Are you thinking about getting new flooring for your home? Or, is there a move planned soon for your family? Meanwhile, you either have a dog or dogs, or you are adopting a dog and want to know which flooring will be the most durable for your four-legged family member? Popular varieties of beautiful hardwood and luxurious wool carpets don’t stand up well to daily wear and tear, so you’ll need to research the other options of flooring available.
Pet – Flooring Issue
The biggest problem regarding pets and flooring combination is their nails. Even if you groom your dog and they have well-trimmed nails, the nails can gouge hardwood and snag carpet. Dirty paws and pets that are not yet housebroken are also a bad match for carpeting. Stains and smells can be impossible to remove, even with the best industrial-strength cleaners.
Best Options for Flooring
The top eight dog-friendly flooring options that will keep you and your furry pals happy are:
1. Bamboo
Not only is bamboo flooring beautiful, but it also is durable and can be as strong, and hard as red oak. Certain strand-woven bamboo can be even harder.
2. Concrete
Poured and sealed concrete resists scratches of all kinds, is easy to clean in case of accidents and doesn’t collect pet fur. Plus, it gives off a stylish industrial vibe that’s all the rage right now. The downside is that it’s hard and can be quite cold in the winter. If you live in a cooler climate, you may want to consider radiant floor heating as an option. Another easy way to soften concrete floors and add warmth is to cover them with inexpensive, easy-to-wash rugs.
3. Cork
Cork flooring is a beautiful green option. Harvesting doesn’t damage trees, and very little goes to waste. It’s suitable for anyone with allergies because it resists mold and mildew. While cork isn’t as popular as hardwood or vinyl plank, it’s got serious staying power.
4. Distressed or reclaimed wood
Distressed or reclaimed wood is supposed to look scratched and well-worn. Any blemishes or marks that are caused by pets will just add to its beauty.
5. Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood with the most scratch-resistant finish available is a great choice. Go for the hardest wood you can find, such as teak, mesquite, or hard maple. If you select a wood with a matte or low-gloss look, it will do a better job at hiding scratches. Make sure to finish your floor with a scratch-resistant finish for those dog nails.
6. Laminate
Another artificial wood product that’s extremely strong is laminate flooring. The sealant layer on laminate makes it scratch- and scuff-proof, though liquids can damage it if they’re left to sit for long. Laminate is the least expensive out of wood, concrete, or most tile products. One potential issue with laminate flooring is that the layer that protects the laminate is very slippery, and your pet can go sliding all over. Add a finish with some texture to help your furry loved ones to get traction.
7. Tile
Tile is a wonderful flooring option for pet owners. It’s durable and easy to clean. If your pet has a serious bladder-control issue, you will need to clean the grout often. Floor cleaners can help with that. But for most pet owners, tile is a smart, liquid-proof surface with tons of different design options. If you are a wood floor lover, consider faux-wood tiles.
8. Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is a fantastic option for pet owners. Vinyl flooring is highly durable, long-lasting, and resistant to scratches, moisture, and dents. You won’t hear that “click-click” sound your pets’ nails make on the floor while they are walking. Style-wise, vinyl has come a long way. Most vinyl floor tiles and planks are designed to mimic stone or wood patterns. And it’s affordable!
Other Options
Hardwood Floors
Pets don’t have to dash your dreams of a hardwood-filled home. If you’re willing to live with the real thing, you still have options. Make sure your dog nails are trimmed frequently, and messes are wiped up immediately. We recommend engineered hardwood with the most scratch-resistant finish available. Go for the hardest wood you can find, such as teak, mesquite, or hard maple. Matte or low-gloss looking wood will do a much better job at hiding scratches. Add a scratch-resistant finish to your floor.
Carpet
People love carpeting, especially in bedrooms. If you really want carpeting with your pet, consider installing carpet specifically designed to resist pet stains and odors. Select a non-white neutral that won’t show dirt as quickly, and vacuum frequently to keep fur from building up. Also, use a carpet cleaning company regularly to get the embedded dirt.
Carpet Tiles
If you live with pets, carpet tiles are another excellent choice. The tiles are easy to remove for cleaning, and if one is damaged beyond repair, you only have to replace a single tile, not the entire carpet.
Give Auburn Carpet Specialists a call at 770-867-7541 for a free inspection and estimate to clean your carpeting.
Auburn Carpet Specialists are the area’s premier carpet cleaning service company, family-owned and operated, that has earned a solid reputation for premium quality service and customer satisfaction. With more than 20 years of experience, we can truly call ourselves ‘Auburn Carpet Specialists’. We are located in Auburn, Georgia. Contact us today for a FREE Inspection and Estimate or call at 770-867-7541.
