Every pet owner knows how destructive dog or cat nails can be to floors. Additionally, every pet has an accident from time to time, and stains from liquids are not the easiest to remove. Because of these issues, you have to really think about the best types of flooring you want to have at your house.
For example, wall-to-wall carpeting may be a terrible idea. It is hard to clean, and after a while, the smell may become unpleasant. You can always ask for professional advice from experts like Integra Direct Residential Flooring or decide by yourself. Here, you will find information about the best types of flooring for households with pets, which will hopefully help you make an informed decision.
5 Best Types of Flooring for Pet Owners
Time to ditch the carpeting to help keep your home cleaner? Check out these options first.
1 – Bamboo flooring
Bamboo is a strong type of flooring and exceptionally durable. It is also effortless to clean, so you should have no problems keeping it in good condition. Bamboo is pretty soft, warm, and pleasant to walk or sit on. On the downside, it is costly, which means that this kind of flooring won’t be a good idea for everyone.
Another problem is that bamboo comes from tropical areas, so it will not do well in the very coldest climates. If you live in an area with cold winters, you should think about something else or consider using bamboo as your flooring only in certain rooms.
2 – Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is a special type of wood flooring that has all the great qualities of regular wood, but at the same time, it is much more sustainable.
Engineered hardwood is very durable. It does not warp or split, it is easy to maintain, and it looks great too. The biggest downside of this type of flooring is the price. It costs a lot more than other types of flooring. If you want your home to look great for many years and do not mind the extra cost, this is definitely the best option.
3 – Tile Flooring
Tiles are convenient, attractive, easy to maintain, and quite affordable. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes so that everyone can find something suitable for themselves. Nevertheless, tile floors need to be cleaned regularly to avoid any problems with mold or bacteria. If your pets like to make a mess at home frequently, this may be something worth considering.
Some types of tile are more resistant to liquids than others. With that being said, tile is still one of the best choices you can make if you have pets with sharp nails or kids who like to run around on the floor.
4 – Cork Flooring
Cork is another great option for people who do not want to worry about their floors being damaged by pets. Cork is soft, warm, pleasant to walk on, and quite affordable. It is also easy to clean and maintain.
Moreover, cork flooring absorbs sound and is microbial. It means that it is less likely to develop mold or bacterial growth after your dog or cat had an accident on the floor.
If you decide to invest in cork flooring, make sure that you choose a recognized brand. It will give you extra protection when it comes to warranties and other issues.
5 – Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring for homes with pets because of its durability. It does not require professional installation, and it is easy to clean and maintain. Moreover, laminate flooring does not need to be refinished or sanded every few years either. You can simply install new pieces over the old ones if necessary.
The biggest downside of laminate flooring is that it is not very attractive. As such, it may not be the best option for homes where aesthetics are a priority. It can also be very loud if your four-legged friend likes to move around the house quickly. On the other hand, if you are a proud owner of a very active animal, laminate flooring is probably a good idea as it is difficult to damage.
The Bottom Line on Selecting the Best Types of Flooring if You Have Pets
Your pets, whether young or old, can take a toll on your home. As such, you should think about making your interiors as compatible with them as possible. Selecting suitable flooring is an excellent way to make your living spaces stand out the test of time and your pet’s claws.
If you are looking for the best solution for your household, consider opting for tile or cork flooring. Alternatively, you can pick laminate, bamboo, or engineered hardwood flooring. All of these options will be a good choice for your furry friend and make your life much easier.
Remember that making the right choice today can save you a lot of trouble in the future. If you want to spare yourself scratches and dents, make an educated choice. After all, you are spending significant money on this project. So do not just blindly guess about the best type of flooring for your household. Good luck!
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and a sweet toy fox terrier. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
This blog celebrates all things home.
