If you’re an animal lover and you’re considering welcoming pets into your home, there are certain considerations you should take into account. To make your and your furry friend’s lives a lot easier, you should make your home pet-friendly. One of the factors to take into account is your floors.
No matter how obedient your pets are, scratches, dirt, and stains are bound to make their way into your home and onto your floors. To help you ease into the transition of living with an adorable four-legged friend or two, we’ve put together a list of the best floors you should put into your home for dogs and other pets.
Factors To Consider When Choosing
Before looking at the different types of floors, let’s look at the components you should consider for each:
- Scratches
- Wear and tear
- Stains
- Ease of cleaning
- Withstand water & humidity
Wood Flooring
The first option on our list of flooring suitable for your pets is wood. You have the option of solid wood floors and engineered hardwood, so make the best choice for your budget. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two below:
- Solid wood flooring: is easy to keep clean and also durable. Pets can be hard on floors, so you want something that will stand up to their wear and tear. Solid wood floors are a good choice because they’re strong and they can take a beating. They’re also easy to repair if your pet happens to damage them. And if you ever get tired of the look of your solid wood floors, you can always sand them down and refinish them. So if you’re looking for a flooring option that’s pet-friendly, solid wood floors are a great choice.
- Engineered hardwood: floors are more durable than traditional hardwood floors, and they can resist scratches and other wear and tear. Additionally, engineered hardwood floors give you the best of both worlds – a thin layer of natural wood on top for the look you want, but at a cheaper price than solid wood. Finally, engineered hardwood floors can add value to your home, making them a wise investment. If you’re considering hardwood floors for your home, be sure to ask your flooring contractor about engineered hardwood. It’s a great option for homes with pets!
Tile Flooring
Not only is it durable, but it’s also easy to clean tiles – which means you won’t have to worry about stains or lingering odours. That’s why tile flooring is a great option for homes with pets. Plus, tile comes in a variety of colours and styles, so you can still create a warm and inviting space that reflects your personal taste. The three most common types are ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. No matter which option you go for, your dogs and cats will have a cool surface to spread out on during the warm summer days. So if you’re looking for a flooring material that can stand up to your furry friends, tile is definitely worth considering.
Laminate
If you’re considering laminate floors for your home, there are a few reasons why it’s a popular choice for pet owners. Firstly, they’re durable and easy to clean. Unlike hardwood floors, which can be scratched by claws (although a scratch-resistant finish can be added to them), laminate floors are resistant to both scratches and stains. And if your pet has an accident, you can easily clean up the mess with a damp mop or cloth.
In addition, laminate floors are also a good choice if you have allergies. Unlike carpet, which can trap dust and other allergens, laminate floors can be easily cleaned to remove these irritants. As a result, laminate floors are a great option for pet owners who want to create a comfortable and stylish home.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a synthetic material that is water-resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for pet-friendly homes. It’s durable enough to stand up wear and tear, plus it comes in a variety of colours and styles, so you can find an option that fits your personal aesthetic. When maintained properly, floors made of vinyl can last up to 25 years. With vinyl flooring, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a floor that looks great and is easy to keep clean. Check out our post on vinyl floor cleaning for more information.
Concrete
Concrete is a flooring option that was once only seen in commercial and industrial spaces, but has recently gained popularity as a home choice. It is a great option for homes with pets. They’re easy to clean and don’t show dirt or hair as easily as other flooring options. And, if your pet has an accident, it’s easy to clean up. Concrete is also durable, so it can stand up to wear and tear from your pets. Plus, it’s another material that will keep your pets cool on those hot summer days. If you’re looking for a flooring option that is both practical and stylish, concrete is a great choice.
Pricing
One last factor to take into consideration is the price. Here is a general list of the floors mentioned above from cheapest to most expensive:
- Concrete
- Laminate
- Vinyl
- Tile
- Wood
Pets will add an abundance of smiles and love to your home, but there are bound to be some mishaps every now and then. Choose the right floors for your home if you’re planning on living a life filled with the pitter-patter of paws all around. And remember, if ever you need a helping hand, a well-trained and experienced SweepStar is ready and waiting to clean your home as only they know how to.