Bamboo Flooring
Some types of bamboo floors, such as strand–woven bamboo, are strong enough to handle pet
scratching and occasional accidents from medium to large animals. Softer bamboo
floors may be up to the task of wear and tear of smaller pets, such as cats and
small dogs. However, note that high traffic and accidents may dent and damage the flooring. When
shopping, make sure you choose bamboo flooring that is durable enough to withstand your pet's wear and tear.
Pros
- Bamboo floors can be refinished to help remove damage caused by pet nails or waste
- Durable bamboo floor types (such as strand woven) can withstand a higher level of pet wear and tear
Cons
- Can be scratched by pets with long or sharp nails
- Can expand and contract when exposed to moisture or pooling liquids
- Surface may be slippery
- Can amplify noise
Pet–Friendly Flooring Tips – Bamboo Flooring
- Add a hard urethane finish to increase durability
- Urethane finish can be applied to help repair small scratches
- Clean up spills, dirt and debris immediately
- Protect the subfloor with a moisture barrier or underlayment* such as cork or foam rubber
- Keep pets' nails trimmed
- Put pet boots or nail caps on your pets to reduce slippage and floor damage
- Use non–slip mats or rugs in water and moisture susceptible areas (such as kitchen and bathroom) and in areas
where pets run or frequently visit
Note: Mats and rugs with rubber backing may discolor bamboo
flooring.
*Underlayment is the layer of material between the subfloor and the flooring being installed.
