Many people have nice homes and own pets, but it can be hard to get the balance right. Dogs can be muddy, cats can claw at that new sofa, and other pets, such as birds, can peck at wallpaper.
Anyway, there is a way you can have a nice-looking home with pets, and it starts with the flooring. Certain flooring types are more suited to four-legged friends (or feathered ones), and here, you will be guided through some of the most popular options.
Photo by Timo Volz on Unsplash
Tiles
When you have a pet, you don’t want them to scratch up your floors when their nails get slightly overgrown! So, for many pet owners, it may be ideal to put down the most resistant types of tile, usually porcelain, ceramic, or even limestone.
Tiles are, by their design, resistant to scratches and stains, making them ideal for people who have dogs in their homes who may get a bit muddy on their dog walks! They are also water resistant and do not pose a huge slip threat when wet, as they are porous and absorb water.
They do require sealing, though, which, based on how many pets and how much foot traffic they get, may need to be done twice a year.
Laminate
For a more affordable option that looks good, many pet owners opt for laminate flooring. It has the advantage of being able to mimic hardwood and stone, and is also resistant to scratches scuffs, and is, of course, wipe clean.
However, while it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper laminate if you have heavy-footed pets, it is best to invest in a hardier and thicker option, which can withstand them scampering about!
Engineered Hardwood
Hardwood is an ideal option for many people who have pets, but when it comes to choosing a material that is really hard against pet scratches, you may want to choose engineered hardwood.
It has all the beauty of real hardwood flooring while being less prone to warping that may be caused by water or other spills.
However, some kinds of wood are chosen more to be engineered into hardwood, such as oak and maple, which may not suit your home aesthetic. So, be sure to shop around.
Bamboo
Bamboo may, on the face of it, seem like a lower-quality wood to make flooring out of, especially when you have pets. However, when it is correctly laid, it is surprisingly durable and scratch-resistant.
While it is certainly a lighter wooden flooring option than oak and maple, it is less able to cope with water, making it unsuited for homes where there are puppies or older dogs who may have yard training accidents!
Vinyl
Lastly, vinyl is another consideration for pet owners as it is durable, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. It comes in an array of styles, such as stone and wood, so you can match it to your décor without needing to break the bank.
Best of all, it is affordable, meaning that even if your pup or kitty does damage it, you won’t be shelling out for repairs.
Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash
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