For minor problems where the stain hasn't darkened from years of soaking, sanding will remove some of the discoloration, but traces may remain. Staining the entire floor a darker color could mask the problems, but is not a guarantee. Even the darkest of floor stain colors like Ebony cannot hide pet urine stains that cannot be sanded out successfully.

What Options Do I Have?

Unfortunately extensive urine stains cannot be repaired on the surface completely. Often solutions are to live with them by covering areas with throw rugs or replacing the entire floor. Smaller areas on the other can be.

A viable but time consuming solution without it being noticeable is finding similar aged material that was used for the original installation. Often material can be removed from closets, where new can be installed that will not be seen. Unfortunately with many older homes with little or no closet space there may be nothing to choose from. Local salvage yards are an option or perhaps a home of similar age in the neighborhood is being torn down.

If worst comes to worst, removal from a room that is not as visible can be chosen. Perhaps the installers can remove older boards from the center of the room and create an accent piece for the room with new material. At least this way the new material will not stand out if taken at random.

Patina In Older Floors

Reasons why a simple fix with new hardwood doesn't work well has to do with the patina of the older floor. Using new will not match the timeless transition the existing hardwood floor has taken on. Also with much older hardwoods appearances are different. Old growth hardwoods were commonly used whereas today they are not. Grain patterns are likely to be different.

Painting The Floors?

Painting is another consideration. They don't have to be completely painted by hiding the hardwood graining or making the floor look like front porch grey or black. One could create a weathered or distressed look which happens to be very popular as of this date May 15, 2009. One could take examples from Anderson hardwood floors who has a line called Olde Paint (shown left is Antique Linen).

Okay. How About The Smell?

There's a company that specializes in a product that works effectively to remove pet urine odors from not only hardwood floors but other floor coverings. The company also offers a black light that can detect Removes pet stain odors urine stains that aren't visible to the naked eye.

Home Hunting? Floors Covered By Carpet? Any Pet Stains Underneath?

This may sound off the wall...but...you could bring your cute little poodle (borrow one from a friend) with you on home hunting trips. Real estate agents aren't as likely to refuse them entry opposed to a German Sheppard.

Animals are drawn to urine. If little Toto concentrates his or her snout to the floor in one or several areas there are likely to be pet stains on the older hardwood floor underneath. How extensive the damage may be is always uncertain unless the carpet is removed.

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