When thinking about what the best flooring for pets is, there are a lot of great options available in today's market. With considerations like scratch and damage resistance, traction, comfort, and overall design aesthetic, we know that it can seem like an overwhelming task to narrow down the right option for your home.
That being said, we are here to help! Below we have outlined several types of pet-friendly flooring options and important considerations that will aid in the decision-making process. So what is the best flooring for pets?
Pet-Friendly Carpet
Carpeting definitely offers a cozy landing for our furry friends (and our feet!) First things first when looking at carpet you should look at those without "loops" to avoid pulls in the carpeting from your pets nails.
Secondly, you might be surprised to hear this, but a variety of manufacturers have specifically manufactured pet-proof carpets with pets in mind.
"Say What?" -- Yep, it's true! The manufacturing process has been enhanced to meet the challenges of life today, especially for parents and pet owners. This means you can now purchase a pet-friendly carpet that will last for years without the worry of spills or accidents. Some of the options available for pet friendly flooring are:
All Pet Protection & Warranty by Mohawk
Mohawk's SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet now features All Pet Protection and Warranty, the only pet-friendly carpet protection system that covers all pets, all accidents, all the time. Their most advanced fibers repel liquids making it a durable and easy to clean carpet.
LifeGuard by Shaw Floors
From face fiber to backing, Shaw Floors' LifeGuard is a true carpet protection system. Their carpets are treated with Shaw's patented stain and soil resistance protection and feature a commercial-grade backing that provides a moisture barrier that is highly resistant to liquids soaking into the carpet padding and subfloor. In other words, this carpet is resistant to anything your pet drags in!
Pet-Friendly Hardwood Flooring
It's important to know that hardwood is prone to scratches and water damage, so it is not always ideal for pet owners. But if your heart is set on the classic style, there are some more "pet-friendly" styles available.
The harder the wood, the more likely it is to resist scratches from a dogs nail. Tough hardwood floors are the best for dogs, especially dogs that are often outside. And if your pet is reliably house-trained, an accident every once in a while shouldn't damage your floor. If it's a regular thing, however, you do risk having a floor that stains or warps so you might want to go for one that showcases a more forgiving natural grain look.
Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring for Pets
An alternative to hardwood that has the ability to give you the "wood" look is a laminate or vinyl product. Laminate products will definitely stand up to scratching compared to Vinyl or Hardwood but are less moisture resistant. Whereas Vinyl products are extremely moisture resistant and handle humidity, dampness and spills better than laminates.
Another interesting thing to think about is that vinyl floors tend to be "quieter", so if hearing the pitter-patter of your four-legged friends every move through the house isn't on your wish list, this might be a good option!
Tile Flooring for Pets
When looking at tile, we would recommend a porcelain tile. It's strong, non-porous and easy to clean, so you wont have to worry about the dirt and accidents that happen with pets. And with a variety of styles available ranging from stone to wood planks, you can achieve a timeless look without the stress of maintenance of their original inspirations.
Pet Friendly Flooring
Now that you have all your options laid out in front of you, keep in mind the list above is just a guide and really, every flooring type can be suitable for certain pets. Sharing your home with a pet doesn't mean you have to settle for stained, trampled or scratched up floors. You can live in harmony with stylish flooring by investigating your options and selecting the best pet-friendly flooring for you.
At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure you're happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooring—and as your partner in home design, we'll be there every step along the way. Consider us your "One-Stop Shopping" destination for all things flooring…(and window treatments)!
Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we're here to make sure you'll be proud of it for years to come.
If you have any questions, please email us.
