Pet-Friendly Flooring & Care For Your Home

For pet owners, our beloved companions hold a very special place in our hearts. However, as much as you love your cat or dog, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your style for them. Claws and accidents can reduce the quality of certain types of floors. It’s something to consider if you’re moving or remodeling.

Thankfully, with the proper care and the right floor, you won’t have to worry. Both you and your furry friend can enjoy the comforts of home easily. See the best flooring types for homes with pets and how you can care for them.

Are you looking at replacing or updating your flooring? Contact a flooring contractor today for up to four quotes from pros in your area, for free.

Flooring Concerns With Pets

If you’re a pet owner, you already understand that they are a very special part of your family. But even the most well-behaved pet has the potential to cause some damage to the home. The number one concern for any homeowner is bathroom accidents and odors. Even for dogs and cats that are trained, there are numerous reasons why they might choose to use the bathroom inside the home. While this can be cleaned, it can damage floors over time.

Another concern is nails and claws against the floor, specifically with dogs. While it’s always fun to play fetch, it can increase the chance of their floors. Active dogs, as well as some cats, can slip and slide, leaving marks on the floor. One way to avoid this is by trimming their nails, but choosing scratch-resistant flooring will help too. Another thing you can do is reserve playtime for outside.

An active pet can bring in dirt, dander and messes as well, which is a concern for owners who want to keep their floors as clean as possible. A regular cleaning routine can help solve some of these problems, but it can be a bigger issue with carpet.

Pet-Friendly Flooring

With these factors in mind, choosing pet-friendly flooring is important for homeowners. There are certain types that are better than others. Here’s what you should look for:

Laminate Flooring

If you’re looking for the ultimate pet-proof flooring, laminate flooring is the best choice. While it looks like wood flooring, it resists scratches and stains. It’s easy to clean up if your pet has can accident. However, if you like to play with your dog inside the home, they are likely to slip and slide as they chase around the tennis ball.

Laminate is a great and stylish choice for any home with pets. The average cost to install laminate flooring is $2,486, with most homeowners spending between $1,574 and $2,754.

Bamboo Flooring

Another material for active pets is bamboo flooring. It’s an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring, with a durability that’s unmatched. You’ll have to worry less about scratches and spend more time enjoying your home with your dog or cat

Tile Flooring

If you have a senior pet, they might be prone to more bathroom accidents than most. Additionally, excited pets can spill food and water as they eat. Tile flooring is a great choice for these situations. However, they aren’t always as comfortable as other flooring options as they are cold and hard. If you choose tile flooring, you may want to add a rug or two for your pet to enjoy.

Hardwood Flooring  

While not the most pet-friendly flooring, hardwood is still an option if you’re set on it. Keep in mind, the denser the wood, the more scratch and stain resistant it will be. Here are the best hardwood flooring options for households with pets:

• Walnut
• Maple
• Hickory

As always, it’s a good idea to keep nails and claws trimmed. Removing stains from hardwood floors can be a challenge, but there are pet-specific products available that aid in lifting it away.

Pet-Friendly Floor Cleaner

Having a regular cleaning routine can keep your flooring in the best possible shape. Remember, your pets rest and play on the floor. It’s important to choose a cleaner that is free of harmful chemicals. Stay away from bleach and ammonia. Choose green, non-toxic moping solutions or create your own with ingredients you likely have at home right now. For mopping, add a cup of white vinegar to a gallon of warm tap water for a floor cleaner that will even work on hardwood.

For pet odors, sprinkle baking soda on the floor and let it sit for about 15 minutes, the perfect amount of time to play with your pet! Once playtime is over, vacuum it up and the odors are gone.

Eliminating Scratches

Even with the best flooring choice, you might still end up with some scratches on your floor. The removal of the scratch largely depends on the type of flooring you choose. Most often, you’ll find them on a wood floor. Before refinishing there are a few options you can try:

• Lightly sand to blend the scratch in
• Rub wax into the scratch
• Use a wax color stick or touch up marker

However, if DIY methods don’t seem to be working, you’ll want to contact a flooring contractor who can help.

Conclusion

Your home should be comfortable for all, including your pet. With proper care and maintenance, your floor can be in the best shape regardless of your pet’s daily activities. Develop a routine for your flooring and enjoy more time with your pet!

Looking for more flooring ideas for your home? Read Everything You Need To Know About Tile, Hardwood & Carpet Flooring.