Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Pet stains on hardwood floors...

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Flooring
Date: 25 Aug 2000
Time: 18:10:41
Remote Name: 207.82.209.113

Comments

We have consulted several reliable sources regarding pet-stained wood floors and have concluded that stain removal is generally very difficult. Uric acid penetrates the wood surface and can destroy wood fibers, altering their appearance. Generally the best solutions are to fully sand the floor and restain with a dark-colored stain and at least 3-layers of a high solids polyurethane topcoat. This will help to obscure variations in wood tone due to staining. In small areas, mild bleaching can be useful if applied by an expert who can blend in the color.

However, in your case, it sounds like the staining is pervasive and bleaching would likely ruin the lovely rich color of Red Oak. I can't explain why one room has no signs of staining, unless animals weren't allowed in that room, or the floor was put in sometime later.

Generally, walking on floors doesn't cause the kind of staining you're referring to and since people generally walk in certain traffic patterns, you would probably see obvious signs of foot traffic.

Unfortunately, most experts agree that total or partial replacement of the damaged wood is the only option if you wish to keep a natural oak appearance and have it look first-rate.

If we or any of our readers come across any better advice, we'll post another message and Email you with our findings.

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