Hardwood floors can be made more scratch-resistant by applying a coat of surface finish, but scratches will still be noticeable on the coating.
This is because layers of the coating typically made from water-based polyurethane or oil will act as a barrier between the floor and the environment so any scratches will affect the coating and not the hardwood floor itself.
What Types Of Surface Finish Are Best For Scratch Resistance?
If you want the best scratch resistance possible, then there are only a few options that will do the trick.
These are oil and lacquer. Oil is applied directly to the surface and is absorbed by the wood which strengthens it and gives it a stunning visual upgrade.
Lacquer on the other hand offers the best protection from scratches as it is a thick layer that sits on top of the surface of your wood. The difference between the two options is that oil will look more natural and enhance the colour of your floor, whereas lacquer tends to look more artificial and glossy.
Can Hardwood Floors Be Scratch Proof?
Whilst making a hardwood floor scratch resistant is quite an easy task, making one scratch proof is almost impossible.
Even if you apply a thick surface coating, use rugs where possible and take care when walking over your hardwood floor there will always be a small possibility of it getting scratched. You can reduce this to a very small amount, but given how long hardwood floors can last for it is hard to reduce this to zero.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Floor Scratches
When it comes to scratching hardwood floors there is no end of questions we get asked on a regular basis, so we’ve decided to include them in this summary.
We’ve also tackled other topics such as rocking chairs on the hardwood floor and rug pad marks, so be sure to check those out if you are looking for those answers.
Which Hardwood Floor Is The Most Scratch Resistant?
Not all hardwood flooring is built the same, and some types are more durable than others which is to be expected given the vast array of types of wood out there.
Hardwoods such as red oak and hickory are known for being incredibly durable and more resistant to scratches, whereas pine wood is known for being more likely to get marked and scratched.
There are other benefits to each different type of hardwood, however, regardless of their resistance to scratches. The main benefits apart from durability are appearance, cost and availability which should all be considered.
How Do You Protect Hardwood Floors From Dog Scratches?
Dogs are one of the most common causes of scratches to hardwood floors, but is there a way to protect your floor from them?
Although it is very difficult to prevent scratches from dogs, you can start by keeping their nails clipped so that they are less likely to catch the floor and scratch them. A simple nail clipper will do the job, which will benefit not only your flooring but also your dog as well.
Another thing you can do is make sure your hardwood floor is coating with a strong surface coating, and if there are areas where there is a lot of traffic then it is worth using a rug or runner in those areas to keep the floor protected underneath.
Is Engineered Hardwood Scratch Proof?
Engineered hardwood is usually quite resilient to scratches, but it isn’t completely scratch proof.
Engineered hardwood is (usually) more resistant to scratches than most hardwoods because they are often finished specifically with durability in mind. For example, some engineered hardwood is coated with a top layer that is up to 1/10-inch thick infused with liquid acrylic which makes it more durable.
It is important to note that engineered hardwood and hardwood are both equally scratch-resistant, however, in their standard forms.
It is only the fact that engineered hardwood is more likely to be finished in a stronger coating that makes it more likely to be scratch-resistant, so do keep that in mind when looking around for hardwood to purchase.