Choosing a floor material is hard enough on its own, but it gets quite complicated when you put kids and pets into the picture. You don’t want just any old floor—you want something that can put up with the muddy feet, shedding, and constant running and scratching. Unless you don’t mind refinishing the hardwood or washing the carpet every other day, you need to choose carefully and invest in good quality flooring. Fortunately, with today’s range of materials, you can easily find one that suits your needs without necessarily going over your budget.
The main factors you should look for in pet-friendly flooring are durability and low maintenance. A good floor can withstand heavy foot traffic and doesn’t need a lot of work to keep its form. And since every pet is different, it’s also important to know what kind of abuse your pet puts on the floor: does he shed a lot, scratch the lacquer, or bring mud in from the backyard? This will help you look for specific properties that make your floor pet-proof. Below are some flooring materials that can keep up with your furry friends.
Stone floors
There’s a reason why older homes and castles are made with stone: they last virtually forever, and need little to no maintenance work. Stone flooring is resistant to almost all forms of abuse, including stains, scratches and impact. All it usually needs is some cleaning and dusting. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is moisture, as some types of stone are quite absorbent. However, resealing it every few years is usually enough to give it full protection.
Another advantage of stone for pet owners is that it’s very hygienic. Unlike rugs and carpeting, stone floors don’t trap fur—they stay on the surface ready to be picked up on your next sweep. Some types are also naturally bacteria-resistant, so no worries about your pet running in after playing in the mud. Note that stone is heavier than most flooring materials, so you’ll need to have your sub-floor checked to make sure it can bear the extra weight.
Laminate floors
If you’ve always wanted a hardwood floor but couldn’t get past the maintenance needs, laminate flooring may be your best bet. Laminate is made up of three layers: the backing, which serves the same purpose as tile backing; the core, which is made up of fiberboard and a mix of dense materials; and the surface wear layer, which consists of a photographic print and a tough aluminum-oxide finish. The print often resembles real wood and comes in a variety of shades and patterns.
The durable top layer is what makes laminate a popular choice for pet owners. High-quality laminate planks have a hard, scratch-resistant finish that can withstand heavy traffic without feeling stiff underfoot. It’s usually best to go for well-known brands rather than buy them cheap, as laminate cannot be refinished and damaged planks have to be replaced entirely. Look for one with an extended warranty (10-20 years is usually standard).
Ceramic tiles
Tile flooring has been the most popular flooring material for decades, and it’s not hard to see why. Ceramic tiles are surprisingly durable for their price and come in a wide range of colors, designs and patterns. They’re also very easy to install; even a beginner can lay ceramic tiles using only basic tools. They’re scratch and stain resistant, don’t trap small particles, and require only a quick wipe and sweep to keep them in shape.
Ceramic tiles come in either a glossy or matte finish. The latter is usually recommended for moist and high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bath, as they help prevent slipping. However, for pet owners, it’s best to use matte throughout the house because it’s more scratch-resistant, and any scratches and stains will be less visible. And if you have any delicate furniture, the anti-slip properties will keep overexcited pets from running into them.
Linoleum floors
Most people think of linoleum as a cheap, substandard material used in the old days. But these days, only the "cheap" part is true. Linoleum remains one of the most affordable flooring options in the market. But more than that, manufacturers have also improved its quality and design. You can now find linoleum flooring in practically any style, and be assured of top quality and excellent wear for your money—even with kids and pets around the house.
One of the least cited advantages of linoleum flooring is its silent surface. Linoleum effectively absorbs the sound of footfalls, so you won’t get disturbed by the tapping of your pet’s claws. It’s also quite resistant to moisture and scratches; most spills and stains can be wiped clean even when they’ve been there for a while. Choose linoleum tiles instead of the roll-out type—it’s easier to install, and you can easily replace damaged tiles when necessary.
materials, so you’ll need to have your sub-floor checked to make sure it can bear the extra weight.
Laminate floors
If you’ve always wanted a hardwood floor but couldn’t get past the maintenance needs, laminate flooring may be your best bet. Laminate is made up of three layers: the backing, which serves the same purpose as tile backing; the core, which is made up of fiberboard and a mix of dense materials; and the surface wear layer, which consists of a photographic print and a tough aluminum-oxide finish. The print often resembles real wood and comes in a variety of shades and patterns.
The durable top layer is what makes laminate a popular choice for pet owners. High-quality laminate planks have a hard, scratch-resistant finish that can withstand heavy traffic without feeling stiff underfoot. It’s usually best to go for well-known brands rather than buy them cheap, as laminate cannot be refinished and damaged planks have to be replaced entirely. Look for one with an extended warranty (10-20 years is usually standard).
Ceramic tiles
Tile flooring has been the most popular flooring material for decades, and it’s not hard to see why. Ceramic tiles are surprisingly durable for their price and come in a wide range of colors, designs and patterns. They’re also very easy to install; even a beginner can lay ceramic tiles using only basic tools. They’re scratch and stain resistant, don’t trap small particles, and require only a quick wipe and sweep to keep them in shape.
Ceramic tiles come in either a glossy or matte finish. The latter is usually recommended for moist and high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bath, as they help prevent slipping. However, for pet owners, it’s best to use matte throughout the house because it’s more scratch-resistant, and any scratches and stains will be less visible. And if you have any delicate furniture, the anti-slip properties will keep overexcited pets from running into them.
Linoleum floors
Most people think of linoleum as a cheap, substandard material used in the old days. But these days, only the "cheap" part is true. Linoleum remains one of the most affordable flooring options in the market. But more than that, manufacturers have also improved its quality and design. You can now find linoleum flooring in practically any style, and be assured of top quality and excellent wear for your money—even with kids and pets around the house.
One of the least cited advantages of linoleum flooring is its silent surface. Linoleum effectively absorbs the sound of footfalls, so you won’t get disturbed by the tapping of your pet’s claws. It’s also quite resistant to moisture and scratches; most spills and stains can be wiped clean even when they’ve been there for a while. Choose linoleum tiles instead of the roll-out type—it’s easier to install, and you can easily replace damaged tiles when necessary.
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