Pets and Floors
Whether you are building a new home or renovating, choosing the right flooring is essential for any remodeling project. For pet owners, however, this decision is even more critical as their furry friends will undoubtedly cause more wear and tear (scratches, stains, dirt) over time. This pet-friendly flooring buying guide will help you find the best flooring option for your home by examining the pros and cons of different flooring types, as well as tips on how to prevent further damage on existing floors.
Before you begin, there are four primary considerations to remember when looking for pet-friendly flooring options. No matter what option you ultimately decide on, keep these qualities in mind when shopping.
- Resistance to scratches
- Resistance to damage
- Pet traction
- Pet comfort
When it comes to scratches, dogs’ nails are a definite concern. Depending on the dogs size, weight, and nail length, they could cause permanent damage to some flooring options. With cats, their traction should be more of a priority to ensure they can move around your home safely. Both dogs and cats can have the occasional accident in the house, so looking for floors that are more resistant to urine damage should always be a focus for pet owners. Generally, dog-friendly flooring and cat-friendly flooring needs be durable and easy to clean.
7 Pet-Friendly Flooring Options
Hardwood
Although hardwood flooring is a go-to flooring choice for its clean, classic look, it is not always the best option for pet owners as hardwoods are more prone to stains and water damage. If you already have hardwood floors or your heart is set on a beautiful style, the best pet-friendly hardwood materials include: oak, cherry, maple, hickory, walnut, mahogany, sycamore, and bamboo. Softwoods, such as pine, chestnut, larch, hemlock, and fir are more prone to dents and scratches and are not ideal for homes with larger breed dogs.
The harder the wood, the more likely it is to resist scratches from a dog’s nails.
Reference the Janka Hardness Scale (bottom of this page) to determine the hardness of wood.(The higher the number, the harder the wood). Any rating less than 850 is considered to be softwood. A rating 1250 and above is considered to be a hardwood. You can find this rating on each of the product pages.
One additional consideration when purchasing hardwood flooring as a pet owner is to find an option that is coated with urethane; making your floor more scratch- and stain-resistant.
Hardwood Flooring
Pros
- Available in various colors and finishes
- Easy to vacuum or sweep
Cons
- Expensive
- Prone to water damage and scratches
- Can easily stain if not cleaned immediately
- Salt crystals in pet urine can cause odor and stain to reappear over time
Carpet or Carpet Tiles
Carpeting offers a cozy landing for our furry friends. Low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms, are ideal locations for carpet in a home with pets. Also, look for carpet varieties without loops, as your pet’s nails may snag on the loops.
Carpeted Flooring
Pros
- Comfortable underfoot and a soft landing for pets
- Available in various colors and styles
- Carpet tiles are easily replaced
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Prone to wear and tear
Bamboo
Out of all wood flooring options, bamboo is the best and one of the most popular flooring for dogs and pet-friendly homes. Its natural hardness makes it more stain- and scratch-resistant than traditional hardwood floors. A customer favorite for sustainability and durability, bamboo is an excellent choice for someone trying to decide between vinyl and hardwood flooring.
Bamboo Flooring
Pros
- Can withstand high traffic
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Stain-resistant
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Darker finishes are sometimes more susceptible to water damage and scratches
- Can be more expensive depending on the brand and type
Cork
Similar to bamboo flooring, cork flooring is eco-friendly and a naturally antimicrobial material that will reduce the growth of mold and other allergens. This is a perk that benefits both you and your pet! Additionally, cork flooring is warm and pliant making it comfortable to walk upon and can withstand foot traffic very well.
Cork Flooring
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Anti-microbial
- Requires little maintenance
- Quiet underfoot and sound absorbing
Cons
- Discolors overtime from exposure to sunlight
- Surface can get scratched from sharp nails
- Not suitable in rooms where heavy furniture will be placed as it can indent the flooring permanently
Laminate
Although laminate flooring looks similar to hardwood flooring, it provides a much easier clean up after your pet. Despite its hardness and durability, laminate flooring can also be quite slippery. If you’re interested in a smooth, high gloss laminate floor, it will reduce your pet’s traction even more. It’s best to select an option that has a textured or embossed finish to reduce slipping, or layer an area rug and rug pad over the flooring to provide extra traction for your pet.
Laminate Flooring
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistant
- Scratches typically less noticeable
Cons
- Slippery surface causing pets to be less stable on their feet
- Not as long-lasting and timeless as hardwood
Stone Tile
Tile is a great option for pet owners as it is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Tile also makes for easy clean up of accidents and spills. Most tile materials are scratch-resistant, but some softer, more porous stones (like marble) may require more maintenance and treatment. The one downside to tile is that the cold and hard surface provides little to no comfort underfoot. For added comfort and warmth, consider radiant heating and using area rugs throughout the space. A pet bed is a must to give your furry pal a cozy place to relax.
Stone Tile Flooring
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Cold and hard surface
- Can be slippery for pets
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is the ideal choice for most pet owners. Compared to other flooring materials, it is an extremely affordable option and can be installed almost anywhere in the home. Vinyl also provides great traction for your pet. Available in a wide variety of designs, such as natural-looking luxury vinyl, it is a durable option that does not compromise on style.
Vinyl Flooring
Pros
- Scratch- and stain-resistant
- Easy-to-clean
- Promotes low levels of allergens
- Quiet underfoot
Cons
- Dulls easily
- Water spills can cause mildew or lifting
This article was originally published on Wayfair.