Whether or not your furry friends are to blame, odds are good that you're in the market for new flooring. You may be reluctant to commit to a floor replacement when you're still dealing with muddy paws, occasional accidents, and lots of shedding. Are any flooring options suited to a pet-friendly household, or should you resign yourself to scuffed, filthy floors for life?
At National Floors Direct, we've helped hoards of pet owners choose new, dog and cat-friendly flooring that looks great. Many easy-to-maintain types of flooring can even make your life easier as a pet owner.
Animal lovers deserve to love their floors. Read on to learn the nine factors to consider when you're ready to revitalize your pet-friendly home.
1. Is it Easy to Maintain?
Pet owners are busy. Between grooming, feeding, and walks, you might not have much time for scrubbing, washing, and buffing. Pet owners should consider a low-maintenance type of flooring that's simple to wash, such as tile or laminate.2. Is It Scratch Resistant?
Dogs and cats don't mean to scratch up your floors, but their little paws and nails contribute to wear and tear over time. To avoid routine damage, choose scratch-resistant flooring such as vinyl or laminate. They are affordable, durable alternatives to hardwood that looks just as great.3. Is It Comfortable?
Unlike humans, animals can fall asleep almost anywhere, and the floor is often the most convenient place. When choosing floors, keep your furry friend's comfort in mind.Carpet is cozy but challenging to clean, especially if your pet sheds. We recommend hardwood. Throw down a beautiful area rug, and you'll have the best of both worlds—and your snuggly pets will thank you!
4. Is it Water Resistant?
Even well-behaved pets occasionally have an accident. Dogs and outdoor cats sometimes track in mud, rain, snow, and other moisture. You need floors that can hold up to everything from post-bath zoomies to excessive doggie drool!We prefer tile or luxury vinyl for messy pets, which both hold up remarkably well when wet.
5. Is There Enough Traction for Excited Pets?
Do you have a pet who loves to scamper through the house? You'll want to avoid slippery floors without enough traction for their paws, or Fido might go sliding! Ideally, choose a floor with a textured finish that can help your excitable pets find purchase.Embossed or textured laminate is a great, cost-effective option. Tile stone floors, such as granite, also provide adequate resistance.
6. Does It Show Dirt?
Even when floors are easy to clean, busy pet parents may not be able to get to them right away. Little messes are easy to ignore until they build up and become big messes. If you tend to procrastinate, you may wish to choose darker-colored or visually busy flooring to detract from day-to-day pet messes.We love rich, dark hardwood floors or luxury vinyl that mimics natural stone. Even dark, wood-textured laminate flooring can do the trick!
7. Is It Sustainable?
Pet lovers tend to be animal lovers, and animal lovers are more likely to seek ways to walk softly on the earth. If you're concerned about conservation, choose high-quality flooring made from all-natural and renewable materials. Natural flooring lasts longer and does less harm to natural ecosystems.Bamboo is one of the most sustainable natural materials for home improvement projects. We also love the beauty of durable hardwood floors and the look and feel of natural stone tiles.
8. Is It Allergenic?
You may not be allergic to your furbabies, but future guests and family members might be. Fur and dander are easier to manage when your floor is hypoallergenic. A little forethought can help guests with pet allergies feel more welcome in your pet-friendly home.Tile is the ideal choice for fully hypoallergenic flooring, and hardwood and laminate are your next best options. While vinyl can be porous and trap some residual allergens, it's a far better choice than carpeting.
Carpet tends to trap pet danders, fur, and environmental dust. If allergies are your top concern, it's best to choose another option.
9. Is It Quiet?
During the day, hearing little paws tapping their way toward you can fill you with endorphins and make your day. The same incessant tapping is much less appealing if you're working from home or trying to sleep! If you have noisy pets, you might want to prioritize flooring that masks the sound of paws so you can focus and recharge.Carpet is often the quietest because of its sound-dampening qualities, but it isn't ideal for several other reasons outlined above. The next best option is vinyl, which is softer than hardwood. Vinyl's unique texture dampens the clicking and tapping sounds of paws and claws.
Commit to New Flooring, Even With Pets at Home
You can't live without your beloved furbabies, but you also can't live without floors. If you're ready to commit to new flooring, choose the pet-friendly flooring options that will make life easy for you and more comfortable for your precious pets. Less time cleaning and maintaining your floors means more time for walks, snuggles, and games of fetch!Experts at National Floors Direct can direct you toward the best new floors for your pet-friendly home. Reach out today to schedule a free in-home estimate with a flooring professional. Most consultations happen within twenty-four hours, so don't wait.
