Are you in the market for new flooring for your home? Whether you’re upgrading your carpet or ripping it up and moving on to hardwoods, or vice versa, new floors are a great way to give the rooms in your home an all new look. However, if you’re a pet owner, you have some additional considerations to keep in mind when you decide what you want to see in a new floor. It’s important to choose something that will not only make your house look great but that also won’t be easily ruined by your dog or cat. Here are some of the best flooring options to consider if some of your family members are of the four-legged variety.
Vinyl
Vinyl is an excellent choice for homes with pets. It is durable and versatile – you can achieve the look of natural stone or hardwood using vinyl, and it will be much cheaper. This makes vinyl the perfect choice for a mudroom or any area where dirty paws will be entering or exiting your home. While vinyl is less expensive than stone and hardwood, you will still need to make sure you are ordering high quality vinyl so that it will not be prone to scratches and tears. Luckily luxury vinyl comes in the form of planks or tiles, and is normally quite durable.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors and pets are two great things that don’t always go so well together. If the look of hardwood is something you’ve got your heart set on, perhaps you could consider engineered hardwood instead. When choosing the right type of engineered hardwood for you, look for something that rates high on the Janka hardness test. This test measures how resistant a wood will be to denting and wear. Your best bets are woods such as Brazilian cherry or white oak. You should also request that a scratch-resistant finish be put on it. For even more protection, choose a plank that has a thick veneer added to the top layer, which will give you the freedom to sand and refinish the wood if needed. This is important in case your pet accidentally scratches through the finish. You could also consider going with a rustic look that already has a somewhat distressed and worn feel.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is another great flooring option for pet owners because it is durable, stain resistant and scratch resistant. It is also very easy to clean, so there’s no need to stress out when you see your pets running around on your brand-new floors. There are a few types of bamboo flooring, so make sure you chose the best kind for your needs. Strand woven bamboo rates highest on the aforementioned Janka test, making it great for pet owners. Another point in favor of bamboo flooring – it is perhaps the most eco-friendly flooring choice for your home.