Did you know that roughly 63 percent of all households in the United States have pets? While we do love our furry friends, they can really take a toll on some types of flooring. So, choosing the right flooring is vital, regardless of it is a new home or a remodeling project. When it comes to pets, the No. 1 issues is often their nails, which can scratch hardwood and laminate flooring. However, there are also issues with shedding and those pets that are not quite housebroken. What is the best flooring when a home has pets? Today’s article examines what kind of flooring is best for pets.
1. Vinyl Flooring – Initially, most people would not think about vinyl flooring as being very pet-friendly. Nevertheless, many families with pets found it has been a great choice. Vinyl is durable, easy to maintain, and moisture resistant. Moreover, it tends to quiet the sound of pet’s nails as they walk.
2. Laminate Flooring – In order to achieve the look they want, many pet parents select laminate flooring rather than traditional hardwood. Additionally, choosing an embossed or textured finish can limit slipping and sliding, which can potentially cause injury to many pets. Regardless, scratches don’t show as much with laminates.
3. Hardwood Flooring – When it comes to pet-friendly flooring, hardwood is not on that list. If your pets have an accident on the floor, it needs to be cleaned up immediately. Even so, stains and odors can seep into the wood. If this occurs, the floor will need to be stripped and refinished. In severe cases, the floor may need to be completely replaced.
4. Bamboo Flooring – As an alternative to traditional hardwood, bamboo is an excellent choice. First and foremost, bamboo is extremely hard and will resist scratches and stains. So, you won’t have the worry about repairing as you would with other options. Best of all, bamboo is a sustainable resource and ideal for those who want to go green.
5. Cork Floors – Cook is another environmentally friendly option. That said, it is also naturally antimicrobial, which can potentially limit the growth of mold and other allergens. Also, cork is considered both scratch and moisture resistant, but you do need to make sure it is cleaned regularly to avoid damage. But, this flooring does discolor over time from sun exposure.
6. Stone Tile – When it comes to the best flooring for resisting pet damage, stone flooring is at the top of the list. Not only is it difficult to scratch, any scratches that do occur are difficult to see. Moreover, an accident has no real impact on stone. The only drawback is that stone is cold and hard. So, consider installing radiant heat and using area rugs.
Do you have any questions? What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about which flooring is best for pets, or a related topic, please contact us.