19 Feb Pet Friendly Flooring Options

Pets are integral members of the family and anyone with an animal companion well-knows the
type of messes their furry friends can make. They can have accidents when they’re babies and
seniors, and track in dirt and undesirable debris. Pets don’t care about the floor, but their
human counterparts want flooring that’s easily cleaned and able to withstand spills, accidents
and dirt.
Laminate
It’s a cost-effective option for any environment where pets are present. It’s resistant to water,
staining, and contains a coating specifically designed to resist scuffs and scratches. It’s also very
easy to clean and maintain.
Vinyl
Available in tiles and planks that can emulate the appearance of hardwood and natural stone,
luxury vinyl won’t crack, bend or dent – and its resistant to liquids, staining and scratching. Vinyl
is easy to clean, maintain, and good for those with allergies.
Hardwood
For those that desire hardwood floors, there are a number of coatings that can be applied. The
coating makes the floor more resistant – but not impervious – to scuffs and scratches due to pet
nails, tiny gravel and other debris, along with marks from children’s toys and dropped objects.
Carpeting
While most people with pets shy away from carpeting, carpeting is available that contains
plastic backing that won’t allow liquids to soak through to padding. Spills can be easily absorbed
with a paper towel. It’s warm, comfortable, and cost effective. Carpeting has the advantage of
helping to quiet the click of nails and muffles sound. Regular vacuuming keeps the carpeting
clean and steam cleaning is a breeze since liquids don’t penetrate the plastic backing so it dries
quicker.
Porcelain, Ceramic and Stone
The materials won’t sustain damage from nails and they’re water and stain resistant. The
disadvantage for pets and people is that it’s cold and hard. Pets will need something soft and
warm to lay on and elderly pets may have difficulty rising from a prone position on the floor

.