We all want to protect our floors and provide a safe home for our pets, but it’s difficult to tell which floors will do it all and more. Because most homes have pets, many floors are designed specifically with pets in mind, but some floors could actually cause serious problems for you and your pet. To help you decide which flooring is right for you, here’s our count down to the best floors for homes with pets:
As much as carpet is loved across all homes and living rooms, it is actually not the best choice of flooring for homes with pets. This isn’t because it’s bad for pets, but more so because it’s the most difficult type of flooring to maintain with pets. Carpeting has several layers, and if fur, odor, or stains seep into the lowest layer of your carpet, they can be very difficult to remove. Unless it’s specially designed for households with pets, carpeting may stain and can be susceptible to fur weaving tightly through the threads. Additionally, dogs and cats often love to destroy carpets by chewing or clawing them. If you have pets and want carpet be sure to check out our pet friendly options such as the RELAX…. IT’S LEES BRAND
While this is a less expensive floor than hardwood and some tile options, laminate floors are more problematic than they might seem. A benefit of laminate flooring is its durability Laminate floors are made of artificial wood with a sealant layer on top. This means the floors look similar to hardwood but are much less likely to get scuffed and scratched.
What makes these floors less expensive, however, can actually cause more problems for your pet. Namely, the sealant layer can cause your pets to slip when they’re running or trotting around your home or jumping off the couch onto the floor. For animals that are prone to hip problems, this could be detrimental to their health.
Hardwood Floors
If you’re considering putting in hardwood floors, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. In this case, the cons might be a bit more convincing. This flooring is a beautiful option that will add value to your home, and most spills and messes are easy to clean up on hardwood floors. The cost of putting in hardwood floors and maintaining them over time, however, makes these floors one of the most expensive options.
The truth is, sometimes these floors can get scratched and scuffed by your pets, and any accidents that aren’t cleaned up immediately can damage the wood flooring. There is hope, though. If you are willing to put up with the cost of hardwood, hardwood flooring will be more resistant to wear and tear. Plus, you can add a scratch-resistant finish to your floors for even more durability.
Tile and stone floors are a beautiful option for any home, and it turns out, they’re great for pets too! These types of floors are water resistant, which is the reason you often see tile in bathrooms or kitchens. In addition to making it easy to clean up accidents from your pets, stone and tile options are very durable.
Even if there are some parts of these floors that get scratched, which isn’t particularly common, it’s much cheaper to replace a single tile than to re-finish your entire hardwood flooring. Usually, tile and stone floors have enough traction to keep your pet from slipping, but if you need to, apply a non-slip finish to your stone floors.
When comparing the best floors for your pets, one stands out as the clear winner: Luxury vinyl tile or plank flooring. This is simply the best option for you and your pets because it’s easy to maintain, durable, water resistant, scratch resistant, and an affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice looks. Plus, some styles of LVT actually soften the pitter patter of your pet’s paws. For overall comfort, appearance, and upkeep, we suggest LVT floors for you and your furry friends.
When shopping for pet-friendly floors, you should always ask about durability, traction, and cleaning requirements. No matter the type of floor you decide to install, we can work with you to make sure your floors are comfortable for you and your pet!
Thank you for contacting Carpet One Floor & Home. Your local flooring expert will reach out to you regarding your inquiry.