Pets are great additions to any home. They help reduce stress and also keep you on your toes with their antics. But, if you are remodeling your home, you must consider the possibility that your furry friend can accidentally damage the new flooring.
Be it doggy nails, the temptation to dig up a hidden treasure from below the floor, relieving himself occasionally or the shedding, it pays to think hard about the
best flooring options for pets and make a decision that you wouldn’t have to regret later.
The Pet Life
To be honest, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pet-friendly flooring. It’s not as simple as walking into a store and demanding the latest ‘Dog Nail Resistant Hardwood’.
There are a few things that you’d like to keep in mind while redoing your home.
- Pet nails will scratch the flooring. It’s an unavoidable thing. The best you can do is select a flooring material that is resistant to the scratches. Also, it pays to keep your pet well-groomed and the nails trimmed.
- If your pet goes out to play, it will track the dirt indoors. So, you should opt for a flooring that’s easy to clean.
- Keep the pet toys in a separate area because playtime can be ‘scratch-time’ for your brand new flooring.
- Irrespective of the flooring that you select, it will have its own share of pros and cons. Take your time to understand the benefits and the disadvantages before you make the choice.
Here are some of the pet friendly flooring options that you can select from.
Bamboo
If you cannot think beyond solid hardwood flooring for your home, but are worried to no end thinking about the potential damage it can undergo, then Bamboo is the best choice for you. It looks exactly like
hardwood but is more durable, easier to clean and scratch and stain resistant. The only drawback, is that exposure to moisture can cause warping or shrinking of the boards.
Cork
Cork is one of the newer green flooring materials that is fast gaining popularity for its hypoallergenic qualities. It is also resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria. Since it is not as hard as hardwood flooring, it is soft to walk on. When it comes to scratches, cork is one of the best choices you have. However, you will have to be diligent about cleaning liquids as soon as it falls on the surface. Also, cork can get discolored with sunlight exposure.
Stone Tile
Stone tiles are by far, the most pet-friendly choice. Tiles are incredibly easy to clean. It is also resistant to liquids, so even of your dog has the habit of relieving himself, it won’t damage the flooring. And scratching on tiles is a very uncomfortable experience for dogs and cats. So you will find that your pet won’t fancy it too much. However, glossy surfaces can be extremely slippery and it is not uncommon for dogs to develop joint problems in the later stages of life. This can make it very difficult for them to move around the house.
Along with these pros and cons, factor in your budget, the appearance and the ease of installation to make an informed decision about the flooring.
