Bamboo Flooring And Dogs: [Know The Compatibility]

Dwellers having dogs at home often remain concerned about which flooring they should get. As dogs may scratch the flooring and pee here and there, maintaining the flooring becomes difficult. In such cases, choosing a pet-friendly flooring is mandatory which is durable and aesthetically pleasing as well. And the most popular dog-friendly, durable, and beautiful flooring candidate, so far, is bamboo flooring. 

Bamboo flooring is already a popular flooring option for homes with pets. But before you pick the same option, knowing about its compatibility and suitability is necessary. Not all people have the same experience with bamboo for choosing the wrong bamboo, not maintaining it, etc. Therefore, you must know all the aspects first and then decide on them. 

From my experience and research, I have learned a lot about bamboo flooring being dog-friendly. In this article, I would share it all to help you make the right decision. Let’s start, what say? 

Bamboo Flooring And Dogs: Is It Durable Enough?

The very first thought in your mind would be whether bamboo flooring would survive the scratches and pet puddles or not. To know this, we need to do some checks on the bamboo flooring. And the first consideration would be the durability of bamboo flooring. 

With a Janka hardness rating of 3000, bamboo is considered to be one of the most durable materials. The surface, as well as the base of bamboo flooring, is extremely durable, compact, and tough. So minor glides and scratches by your dog won’t affect the bamboo flooring much. 

However, by that, I mean that normal nail glides by dogs won’t scratch the flooring. But if the scratching is vigorous and continuous, it may leave blemishes on the surface level. But it surely won’t go deeper into the bamboo due to its compact and solid structure.

And the minor scratches won’t affect the look of the bamboo as it is supposed to blend with the textures. Nevertheless, over-polished bamboo floors may make the blemishes visible. 

But there comes another argument while choosing between different types of bamboo floorings. Not all bamboo floorings are equally durable. So to know why there is a disparity in durability between the options, let us briefly know about their manufacturing and bonding processes. 

1. Vertical: 

Vertical bamboo boards are made by cutting the bamboo into small and thin sheets. These sheets are adhered to together after drying. But the adhering is done vertically to give a consistent, less grainy, and smooth look. 

2. Horizontal: 

Horizontal bamboo flooring has the same manufacturing procedure as vertical bamboo flooring. But the difference is in the direction in which the strips are attached. Here, the strips are bonded horizontally which makes the grains and streaks more visible and prominent than the vertical planks. 

3. Strand Woven: 

Here comes the most popular and durable bamboo flooring, strand woven bamboo flooring. It is the most durable and toughest one due to its unique crafting. Unlike the above two options, here, the bamboo fibers are shredded, dried, and bonded under intense pressure and heat. The bonding is so strong that a very solid structure is made. 

So it is evident that if you are choosing bamboo flooring, the best option for your dogs and pets is the strand woven bamboo flooring. Its crafting made it highly durable, stable, hard, and compact that stretching won’t affect it much. The other two options are relatively less durable just because of how it is made. 

Is Bamboo Flooring Safe For Dogs? 

Many of us frequently ask this question: is bamboo flooring good for dogs? Let’s answer the question.

It is not always about how durable the bamboo flooring is. But the safety concerns are there too. As dogs like licking and biting the floor randomly, the safety concern comes to mind. Will bamboo flooring somehow harm your dog if he licks or bites the floor? A very genuine question!

In general, bamboo is an eco-friendly flooring option. But while choosing especially for your dogs, you need to check a few properties in the bamboo flooring. The basic part is to check the level of VOC it releases. Most bamboo flooring releases minimal VOC and some even have zero VOC properties. Choose them for your dog’s safety. 

Okay, let me name the elements that should not be present or be minimally present in the bamboo flooring:

• Volatile organic compounds
• Formaldehyde
• Toxic elements

Pure bamboo flooring generally has 22% protein in it which is actually good for dogs. Even if they chew it, it won’t really harm them much. And in modern times, most bamboos are certified to be safe for pets. Another excellent benefit is bamboo flooring prevents the growth of molds and mildews naturally. So bamboo flooring automatically remains hygienic and germ-free. 

To sum up, I can say that bamboo flooring is safe for dogs. In case they lick or chew bamboo flooring, it won’t affect their health. However, you must check the safety certification of the particular bamboo flooring company before buying. 

7 Reasons Why Bamboo Flooring Is Good For Dogs: 

Let’s face it! Bamboo flooring with dogs is not a new concept nowadays. By now you have understood that bamboo flooring is quite a decent option for homes with dogs. It is quite scratch-resistant as well as safe for dogs. But for assurance, I must provide some concrete reasons why I consider bamboo flooring to be a good option for dogs. 

Bamboo flooring is popular for houses with dogs for various reasons. It is not only related to scratch resistance or safety but other factors that motivate buyers too. What I mean is, overall, bamboo is a fair option for houses with dogs. Here, I will mention 7 reasons why bamboo flooring is good for dogs:

1. Bamboo Is Adequately Stain And Moisture Resistant: 

Dogs may pee, excrete on the floor or lick it often. Also, they may spill things while playing or roaming around. Spill accidents can occur at any time when you have a dog at home. This is why stain and moisture resistance of the flooring is necessary. 

