Do you feel like you’re constantly cleaning up after your pets? Maybe you feel like it’s impossible to keep your floors free from pet hair and muddy footprints, and even when you try, it’s time-consuming and energy-sapping.
Thankfully, there are ways to make your life a little easier, and keep your home looking fresher. The type of flooring you have can make a big impact on the effort required to stop the mess from your pets from overtaking your home.
Keep reading to learn about the best types of flooring for pet owners.
Table of Contents
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has become one of the most popular types of flooring in recent decades since it burst onto the scene in the 1980s. There are countless color and design options, it’s easy to fit and even easier to clean.
Laminate flooring comes in a number of different specifications, mainly based on its ability to resist scratches. This is called the abrasion class (AC) rating, and you should find it on the packaging of most laminate flooring.
An AC rating of 3 is ideal for dog owners as it is resistant to scratches while still offering plenty of design options. AC ratings above 3 tend to be for commercial use so while they are much more resilient, they may not fit the style of your home.
Vinyl Flooring
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that’s incredibly versatile, vinyl flooring is an ideal option.
Vinyl flooring is softer than laminate and provides just enough grip for your pets to prevent them from sliding. It is also comparatively durable, especially thanks to recent advances in vinyl flooring technology—you no longer need to buy large rolls of vinyl and cut to size – it can be laid much like laminate flooring and can even look the same.
Tiles
Porcelain or ceramic tiles are the most durable flooring choice and can withstand all sorts of punishment from dog claws, mud, and mess. While not the cheapest option, you’re far less likely to have to replace it.
Even if you do end up with a damaged tile, you can simply replace one rather than have to replace whole sections of flooring.
The only downside from your pet’s point of view is that tile flooring isn’t particularly comfortable to walk on.
Other Options
There are a few other options you can consider which may be considered a little less orthodox;
- bamboo flooring – while not fully waterproof it’s one of the most comfortable and durable flooring materials out there!
- cork flooring – like bamboo, it isn’t completely resistant to water, but it is incredibly comfortable and can really change up the style of a room.
- scratch-resistant wood flooring – a little more expensive than other options, if you have the budget for it this may be the best flooring for the style-conscious homeowner.
Flooring for Pet Owners to Avoid
There are a few types of flooring that you should probably not have installed if you have pets. Hardwood flooring scratches very easily and can be costly to remedy, while carpets are incredibly hard to keep clean and fresh.
That being said, if your pet’s comfort is the number one priority, carpet is the best choice if you’re willing to sacrifice the time spent cleaning it!
Choose the Right Flooring for You
As you can see, there are a few things to think about when looking into flooring for pet owners. It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide where you might be willing to sacrifice on design, comfort, or ease of use.
With a multitude of flooring options out there, you’re sure to find the right type of flooring for you and your precious furry friend!
