The Best Flooring Solutions For Pet Friendly Homes

If, like over half of the world’s population, you own a pet, you’ll know all about the messes they can make. Your floors must withstand a lot when you have a pet, from general wear and tear and scratches from claws to muddy pawprints and the inevitable accident. But the good news is that there are flooring options available that not only look great but are also highly durable, comfortable and easy to maintain, making them ideal for homes with pets. To help you find the right flooring for your home, here’s our guide to what you need to consider and some of the best pet-friendly flooring available.

Considerations For Choosing Pet-Friendly Flooring

When updating your flooring, you must balance the need for aesthetic appeal and comfort with your family’s and pets’ lifestyles. Start by thinking about the specific room the flooring is for. Is it a high-traffic area such as a living room or hallway? If so, you’ll need to consider highly resilient and hard-wearing flooring. You must also consider potential damage caused by your pets’ claws or nails. If you have a heavy-footed dog to a cat that loves to scratch, choose scratch-resistant materials to mitigate wear and tear and help keep your floors in tip-top condition. There are also muddy paw prints to consider. Look for water- and stain-resistant flooring that’s easy to maintain to help keep the floor looking great for longer. Don’t forget that comfort matters, too, so make sure the flooring feels comfortable underfoot (and underpaw).

Hardwood Flooring

While hardwood flooring has a timeless appeal, it’s also very hardwearing if you choose the right hardwood and correctly maintain it. Unlike softwoods like fir and pine, harder wood, like cherry, maple or oak, especially when it’s been treated with a strong finish, are less prone to scratching and having problems with moisture. If you like the look of hardwood floors but don’t have the budget, then engineered hardwood flooring is a good alternative. It’s made with a layer of natural hardwood on top, making it look just like natural wood and will typically last longer.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring offers a great, cost-effective alternative to hardwood and can withstand scratches and moisture damage, making it ideal for homes with pets. They are also fairly easy to maintain and will stay pristine for longer than some other types of floor covering. Laminate floors come in various styles, including designs resembling hardwood, stone or tile. However, keep in mind that laminate that has a smoother finish will provide less traction for your pets’ paws and less insulation than other flooring types. You may consider putting down a rug to give your pet more grip and make it feel warmer underfoot. While not as waterproof as other flooring, some laminates also come with water-resistant properties and are easy to look after, benefiting homes with pets prone to accidents.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl has become a popular choice for flooring and it comes in tiles or planks and offers durable, waterproof and cost-effective flooring for pet owners. While it’s easy to clean and maintain, different patterns and finishes are available that replicate the look of hardwood, stone or tile flooring, with the bonus of being long-lasting and scratch-resistant. Vinyl flooring is softer underfoot than laminate or hardwood, making it a comfortable surface for pets and humans to walk on. Some luxury vinyl flooring also comes with additional layers that provide added noise reduction, helping to absorb the sound of pet claws on the floor.

Tile Flooring

Thanks to its incredible durability and easy maintenance, tile is an ideal flooring option for pet owners. While it’s much less sensitive to moisture than vinyl, you can easily wipe up any accidents or muddy paw prints and as they are scratch-resistant, you don’t have to worry about your pet’s claws damaging the surface. Its textured surface gives pets plenty of traction, so your pet won’t slip even if it gets wet. Natural stone, ceramic and porcelain are common options for tile flooring, with porcelain particularly popular for its moisture-resistant qualities, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.

If you’re looking to update the flooring in your home, you’ll find plenty of options that can withstand the demands of a pet-friendly household without having to compromise on style or comfort.