Pets Get a Say, too! Choosing the Best Flooring Options for Pet-Friendly Homes
If you have pets, you know that they can add a lot of love and life to your home. But you also know that they can wreak havoc on your floors! Pets are hard on floors, whether they’re scratching them with their claws or staining them with accidents. That’s why it’s important to choose the right flooring for homes with pets.
Why Choosing the Right Flooring Matters
As veterans in pet handling and photography, folks from Ella and Friends Photography will tell you that pets are a part of the family, and they deserve a comfortable place to call home just like anyone else.
When it comes to choosing to floor for a house with pets, there are several things to consider in order to find the best option. First, it is vital to think about what type of pet you have. Dogs and cats have different needs when it comes to flooring. For example, cats are more likely to scratch floors, so a hard surface like tile or laminate might be a better choice than carpet.
Dogs, on the other hand, are more likely to track in dirt and mud. It is also important to think about your pet’s activity level. A high-energy dog might do better on a hard surface that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, while a low-energy pet might be more comfortable on softer surfaces.
Now take a look at some of the best (and worst) flooring options for homes with furry friends below. Here are a few of those options:
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are durable and long-lasting, making them a great option for homes with pets. They’re also easy to clean; a quick sweep or vacuum usually does the trick. However, hardwood floors can be scratched by pet claws, so you may need to pay special attention to trimming your pet’s nails regularly.
Tile Floors
Tile floors are another good option for homes with pets. They’re durable and easy to clean, and they don’t show dirt or hair as easily as some other materials do. However, tile can be hard on your pet’s paws, so you may want to provide them with a comfortable mat or rug to rest on if they spend a lot of time in rooms with tile floors.
Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood floors that offer many of the same benefits. They’re durable and easy to clean, and they come in a wide variety of styles that can suit any home décor. However, like hardwood floors, laminate floors can be scratched by pet claws, so you’ll need to take care when trimming your pet’s nails.
Cork Floors
These are newer option that is becoming increasingly popular in homes with pets. Cork floors are durable and easy to clean, and they offer good insulation against noise and heat. They also have a natural resistance to mould and mildew, making them ideal for homes in humid climates. However, cork floors can be scratched by pet claws, so you’ll need to take care when trimming your pet’s nails.
Those were the good ones. Even with the benefits they offer, you still have to be vigilant because you can control what flooring you’ll have but not your pet’s temperament all the time. Now take a look at some of the worse choices in flooring when you’re a pet owner so you can do something about it:
Carpet Floors
As any pet owner knows, accidents happen. Whether it’s a spilt water bowl or a missed potty break, there’s no way to completely prevent your furry friend from making a mess from time to time. And when it comes to clean-up, carpeted floors can be a nightmare. Not only do they absorb spills and odours, but they’re also difficult to clean thoroughly. Even the best vacuum cleaners can struggle to remove all the pet hair, dander, and dirt that gets trapped in carpet fibres.
Vinyl Floors
Whether your dog tracked in mud or your cat had an accident, there’s always the potential for messes. And when it comes to cleaning up those messes, vinyl flooring can be a problematic choice you can make. Unlike tile or wood, vinyl is a porous material that absorbs liquid.
That means that even if you clean up the surface mess, there’s a good chance that some residue will be left behind in the pores of the vinyl. Over time, that residue will build up, providing a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould. It’s also notoriously difficult to clean. The surface can easily be scratched or scuffed, and dirt and hair can quickly become trapped in the crevices.
Linoleum Floors
Linoleum flooring is often touted as a durable and low-maintenance option for busy households. However, if you have pets, linoleum may not be the best choice for your home. Linoleum is made from natural materials like cork and linseed oil, which can be easily damaged by sharp claws or teeth. On top of that, the surface of linoleum flooring is relatively smooth, which can make it difficult for your pet to get a good grip. As a result, pets may slip and slide on linoleum floors, especially when they’re wet.
Conclusion
When choosing the right flooring for a home with pets, it’s important to consider both durability and ease of maintenance. Materials like hardwood are ideal because they’re strong enough to withstand scratches and stains from even the most active of animals. On the other hand, materials like carpet and vinyl should be avoided because they’re difficult to keep clean and can be slippery for pets. Ultimately, the best flooring for homes with pets is whichever option will work best for your specific needs and lifestyle.
