We’ve been asked the questions countless times. There are a lot of factors to consider. All too often homeowners come to us and say that the biggest reason they’re replacing floors is because of pet scratches and stains. There is no one flooring suits all answer to the best flooring for pets. We could approach this topic in a few ways but we decided to list the most common flooring materials and let you decide based on your pet and home.
Wood Flooring
Whether you’re talking about hardwood or engineered wood, you’re likely going to have scratches from pet, especially larger dog breeds, nails. However, there are things you can do, if you want wood floors, that will help reduce scratches. First, choose a harder hardwood for your flooring. Second, ask your flooring company about applying an extra layer of varnish to better protect the finish. Last, choose a lighter color finish as they show fewer imperfections than darker color stains.
Of course, wood floors don’t like water so you’ll want a protective mat underneath their dishes. And, if they’re prone to accidents, you’ll want to clean them up quickly. On the plus side, when there are occasional accidents, they are easier to clean than some other flooring materials.
Laminate Flooring
Quality laminate is more scratch resistant than wood simply because of the top layer, known as the wear layer. If you choose a quality product with a thick wear layer, the next layer down which has the pattern on it, will look better longer. Some people consider laminate flooring among the best flooring for pets because it’s easy to clean and resist stains. Although it is fairly water resistant, just like wood flooring, you should promptly clean your floors after a spill or accident.
Tile Flooring
Many people consider tile to be virtually indestructible and choose it for their floors even when they don’t have pets. However, one negative is that tils is slippery. It can lead to joint injuries in dogs which can lead to big medical bills for you. Admittedly an accident or spilled water dish won’t damage the floors, you will have to keep the grout cleaned.
Authentic Hardwood Flooring Can Help
We know there are other flooring materials including vinyl and carpet but few people consider those as the best flooring for pets. If you’d like help choosing the right floors for not only your pets but one that suits your style and budget, call Authentic Hardwood Flooring for a free estimate at (727) 786-6330 or fill out our contact form today.
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