5 Pet Friendly Floors

If you’re a pet owner, you know how tough it can be to keep your floors clean. Messes, nails, and other hazards on the floor come with pet ownership! While messes are common, there are pet friendly floors that can make your cleaning and home maintenance experience easier. When you are searching for a flooring for your furry friend, keep in mind that you will need the floors to be:

1. Waterproof, or Water Resistant
2. Scratch Resistant

Waterproof floors, or floors that are water resistant are a must for pet owners. Bowl spills, accidents, and other messes can happen, and floors can often reflect that over time. Pets also have nails that hit the floor when they walk, which will scratch them over time and ruin the finish. With this criterion in mind, these are the suggested floors for pet owners:

1. Bamboo Flooring: This flooring option is perfect if you want a natural look that still resembles wood. It is scratch resistant, and very durable over time! While bamboo flooring is a great option for pet owners, be sure to get good quality wood and not cheap wood. If an accident from a pet happens, make sure you are cleaning it up immediately to avoid damage! These floors are not waterproof, but they are sustainable.

2. Stone and Tile Flooring: These floors are water resistant, stain resistant, and durable! One of the best options you can choose for your floors is either tile or stone when you have pets. It’s extremely easy to clean and can hold up in all the storms your pet puts it through. They are cost efficient and can handle your pets nails. But, unless you opt for heated floors, they can be quite cold. Make sure your pet has a bed or rug to lay on in the winter months!

3. Cork Flooring: These floors closely resemble hardwood flooring and can be a great choice for pet owners! Cork floors are microbial, meaning that they are less likely to develop mold or allergens if your pet has an accident.

4. Luxury Vinyl Flooring: These floors can mimic stone and hardwood and can be much easier for your pets and budget! It’s very durable, and when installed correctly, it will not scratch or tear. Most luxury vinyl is also water resistant, and some more expensive options are also waterproof.

5. Hardwood Flooring: Most hardwood flooring is not recommended for pets, but engineered hardwood flooring is! If you must have hardwood in your home, Brazilian Cherry or White Oak floors can have a tough, scratch resistant stain applied to it. This will make your floors last longer.