Having a pet means being prepared for them to pitter and pat all through the home. Because of the claws your pet has, you need to make adjustments, such as bolstering the flooring to avoid damage.
Dogs and cats will be on the floor for most of their time in your house, and they will knock stuff over – like food and water. As a pet owner, you will need to consider which flooring is comfortable for your dog, functional for your home, and easy to clean.
In this article, we look at the different types of flooring, and if they are suitable for your four-legged furbaby.
What to Consider When Choosing Flooring
If you are bringing a new pet into your home or moving with your pet, ensure that your home is a comfortable place for your pet.
Before you pick a type of material for your floor, look at our comprehensive checklist of requirements to help make the right choice for your pet.
Easy to clean
Owning an indoor pet means being ready for accidents. In addition to water and food-related messes, there will also be bathroom accidents. Save yourself the trouble and make sure your floor is easy to clean.
Stain-resistant
You don’t want any remnants of your dog’s “happy” accidents. Choosing stain-resistant flooring will ensure that little mess stays in the past where it belongs.
Scratch-resistant
The paws of your pet may be the cutest thing ever, but when they scratch and dent your furniture and flooring, it may not be that cute anymore. Protect your flooring by opting for scratch-resistant materials that won’t leave any marks when your pet gets a little too excited.
Durable
In addition to preventing scratching, you need to have a floor that can last a long time without any damage.
Anti-slip:
To be a pet is to zoom throughout the home at any given time. By making sure that you have anti-slipping floor, you are protecting your pets from crashing into things and subsequently hurting themselves.
Waterproof
Spillages are bound to happen, but with a waterproof floor, you won’t have to change your flooring frequently due to warping and rotting.
Types of Flooring
Most of the options below will tick off multiple requirements we listed. However, when you pick out a floor, you need to consider the size of your pet and the needs of your home.
For extra protection, consider implementing a polyolefin vapor barrier and using stego wrap under the flooring. This prevents damage to the foundation of the home.
If you are renting out a space, check with the landlord about changes that you can make to the property to avoid issues in the future.
Vinyl Floors
Vinyl is probably the best material for your pets. If you have older pets, then this type of flooring will be easy on their joints and body.
As for functionality, vinyl can be waterproof if it is installed properly. It is also useful for soundproofing and it reduces odors from being caught into the material.
Tiled Floors
Tiled floors tend to be easier to protect and maintain when having a pet. It is also very easy to clean and stain-resistant. It lasts a long time, and can imitate the looks of other types of flooring – so your aesthetics aren’t at stake either.
Tiled floors tend to stay colder and in the summer your pet will love laying on the chilly tile. However, out of all the flooring options, tiling can be extremely expensive, depending on the area that needs to be tiled, and the type of tiles you choose.
Laminated Floors
Like vinyl, laminated floors are cost-effective and comfortable for your pets. Due to the nature of lamination, there are several layers to this type of flooring which protects the floor from moisture and ensures that it lasts for a long time.
Laminated flooring is great because it doesn’t hold smells, it won’t fade and it has many layers. The layers protect the floor from scratches and stains. Just don’t let water sit for too long, because it will damage the lamination.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is another great option because it is easy to clean, and marks won’t last. It is also water-resistant and an environmentally friendly option. When choosing bamboo, pick top quality options as they are more comfortable and will last longer.
Solid Hardwood Floors
Wood is a great floor option because it’s easy to clean and repair. When choosing a wooden floor, go for a hardwood like oak or Brazilian walnut. For longer-lasting floors, make sure you have it finished with oil or lacquer.
Cork Floors
Because of its durability, cork is good for preventing small scratches, but not bigg ones. Cork can last long, and it is soft enough for pets to rest on, especially if you have an older dog.
Concrete Floors
Cement floors are durable and strong. It prevents scratches and stains, and you won’t have to worry about any odors. Because of its strength, it can be hard on your pets. Be warned, concrete can hold heat – so be careful during the summer months.
Pets bring a lot of joy into a home, but as a pet-parent, you need to make sure that your home brings joy to them as well. When you choose flooring, you need to think about your pet’s health and comfort, as well as its ability to last a long time.
