Replies

1. 
   BenM | May 01, 2003 08:05pm | #1

   Welcome.  More information would be good.  Does the floor have a finish and what kind?  Are the scratches in the finish or in the wood?  Pine is pretty soft so it won't be so easy to keep it 100% scratch free.

2. 
   Jeff | May 01, 2003 10:59pm | #2

   Joe

   The simple answer is no.

   I have 3 dogs, 70, 75, and 100 lbs.

   Even my oak scratches.

   Welcome to VT.

   Jeff

1. 
   JeffKurtz | May 02, 2003 03:01am | #3

   Jeff,

   Why not contact the folks who refinish bowling alleys?  Can't imagine a floor that takes more of a pounding.

   BTW, if de-clawing works with cats....

   Jeff

3. 
   newVThome | May 02, 2003 07:28pm | #4

   I guess my user name is kind of deceiving. I've always lived in VT but just bought a new home.  The floors are made of a variety of wood but definately some pine.  I don't know if there is much of a treatment on them now but my dog and another have played on it and scratched it easily.  I am debating having it sanded and treated but it looks nice (except for the new scratches).  I don't want to waste my money if the dog is just going to mark it up anyhow.

   Thanks again

   Joe

   [email protected]

1. 
   jc21 | May 02, 2003 08:07pm | #5

   Not much you'll be able to do about scratches; pine is soft and with dogs scratches are almost inevitable. Real estate agents call it "character". You might consider going to an oil finish if and when you refinish. Waterlox is a good one and works very well on pine. Touchup ups are easier- no sanding required.

   http://www.waterlox.com/

4. 
   10fingers | May 03, 2003 07:08am | #6

   Hello newhomie,

   I have refinished a couple of basketball courts and stages in a past job I had.  We used a oil based varnish called gymcoat.  I believe that I bought it from Sherwin-Williams paint store.  Check with whatever paint store is in your area.   Ask what they have.   I once used a two part finish, but we had to use respirators with good filters.   The paint people know what they have and will usually steer you right and stand behind their product.   However, the rustic look is cheaper and easier.

   Chuck

5. 
   robkress | May 03, 2003 11:43pm | #7

   I have pine floors at my weekender in PA.  Also have 2 dogs about 55 lbs each.  I think there is nothing to be done about the scratching.  Our floors have it even though the polyurethane that we put on the floor is performing wonderfully and still looks really good, the wood is just too soft

   Good luck

   Rob Kress