Choosing the Right Flooring for Pets and Kids
Children and pets require floors that can withstand the challenges of daily life. From water-resistant laminate flooring that mimics hardwood to durable vinyl that looks just like real hardwood, there are plenty of choices out there to meet this need.
Carpet, although comfortable and cozy, is a magnet for dirt and debris that clings to it, while its hard surface can also damage long clawed dogs’ paws.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors offer great durability for pet households. While most types of wood can resist staining, scratching, and general wear-and-tear damage, those with higher Janka hardness ratings provide additional protection from staining or scratching. When shopping for hardwood, consider reclaimed styles or finishes featuring character marks to cover scratch marks more effectively.
Laminate flooring can provide an economical alternative to hardwood, although it may absorb moisture over time. Laminate is ideal for pet and kid friendly households as its durable finish can be easily resurfaced while remaining water-resistant unlike tile or stone alternatives.
Ceramic tile floors can also be a fantastic option for pet households, provided that designs with texture provide adequate grip and comfort. Area rugs may help soften the look while adding padding and grip for playful furry companions.
Tile
If your pets enjoy running, jumping and playing on hard floors, it is essential that their flooring can withstand claw marks, hide dander effectively, be easily cleaned, offer comfortable nap spots while remaining stylish. Tile can meet all these criteria – its wide variety of styles, materials and finishes meet these specifications as well.
Tile not only stands the test of time but is also an effective insulator and moisture repellent, making it the perfect material choice for bathrooms as it withstands harsh cleaning products.
Cork is another eco-friendly option that’s both antimicrobial and scratch-resistant, providing comfort to both furry friends and their humans alike. The soft surface offers extra padding when napping on it while helping absorb sound waves. Plus, its scratch resistance and easy cleanup makes this a top pick! Additionally, add area rugs for additional padding and style!
Vinyl
vinyl has the advantage of resisting moisture and scratches better than solid hardwood flooring and offers various designs and textures, making it an excellent option for budget-minded homeowners with children or pets. It also comes at an economical cost.
Modern vinyl flooring has evolved significantly from its sheet roll and stick-on tile roots of days past, featuring flexible plastic synthetic sheets or tiles as its core layer, with an image layer to emulate wood or stone grain effects and wear protection layers on top for additional security.
Vinyl floors are ideal for dog-owners as they provide low friction between paw pads and claws, staying cool in summer but warming up during winter. Easy cleanup makes this flooring suitable for young or elderly pets prone to accidents indoors; be sure to select vinyl with no harmful phthalate chemicals for an eco-friendly household!
Concrete
Carpet, hardwood and bamboo flooring can all make great options for pets and kids; bamboo stands out as being particularly eco-friendly due to being stronger yet still looking like wood! Carpet may be best but sustainable bamboo might even prove more ideal due to being scratch resistant and stain-proof!
Laminate flooring can also be an attractive choice; just make sure it’s waterproof. Moisture reaching the bottom layer can cause mold growth and other unpleasant issues; many companies provide waterproof laminates such as Mohawk’s RevWood and Newton, and Floor & Decor AquaGuard from Floor & Decor.
Cork flooring is another great antimicrobial choice that resists scratching and absorbs sound, though its aesthetic may become stained over time. Cork should be preferred over humid climates for its drying effects – instead it would work better in warmer locales with dryer climates.
