How to Choose Pet Friendly Furniture that Lasts

When you share your home with pets, every piece of furniture must stand up to the extra wear and tear that comes with your furry friends. Choosing the right wood furniture can make all the difference in maintaining a stylish, comfortable home that both you and your pets can enjoy. At Luke’s Furniture Company, we specialize in crafting custom wood furniture that not only enhances your space but also holds up well against the enthusiastic love of pets. Here’s how you can choose the best pet-friendly wood furniture.

Choose Solid Wood for Durability

The foundation of pet-friendly furniture is durability, and solid wood is your best bet. Unlike veneers or particle board, solid wood furniture can withstand the occasional scratch or nibble without significant damage. Solid wood is more robust and repairable, which means it can handle everything from a cat’s claws to a dog’s chew toy.

Opt for Hardwoods

Some woods are harder and more resistant to damage than others. Hardwoods like oak, mahogany, and walnut are excellent choices for pet owners because of their density and toughness. These woods are less likely to get scratched or dented by your pet’s claws. Avoid softer woods like pine, cypress, cedar and poplar, which can easily be marred by a playful cat or a bounding dog.

Consider Highly Durable Finishes

The finish on your wood furniture not only adds beauty but also plays a crucial role in its durability. For pet-friendly furniture, opt for finishes that are known for their hardness and resistance to moisture. Urethane finishes (what we use) are a popular choice as it provides a protective coating that is both water-resistant and able to withstand a fair amount of abuse.

This means it’s less likely to show scratches and easier to clean up after your pet’s messes. Avoid low durability finishes such as laquer and paint (when paint colors are requested, we use colored urethanes to ensure maximum durability).

Custom Design Elements to Deter Pets

One of the benefits of opting for custom furniture is that you can incorporate design elements specifically aimed at keeping pets at bay. For example, table legs can be designed with a metal inlay at the bottom to discourage chewing. Similarly, you can choose designs that are sleek and smooth, minimizing edges and corners that often attract curious bites and scratches.

Select Pet-Friendly Textiles and Cushions

When choosing upholstered furniture, select fabrics that are known for their durability and ease of cleaning. Textiles such as microfiber or leather can be ideal as they are less likely to hold onto pet hair and are easier to clean if stained. All of our upholstered chairs can be made with any fabric, so we can guide you towards fabrics known to  hold up well to pet wear.

At Luke’s Furniture Company, we understand that your furniture is an investment—not just in the aesthetics of your home but also in the functionality of living with pets. By choosing the right materials, finishes, and designs, you can enjoy beautiful wood furniture that stands the test of time and pet ownership. Visit our website to explore custom options that can be tailored to your needs and preferences, ensuring your home looks great and works well for everyone in the family, pets included.

This approach not only makes your furniture more durable and pet-friendly but also keeps your home looking stylish and cohesive. Whether you're a dog lover or a cat person, the right choices in furniture can make all the difference in creating a living space that’s comfortable for you and your pets.

Looking for help in designing your home to stand up to the daily life of you and your pets? Schedule an appointment today and we can help you make design choices that perfectly fit your home and lifestyle!