Bamboo flooring can hold up moisture and water for around 30 hours. So if you fail to clean immediately after your dog pees, it’s not a big deal. Also, as the water can’t penetrate the bamboo flooring layers, the chances of staining are very low. Even if the dog vomits or poops on the floor, it won’t stain easily. So the flooring stays intact. 

2. Bamboo Flooring Is Easy To Clean:

Bamboo flooring is super easy to clean. So even if there is a spill accident that may stain or damage the bamboo, you can easily clean it up. Once you spot the dirt, you can either sweep it off or use a damp cloth to rinse the flooring. 

In case there is a chance of smelling that may make the floor unhygienic, you should thoroughly rinse it with a mild dishwashing liquid. Also, any bamboo floor cleaner can be used to leave a shiny and fragrant surface. Therefore, you see, easy cleaning of bamboo flooring makes it easy to maintain it even if the dogs cause an accident. 

3. It Has Aluminum Oxide Coating For Scratch Resistance: 

Though we have already talked about it, I had to mention this quality once again. See, bamboo is naturally very hard and tough. On top of that, strand-woven bamboo is very durable and hard. But you should check for one more quality: the presence of an aluminum oxide coating. 

The aluminum oxide coating on the bamboo flooring makes it tougher and more scratch-resistant. This protective layer would safeguard the flooring from random scratching or dog claws. Hence, the flooring stays completely safe and intact. 

4. Some Bamboo Floorings Are Slip-resistant:

Wow! This sounds amazing, right? I mean we mostly see bamboo flooring as a very smooth and gliding flooring which is slippery too. Now if we eliminate the part ‘slippery’, the flooring would be safer and nicer for your dog. 

Dogs are very playful and mischievous and on a slippery floor, they won’t be very comfortable. So if you choose a slip-resistant bamboo flooring (which is widely available), it is an added advantage. No more tension of your dog meeting an accident at home!

5. Refinish The Bamboo If Scratched:

Now if the dog vigorously scratches the flooring, you won’t need to repair the entire flooring or replace it. Thankfully, bamboo flooring can be refinished and polished if the scratches go deep. Once you scrape off the damaged layer, a new fresh layer of bamboo will be revealed. 

This is an excellent benefit that you won’t get with vinyl plank flooring or ceramic tile. As no flooring is completely scratch-resistant, the option of refinishing makes the flooring long-lasting. So in the case of bamboo flooring, you can refinish if it is scratched to reveal a flawless flooring. 

6. Colors And Textures Of Bamboo Can Hide Scratches: 

Now if you are not ready to invest in high-quality bamboo flooring that is extremely durable, you can at least choose a color and texture that can hide scratches. If you choose a light-shaded bamboo flooring with consistent and frequent grains, they can adequately hide the scratches. 

The grains and veins on light-colored bamboo planks make the scratches blend with them. So it is a good option for those wanting to buy mid-range bamboo planks. 

7. A Cost-effective And Aesthetically Pleasant Flooring: 

Just because you are looking for flooring suitable for your dog doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice other features. In fact, bamboo flooring is quite a profitable investment. It is cost-effective yet long-lasting; quite a smart investment!

Besides, bamboo flooring has quite a lot of color and texture options. With its sound, incessant, and calming appearance, bamboo flooring can adorn an interior beautifully. So you don’t need to pay extra or compromise with the aesthetic value of the flooring if you choose bamboo. 

5 Tips Before You Buy Bamboo Flooring For Dogs: For Long-lasting Service

Yes, bamboo is quite a decent option for homes with dogs. But you have to note down some factors before you finalize. Here are 5 tips taken from my experience before you go buying bamboo flooring: 

• Clean pee, poops, vomits, or other spills by your dog within 20 to 30 hours after it happens. Otherwise, the liquid will slowly go down the bamboo, distort and discolor the surface, and damage the floor. 

• Never settle for buying low-quality bamboo flooring. Check the safety label with the protection measures before buying. You can expect the best scratch, slip, and moisture resistance from low-quality bamboo. 

• Don’t go for any bamboo flooring other than strand woven bamboo flooring. It is undoubtedly the toughest and most resilient bamboo flooring type. 

• Avoid carbonized bamboo flooring. Though the color is intense and attractive, it is not as durable as the non-carbonized ones. So when there is the question of durability and scratch-resistance, you have to avoid carbonized bamboo. 

• You don’t need to invest in engineered bamboo flooring. It has more or less the same qualities as strand-woven bamboo. So don’t get fooled! However, if you like the appearance of it, you may choose it. 

