Pets can cause damage to floors. Pets can cause damage to your floors, from nail scratches to accidents, stains and odors, as well as shedding. Unless you are planning to move your pet to the yard, choosing the right flooring can be a good investment or a mistake.
There are many pet-friendly options available on the market. This will ensure that your pet is happy and your life easier. We are here to help find the right flooring for you, that will withstand any wear and tear from your pets.
The two most important things you should look at when looking for pet-friendly flooring are:
Waterproof (or water-resistant)
Pets can cause accidents. Pets can bring water into your home in many ways. Water can come in many forms: food and water spills, muddy feet, rain, baths, and of course, dogs will drool a lot. Even a tiny amount of water can cause permanent damage to floors. Pet-homes need to have waterproof floors or floors that are highly resistant to water.
Scratch-Resistant
Dogs and cats’ nails contact the ground more than ours when they walk. Because their nails are more difficult than ours, this can cause scratches to fragile floors. Although there is no such thing, floors can be scratch-resistant. These floors are hard floors that have a protective layer on the top so that they can be refinished. It is a good idea not to make scratches stand out, but rather blend into the design.
Stone and Tile Flooring
Tile and stone flooring is water-resistant, stain resistant, and easy-to-clean. This is one of the most pet-friendly options.
Tile is great for all pets, regardless of age, whether you are potty training a puppy or an older dog with bladder problems. You don’t need to worry about your pet’s nails getting scratched or damaged if they forget to trim their nails.
Tile and stone may be convenient for you but they won’t be the best option for your pet. These floors can be hard and cold. You won’t have to worry about radiant underfloor heating systems because San Diego is well-known for its mild winters. Instead, pets may find cool spots on cold floors to cool off during the summer heat. While cats may find it easy to relax on a couch or chair, dogs will need a place to lay down.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is an excellent choice for pet owners. Cork flooring is attractive and also antimicrobial. Microbial flooring is less likely than other types of allergens to grow, such as mold or bacterial growth. While it’s important to quickly clean up any accidents, you should not wait to find them. It is less likely that harmful bacteria or allergens will remain.
Cork also absorbs sound. Cork is a great choice for those who live on the upper floors or have a baby who sleeps in their house.
Cork is scratch-resistant but it doesn’t mean it will not scratch. It is a good idea to trim your pet’s nails. To minimize scratch marks, choose a lighter cork flooring color and seal your floors with a durable, scratch-resistant finish.
Cork flooring may not be pet-proof, but it is an excellent option. It provides the same natural warmth as hardwood flooring and is resistant to many pet-related flooring problems.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring, like cork, is another great choice if you are looking for a natural wood look with your pets. Bamboo flooring is both scratch and stain-resistant and extremely durable. You can watch your pet running across the brand-new flooring with ease.
Bamboo is not all created equal. You should choose one with a high hardness rating according to the Janka. Bamboo floors made from strands are more durable than other types.
Bamboo flooring is easy to maintain. It is also easy to clean up any pet hairs brought in from outside. If they are cleaned up well, food and water spillages as well as pet accidents will not cause any damage to these floors.
Bamboo flooring is also sustainable, so you can do good for the environment. Bamboo flooring is a good choice for homes with pets. However, it is not recommended to be too hardy or durable.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
It is an excellent choice for pets-friendly homes. Vinyl flooring can look like natural stone, tile or hardwood but is easier for pets and budgets.
Luxury vinyl is available in two forms: luxury vinyl planks or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). Both options are suitable for pets and serve many purposes.
First, luxury vinyl can be very durable. It can withstand all the challenges of pets if it is a high quality product.
It is resistant to scratches and tears, and can withstand food and water spillages. Not only is it very durable, but most luxury vinyl is also water-resistant–some products are even waterproof! It is easy to clean and maintain.
It’s also more flexible underfoot than other hard surfaces, so your pet and you will feel more at ease while walking or resting.
Luxury vinyl is a great option if you’re looking for affordable flooring that your pets and you will love. Luxury vinyl flooring can be found at a fraction of the cost of real hardwood and tile.
Engineered Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is not recommended for pets. However, engineered hardwood is recommended for those who need to have hardwood.
Make sure you choose one with a high Janka Scale rating, such as white oak or Brazilian cherry. It should also have a durable and scratch-resistant finish.
Planks with thick veneers are best for pets who might scratch the surface. You can sand the top layer if it is thicker and then refinish it.
You can hide scratches easily by choosing flooring with a distressed or “rustic” look. These styles will blend seamlessly with scratches because they are already worn.
To prevent any damage to your floors, be sure to immediately clean up spillages or accidents.
Although engineered wood may not be as scratch- and water-resistant as traditional hardwood floors, it is still more resistant than traditional hardwood floors. It is also more attractive when it comes to resale values. It is possible to have pets and hardwood floors in your home if you are willing to spend a bit more on high-quality engineered wood.