marks far less noticeable. The low-sheen surface gives your floors a smooth, modern look without the glare, perfect for creating a calm, clean aesthetic.

These finishes also help with traction, making it easier for your dog to move around safely.

3. Consider Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood has a real wood surface layered over a stable core. It looks like solid hardwood. However, it better resists moisture and temperature changes. Engineered wood is generally more impervious to scratches and dents than solid hardwoods.

Most manufacturers pre-finish or factory-finish engineered hardwoods. These floors have a tougher and more durable finish that can better withstand the wear and tear of pet claws than site-finished floors.

Depending on the thickness of the top layer, you can refinish them once or twice if needed. To refinish engineered hardwood floors, the veneer layer must be at least 3/32 inch (2.5 mm) thick. That allows you to remove enough wood during sanding without compromising the floor’s structural integrity. For pet owners dealing with scratches or worn areas, that’s a win.

5 Ways to Protect Your Hardwood Floors from Dog Damage

No matter what type of flooring you install, maintenance is critical. Here are a few easy ways to prevent scratches and protect your hardwood floors long-term:

  1. Trim your dog’s nails regularly:  Fewer sharp edges mean fewer scratches.
  2. Use area rugs and runners: Place them in high-traffic areas or spots where your dog plays and sleeps.
  3. Add mats under water bowls: Spilled water can lead to warping or damage if left unchecked. Even small spills, if left, can damage your wood floors.
  4. Wipe paws after walks: Your dog’s paws can pick up dirt like your shoes, and that grit can have the same effect as sandpaper on hardwood.
  5. Clean up accidents quickly – Don’t give moisture time to soak in.

Even the toughest floors need a little help to stay looking their best.

Kitchen scene with a little girl playing with a dog and showing Dogwood densified engineered hardwood flooring

The Ultimate Wood Flooring for Dogs

If you’re looking for hardwood flooring specifically designed with dogs (and kids!) in mind, Hartco’s Dogwood® Pro collection takes a front seat. It uses real wood and hardens it through a proprietary process.

The outcome is an engineered hardwood floor that delivers four times the scratch resistance of traditional hardwood. That means fewer visible scratches and more peace of mind. So the next time your dog slides across your floor, you’ll have fewer worries.

Dogwood Pro combines hardwood’s natural beauty with enhanced strength. It delivers a perfect solution for homes with active dogs, busy kids, and other demanding environments.

Yes. You Can Have Hardwood Floors and Dogs!

Don’t believe what you’ve heard. As a dog owner, you can enjoy hardwood flooring. Your home can be beautiful and dog-friendly with wise wood species, finishes, and layout choices.

Start with a strong wood species like white oak or hickory. Choose matte finishes and tight grain patterns that help hide scratches. Layer in smart habits like area rugs, nail trimming, and fast cleanups to protect your hardwood floors long-term.

And when you want a wood floor with a durability edge, shop for a floor designed with dogs in mind, such as Dogwood Pro.

Find a Hartco retailer near you.