There’s nothing more rewarding and therapeutic than opening your home to a furry partner. Then again, you have to contend with the reality of living with a pet. Unfortunately, accidents and illnesses occur from time to time, even with adult pets. Dogs and outdoor cats may track dirt and rainwater into the house. Spills from food and water bowls are bound to happen. Scratching and chewing are natural instincts for our canine and feline friends. At a certain point, you may decide it’s time to redo your flooring. Read on to discover six types of flooring recommended to homes with four-legged family members.
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Engineered Hardwood
While hardwood flooring is a timeless favorite for its lustrous natural beauty, it may be difficult, though not impossible, to maintain it if you own a pet. Scratches and stains on hardwood flooring can be remedied effectively with regular sanding and refinishing. However, this process may prove too involved for the average layperson and would best be performed by hardwood flooring experts like the ones at this Asheville flooring store. Hardwood floors are also prone to warping with prolonged exposure to water.
Perhaps you have your heart set on hardwood flooring because it accentuates your décor and looks fabulous. In this case, engineered hardwood may be a more suitable option for you. Engineered hardwood flooring, consisting of wood layers topped with a hardwood overlay, is a cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring. Its topmost wear layer tends to be thicker than solid hardwood, which means it can be sanded many more times before needing replacement. Additionally, the sublayers positioned in different directions help to prevent bending or warping due to moisture. Engineered hardwood gives you the best of both worlds: the classic elegance of hardwood plus superior durability.
Bamboo
For thousands of years, particularly in East Asian cultures, bamboo has been used to make virtually anything, from furniture to textiles, musical instruments to food, and so much more. Strand woven bamboo is one of the highest-ranking flooring materials on the Janka Scale, a measure of hardness and durability. As such, it holds up incomparably to scratching and staining. As a bonus, bamboo is a highly sustainable material. Cleaning bamboo is a painless task, and it even possesses antimicrobial properties that resist allergens from pet fur and dander.
Stone or Tile
Tile and stone are some of the most preferred materials you can use for your floors if you have a pet. Their hardness and durability makes scratches a non-issue and cleaning a breeze. Their waterproof characteristics allow for low-stakes puppy potty training that won’t leave lingering odors. The downside is that these floors tend to be cold and perhaps a little too hard for comfort. They may also magnify the sound of your pet’s claws. Rugs and soft bedding for your fur baby will help to reduce these undesired effects.
Vinyl
With long-lasting endurance and resistance to water, vinyl is a superb option for pets prone to accidents. It is easy to clean and will never get scratched. Luxury vinyl flooring comes in plank form or in tiles, which simulate the aesthetic of actual tile or hardwood. While tile and hardwood may feel exceptionally hard and cold, vinyl is relatively more soft and warm. Not only does this make it more comfortable for you and your pet to walk on, but it also mutes the sound of claws tapping on the floors.
Cork
Cork is another fine choice due to its unique antimicrobial properties. In the event that your pet has an accident, the cork will prevent bacteria and mold from growing. It also helps to combat allergens from your pet’s fur. While it is far more sound-absorbent and warm than tile and stone, it won’t quite measure up to those same standards of scratch resistance.
Paw-sized scratch marks on your beautiful hardwood floors and unsightly stains in your wall-to-wall carpet are simply a truth of pet ownership. Although, it could be significantly mitigated when you choose a flooring material that offers a trifecta of scratch resistance, water resistance, and comfort for you and your pet. Engineered hardwood is ideal for mimicking solid hardwood. Bamboo and cork floors create a natural aesthetic with the added advantage of antimicrobial properties. Vinyl, tile and stone are the most waterproof and enduring varieties. No matter which of these flooring types you choose, it’ll be worth the effort in keeping your home looking immaculate and your fur baby happy.
