As a dedicated pet owner, one has to come to the realization that some elements of the home are constantly under the threat of messes or accidents.
If you are thinking of replacing your floor, it's important that you choose a material or design that is protected and pet-friendly. The last thing you want is to choose an option that is easily damaged or spoiled by your pets.
In this article, we will explain the best floors for pets, read on to find out more.
Owning a Pet and Protecting Your Home
Let's face it, pets aren't concerned about interior design.
Pets will bump into items, scratch surfaces by accidents, run around, be heavy and lumbering, and not to mention any dreaded shedding. You might find that the broom or dustpan is never out of action and that the constant surveillance can get a little exhausting to say the least!
So, how exactly can you balance owning a pet and keeping your home looking pristine? Choosing the right material for your floors is an important consideration factor. You want a floor that is scratch resistant, highly durable, and able to manage any spills or accidents without major damage.
Below is our list of flooring materials that are ideal to accommodate your lovable four-legged family members.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is one of the most popular choices for any home that also has a pet. The great thing about luxury vinyl is that you can get the appearance of a wood effect or color, but you don't have any of the time-consuming upkeep that can go along with maintaining hardwood.
The vast range of choices and colors means that it is possible to match and accommodate any design choices and also can be used in any room of the home. The reason why so many pet owners opt for luxury vinyl is because of the vinyl's resistance to moisture, scratches, and its high durability to pressure.
Even if your pet does have an accident on the vinyl, it can be easily wiped up and cleaned away without having to worry about staining or seeping through the floorboards.
Excess moisture can cause real damage to a home if you have the wrong materials. Using luxury vinyl is a great way to take advantage of easy maintenance but also to protect any foundations or underlay.
Another thing to consider is that wooden beams or boards would get scuffed and scratched by your pet's claws. With luxury vinyl, it's designed to be scratch-resistant and to repel dirt, soil, or seepage.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is also another popular choice for pet owners. This is due to its durability and strength, this flooring type can withstand a lot of pressure from even the heaviest of dog breeds.
It also has plenty of resistance to scratches that prevent your floor from becoming scuffed and chipped with the movement of your pet around the space. Laminate flooring and its range of colors and wood effects can be comfortably used all around the home and in any part of it in terms of design.
It's easy to maintain and clean, especially when it comes to shedding fur, any accidents, or soil and dirt.
However laminate flooring in every room may increase the chances that your pets slip and slide on the surface of the flooring. One way to negate this issue a bit would be to place rugs around the house so they aren't overstretching their joints and are comfortable.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring isn't an obvious choice for pet owners, however, with a bit of vigilance, it is possible to have hardwood flooring and pets co-exist in the right space.
Hardwood is extremely strong and there are options that are scratch resistant, depending on the type of material you use. If you are considering hardwood flooring then speak with a flooring expert so that they can recommend which flooring would be best.
Another thing to think about is keeping the claws of your pets short and regularly cutting them to prevent any damage. By cleaning up and spills or accidents immediately the hardwood shouldn't get damaged or corroded through any excess moisture.
Some Pet and Flooring Tips
When thinking about the care of your pet and also the upkeep of your floors, here are a couple of tips to bear in mind:
- Mop hard surfaces (such as flooring) at least once every two weeks.
- Place absorbing mats underneath any food or water bowls to prevent spillage or staining.
- Don't leave pet accidents or urine, clean them up immediately so they don't soak into the flooring.
- Some flooring will need upkeep every 6 months or so. Don't get behind on any maintenance jobs.
- Vacuum and sweep often to collect any hairs or dirt that can damage your floors.
Choosing the Best Floors for Pets: Where Can I Find Out More?
We hope this article on how to choose the best floors for pets has given you plenty of information you need going forward.
It can be hard having to balance the needs of your furry friends and trying to redecorate your home. It's important to consider how they will be able to comfortably get around your home, whilst trying to navigate upkeep, spills, and messes.
If you have any further questions or queries, contact us directly. We would love to help in any way we can!
