Whether you’re a dog-lover or a cat-person, there’s no denying the impact those beloved furry friends can have on your home; especially your floors! With animals in the home, you need flooring that can withstand everything—from nail scratches and muddy paw prints to the occasional “accident”—while also providing a comfortable and navigable surface. We’ve put together a few important factors you should consider when deciding which flooring options will provide the best foundation for your canine—or feline—companion.
One of the first things to think about when you’re looking for pet-friendly flooring is scratch resistance. Basically, the harder your flooring is, the better it is at resisting nail scratches. Take hardwood flooring, for example. It’s one of the most popular flooring options, but its surface is prone to scratching and will likely show signs of wear as it ages. If you’re set on installing hardwood in your home, a harder species like oak or cherry will hold up better in the long run. Some other scratch-resistant options include tile, laminate and vinyl flooring, which are well-known for their toughness. Having your pet’s nails trimmed on a regular basis is also a really easy way to keep your flooring in tip-top shape.
Another important animal-friendly consideration, which sometimes gets forgotten, is the amount of traction your flooring will provide for your pet. A slippery floor can leave your pet prone to slipping down stairs and in entrances. Not only that, in an attempt to find their footing, your pet’s paws will scratch the surface more times than they would if they had a surface with good grip. Glazed tiles and some laminates can be slippery underfoot—the glossier the finish, the less stable it is. Vinyl flooring is a happy middle ground, providing a sturdy, scratch-resistant surface while offering stability and comfort. Carpet is another great option in terms of traction and comfort, though it can be damaged by nails, teeth, and other accidental encounters.
And, let’s be honest—as much as you love them, pets create a lot of sticky, messy situations. Some of them include, but are not limited to: pet hair, pee, drool, dirt, mud, muck and more. Much, much more. Bring yourself a little peace of mind with a flooring option that makes damage control a breeze! While carpeting is comfortable for your pet, it can be difficult to remove pet hair and stains. A stain-resistant carpet will alleviate tons of these worries, but some other great options include vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. For these materials, cleanup can be as simple and quick as a run through with a broom or some paper towel.
Pet-Friendly Options You—And They—Will Love
With all of these things in mind, you are well on your way to finding the perfect pet-friendly flooring for your home. Stop into Malkin’s and our flooring experts will help you pinpoint the best flooring option to keep you—and your furry friends—happy for years to come.
