I have two dogs. (80 and 50 lbs.) I am considering having solid cumaru installed throughout the main floor (upper floor of split-level home w/ plywood subfloor) of my home. Is cumaru a good choice for dogs? Other species recommendations and also any general info about cumaru is appreciated.

Also, what would be the most durable finish that would be compatible with cumaru?

Thank you!

Mark

Cumaru is HARD! You could probably just oil it with tung oil but it would require more frequent applications of oil (easy to do). Bona Traffic is currently the most durable that has been extensively field tested. Check with Bona about compatability but I think you should not have adhesion problems if you use Bona sealer first OR Zinsser Seal Coat. Seal Coat will give you a richer appearance. Bona also has a DriFast sealer that should also work well and will bring out the color of the cumaru. Another choice would be moisture cured urethane but it is outlawed in many places AND may pose an adhesion problem with cumaru. Personally, I think I'd use Traffic and plan on some scratches unless your dogs are docile.

Thank you, Gary!

Mark

Hi, MarkH. I'm about half way done installing prefinished natural grade maple in my house and I wanted to give you my two cents. I have a 150lbs saint bernard. Before I chose maple I bought enough click-together natural finish bamboo for a 10x10 section and let my dog play on it. It scratched up horribly. The maple looks like it's going to hold up a lot better although when he gets his shorts bursts of energy I can see some marking. Plus he's now more familiar with the new slippery floor so his feet don't slide out from under him like they did at first.

My suggestion is to keep their claws trimmed all the time and leave playtime for outside.

Good suggestions for those with dogs!