The Best Flooring for Pets

Even though you love their companionship and crazy antics, Fluffy and Fido can be hard on your floors.  Claws, nails and the occasional pet accident can warp, scratch or stain cheaper flooring.  That’s why, whether you’re putting down new flooring or remodeling your home, it’s a good idea to take your pet’s personality and size into consideration when buying new floors.

Have to Have a Wood Floor?  Go With These Options if You Have Pets

Some people simply can’t resist a traditional wood floor – and it’s easy to see why.  Hardwood’s unique charm and warm glow are certainly admirable.  However, even a single pet accident (and accidents do happen!) can cause a permanent stain on a wood floor, even if it’s cleaned up promptly.  If you have pets, a more eco-friendly option to choose for your wood floor would be bamboo or cork.  These unique, “green” floors are good for the earth, naturally beautiful, and able to be stained to accommodate nearly any décor or theme.  Bamboo is tough and able to better withstand scratches and spills, while cork contains a natural antimicrobial feature that keeps germs, mold and pet dander from aggravating allergic guests in your home.

Laminate Flooring is a Great Blend of Durability and Beauty

Many people choose laminate flooring because of its excellent durability and ability to withstand stains and scratches, as well as the good looks of modern laminate.  Today’s laminate floors can mimic nearly any natural flooring including hardwood, stone or tile.  Pet accidents won’t seep into the floor as they can with hardwood.  The one point to keep in mind, however is that glossy laminate floors can cause pets – particularly dogs – to slide and possibly injure their hips.  For this reason, if you’re considering using laminate or even tile floors, it’s a good idea to lay down area rugs to give your furry friend the traction they need under their paws and prevent slips and slides.   Laminate is also easy to care for, and regular cleaning will make allergens a thing of the past.

Vinyl – an Unusual but Durable Choice for Pet-Friendly Flooring

Vinyl, or resilient flooring, is highly impervious to moisture.  It’s often used in kitchens, baths and basements – but it also makes for superb floors for families with pets as well.  Like laminate, vinyl floors can mimic many natural favorites, like hardwood, stone and tile.  It’s also highly resistant to scratches and stains.  As with laminate, however, you’ll want to put down some area rugs to help prevent your four legged friend from slipping, sliding or falling.

Still Have Questions? Turn to the Experts

Finally, if you’re concerned about your new floors and the possibility of pet stains, ask about ways to care for your flooring with warranties and how to keep your floors looking like new.  As with all types of floors, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.  With this information, you and your furry friend will be able to both enjoy years of comfort under-foot, and under-paw.

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