Published on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023

Pet Friendly Flooring

Pets are an important member of the family and should be taken into consideration when purchasing new flooring. Did you know that an average of 63% of U.S. households have a pet? These furry family members come in many shapes and sizes, which makes it tough to decide on a particular flooring type for your home. Typically, the most troublesome problem with pets and flooring is the pets’ nails causing indents and permanent marks and scratches. Not to mention potty training and shedding! So before buying a new floor for your home, it’s important to consider what flooring option would be suit your needs, as well as your pet’s needs. In this article, Scottsdale Flooring America will cover the most pet friendly flooring options that will keep your beautiful new floors damage free.

Read More: Important Flooring Questions to Ask Before Purchasing

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has become one of the most trusted flooring options for homeowners with pets. Both luxury vinyl and vinyl sheet options are trusted because of their resistance to scratching and moisture. This flooring type is highly durable, making it ideal for bigger pets such as large breed dogs. Cleaning vinyl flooring is a breeze, and doesn’t require specialized products to maintain. This affordable flooring option offers a soft step that cancels loud steps or nails scratching along the flooring.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Vinyl Floors with Pets

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for pet owners due to its durability and resistance to scratches and stains. However, pets can still cause damage over time, and proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your vinyl floors. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your vinyl floors with pets:

• Regular Sweeping and Vacuuming: Sweeping or vacuuming your floors regularly will help to remove pet hair, dirt, and debris that can cause scratches and damage over time. It’s essential to use a soft-bristled brush or vacuum cleaner attachment to avoid scratches.
• Mop with Gentle Cleaning Solution: Using a gentle cleaning solution that is safe for vinyl floors is crucial for maintaining your floors’ quality. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a soft mop to clean the floor. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that can damage the vinyl.
• Clean up Spills and Stains Immediately: Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s essential to clean them up immediately. Wipe away any spills or stains with a soft cloth or paper towel, and then mop the area with a gentle cleaning solution.
• Trim Your Pet’s Nails: Long pet nails can cause scratches and dents on your vinyl floors. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed regularly to prevent damage to your floors.
• Use Mats and Rugs: Place mats and rugs in high traffic areas or where your pets spend most of their time. This will help to protect your floors from scratches and damage, and also make it easier to clean up any spills or accidents.

Cleaning and maintaining your vinyl floors with pets requires regular upkeep and attention. By following these tips, you can keep your floors looking new for years to come, even with your furry friends around.

Choosing Pet-Friendly Flooring Options

Hardwood Flooring

Although this is one of the toughest flooring options within many flooring showrooms, these hard surface floors have a breaking point and vulnerabilities. Most flooring experts believe that hardwood flooring and pets aren’t a winning combination. Moisture can soak into the boards of hardwood causing stains, warps or discoloration, meaning any potty accidents or spills need to be cleaned up immediately to prevent these damages. Animals with longer nails also cause scratches in the hard surface that are impossible to remove. If you’re seeking hardwood flooring with pets, the nails should be regularly trimmed.

Read More: Choosing Flooring Options For Your New Home

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring offers many of the same characteristics and benefits to homeowners as the vinyl flooring options. While the laminate itself is not quite as durable, many manufacturers offer laminate flooring finishes that protect against wearing, scratches, scuffs and whatever else pests can manage. For everyday cleaning, a vacuum or dry mop is all you need for cleaning. Deeper cleaning is typically treated with a laminate flooring cleaner.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring for Pets

Here are some of the advantages of having laminate flooring in a household with pets:

• Durability: Laminate flooring is incredibly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, and stains. This makes it an excellent choice for households with pets that are prone to accidents and spills.
• Easy to Clean: Laminate flooring is effortless to clean and maintain. It can be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and doesn’t require any special cleaning solutions. This makes it an ideal flooring option for pet owners who want a low-maintenance solution.
• Scratch-Resistant: Laminate flooring is scratch-resistant, which means it won’t be damaged by your pet’s claws. This is particularly beneficial for households with larger pets that are more prone to causing damage to flooring.
• Affordable: Laminate flooring is an affordable flooring option that doesn’t compromise on quality. This makes it an excellent choice for pet owners who want a durable and reliable flooring solution without breaking the bank.
• Variety of Styles: Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of styles and designs, which means you can find a flooring option that matches your home’s decor. This is particularly beneficial for pet owners who want a flooring option that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for households with pets due to its durability, scratch-resistance, affordability, and easy maintenance. By choosing laminate flooring, pet owners can have a flooring option that not only looks great but can also withstand the wear and tear of everyday life with their furry companions.

What About Carpet?

Carpet is not always the best flooring option for homes with pets. While it can be comfortable and cozy for both pets and their owners, it also has some downsides that should be considered before installing carpet in a pet-friendly home.

Here are some reasons why carpet may not be the best option for homes with pets:

• Stains and Odors: Pet accidents can be difficult to clean on carpet, and even when they are cleaned up, they can leave behind stains and odors that are hard to remove. This is especially true for carpets with deep pile, as it can be difficult to remove all traces of urine or feces from the fibers.
• Allergies: Pets can shed fur and dander that can get trapped in carpet fibers, causing allergies and other respiratory issues for people in the household. This can be particularly problematic for people who suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions.
• Scratches and Damage: Pets can scratch and damage carpet fibers with their claws, leading to frayed edges and unsightly wear and tear. This is especially true for pets that are more active or have long nails.
• Maintenance: Carpet requires regular maintenance, including vacuuming and deep cleaning, to keep it looking and smelling fresh. This can be time-consuming and challenging for pet owners who may need to clean up pet hair and stains more frequently.

While carpet can be a comfortable and cozy flooring option for homes with pets, it may not be the best choice due to its susceptibility to stains, odors, scratches, and damage. Pet owners may want to consider other flooring options that are easier to clean and maintain, such as hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring, that are more durable and resistant to pet-related wear and tear.

The Scottsdale Flooring Experts

Selecting the right flooring type for a home with pets is essential for both the comfort and safety of the pets and the longevity and appearance of the flooring. It’s important to consider factors such as durability, scratch-resistance, ease of cleaning, and allergy-resistance when choosing a flooring option. With so many options available, such as hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile flooring, pet owners can find a flooring solution that fits their budget and meets their unique needs. At Scottsdale Flooring America, we offer a wide range of flooring options suitable for homes with pets, and our experienced team can help you find the perfect fit for your home.