Pets are wonderful. In fact, a majority of homes include at least one furry family member. That said, pet habits can be quite destructive on the surroundings – especially the floor. If you have a fur-baby or two and would like to make your home as pet-friendly as possible, here are a few flooring options that are durable and easy to clean, too.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is coated with aluminum oxide, making it very hard and durable. It comes in a variety of styles so there’s something for every household.
Laminate flooring is a popular choice among homeowners with pets because it won’t scratch or stain easily.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is another popular option among pet owners because it is easy to maintain and it resists moisture. Another benefit of having vinyl flooring in a home with pets is that it softens the sound of their toenail clicks as they walk across the floor.
Vinyl flooring comes in a plethora of styles and colors and is easy to install and clean.
Ceramic Tiles
A little more pricey than the first two options, ceramic tiles are great in homes with pets because they are durable and moisture resistant. The downside to this type of flooring, however, is that it is very slick, which can cause a running pet to skid across the floor.
Natural Stone Flooring
Although extremely strong and able to withstand scratches, natural stone can stain easily. Natural stone floors such as granite and slate are great options in homes with pets if they are sealed to withstand moisture.
You’ll want to avoid marble flooring if you have pets, though, because this natural stone is prone to scratching.
Flooring Options Not Suited For Homes With Pets
Of course, there are a few flooring options that are not recommended for pets. These are soft or porous options that stain easily, absorb and hold onto odor, and don’t withstand moisture.
Carpet
Although carpeting adds a warm touch to any room, it is not recommended in homes with pets. This is because carpet cannot be easily cleaned should your pet have an accident on it. Commercial carpet cleaners only clean the surface of the carpet leaving behind the stain and odor for a long time afterward.
Wood/bamboo Flooring
Wood flooring is charming, but it’s not a good choice for homes with pets. First, it is prone to scratching, and second, it stains easily if pet accidents aren’t cleaned up immediately.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is soft and prone to scratching, so it’s not a good option if you have pets. Further, it will stain and retain odors quickly if you don’t clean up pet accidents immediately. If you have cork flooring and pets, you can apply a sealer to it to help it last longer, but you must be vigilant in cleaning up pet messes as soon as they happen.