Bamboo Flooring And Dog Urine: Here’s What You Should Do

Bamboo flooring can be a beautiful and durable choice for your home, but it is important to address the issue of dog urine promptly to prevent potential damage. Here are some steps you can take to deal with dog urine on bamboo flooring:

1. Act quickly: As soon as you notice your dog has urinated on the floor, it’s important to act fast to minimize any potential damage. Promptly clean up the urine to prevent it from seeping into the bamboo flooring.
2. Absorb the urine: Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot the urine. Gently press the towels or cloth onto the affected area to absorb as much urine as possible. Avoid rubbing, as it may spread the urine and damage the flooring.
3. Clean the area: After absorbing the urine, clean the affected area with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth or mop to gently scrub the area, removing any remaining urine residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the bamboo flooring.
4. Rinse and dry: Once you have cleaned the area, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Make sure to dry the area completely using a dry cloth or towel. Moisture can be detrimental to bamboo flooring, so ensure it is completely dry to prevent any potential warping or damage.
5. Odor elimination: If there is still an odor present after cleaning, you can use a pet urine odor neutralizer specifically designed for use on bamboo flooring. Follow the product instructions carefully to effectively eliminate any lingering odors.

Prevention is key to avoiding recurring issues with dog urine on bamboo flooring. Here are some preventive measures to consider:

• Train your dog: Properly train your dog to avoid urinating on the bamboo flooring. Provide them with designated areas, such as pee pads or outdoor spaces, where they can relieve themselves.
• Use protective mats or rugs: Place mats or rugs in areas where your dog frequently spends time. This can provide an additional layer of protection and make cleaning up accidents easier.
• Trim your dog’s nails: Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed can help prevent any scratches or damage to the bamboo flooring if accidents occur.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is Hardwood Better Than Bamboo For Homes With Dogs? 

Many may think that hardwood is better than bamboo flooring for homes with dogs. It is true that hardwood is pet-friendly. But before we claim it better than bamboo, go through this comparison chart: 

Parameters	Bamboo Flooring	Hardwood Flooring
Durability	More durable	Moderately durable
Hardness (Janka rating)	3000	Below 3000 except Brazilian teak and walnut
Water resistance	More water-resistant	Moderately water-resistant (needs sealing)
Scratch resistance	Excellent scratch resistant	Less scratch-resistant than bamboo
Longevity	Long-lasting	Lasts longer than bamboo
Cleaning and maintenance	Easy cleaning and minimal maintenance	Simple cleaning but needs intense maintenance
Price	Cheaper	Costlier

As you can see, hardwood is not a bad alternative to bamboo. But in most of the parameters except longevity, bamboo is the winner. So yes, bamboo is a way better flooring for dogs. 

Will Dog Pee Ruin Bamboo Flooring? 

Dog pee won’t ruin bamboo flooring easily if you clean it between 20 to 30 hours after the accident. But if the pee evaporates and you miss out on cleaning it, it would affect the bamboo. 

Bamboo has excellent moisture and stain resistance and can survive up to 30 hours. But if you forget to clean it, the pee will go deeper, swell the bamboo, discolor the floor, and damage it. So you have to clean it no matter what. The only benefit you get is that you have enough time to do it. Therefore, if you clean on time, dog pee won’t ruin bamboo flooring. 

How Do You Get Dog Urine Smell Out Of Bamboo Floors?

It is a big problem when dog urine is left on the bamboo flooring for a long time. It releases a nasty urine smell that can be difficult to remove if you don’t use the right agent to clean it. 

A natural and effective way to remove the dog’s urine smell is to use vinegar. Vinegar not only removes the odor but also makes the surface hygienic. To apply this method, make a mixture of a ¼th cup of vinegar with ¾th cup of water. Mix it well and spray on the urine. Keep it for a few minutes and wipe it off thoroughly with a towel. This will give a fresh-smelling bamboo flooring. 

Therefore, treating the affected area with diluted vinegar would remove the dog’s urine odor. 

How Can You Protect Your Bamboo Floors From Dog Urine?

If you want the bamboo flooring to stay away from dog urine, you can lay waterproof rugs on areas where the dog goes the most. Around its strolling area, laying the rug would keep the urine away from the bamboo flooring. 

However, note that bamboo flooring won’t get damaged easily if the dog pees on it. What you have to do is clean it before 20 hours. If you are not satisfied and want better protection, make a solution of vinegar in a 1:3 ratio. Apply it on the affected area and rinse it off thoroughly. Dry the area with a towel. This trick would not only clean the surface but disinfect and remove the urine smell too. 

So either you can lay a waterproof rug or clean the area with diluted vinegar to keep the bamboo flooring protected. 

How To Protect Bamboo Flooring From Dog Scratches? 

If you want to protect the bamboo flooring from any scratches at all, you will have to train your dog or put on nail caps on the nails of the dogs. 

Nail caps are soft pads that would cover the nails of the dogs. So even if your dog plays or scratches the flooring, the sharp nails won’t touch the flooring. Thus no scratching is done on the floor at all.

But this can be uncomfortable for your dog. In that case, a dog trainer can train the dog not to scratch on the flooring and scratch on soil only. These are two ways to protect bamboo flooring from getting no scratches by dogs at all. 

Conclusion: 

In the end, I must say, bamboo is quite a decent and reliable flooring if you have dogs at home. If you choose top-quality bamboo flooring, you are surely going to get excellent service. Still, you must consider my tips before buying. 

Just like you, all I want is durable and safe flooring for your lovely dog! And bamboo is surely a smart choice for that!

You may also want to read:

Here are the 9 key differences between Bamboo flooring and engineered Hardwood

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Stranded Bamboo Flooring