Best Flooring Options When You Own Pets

We love our pets, but we don’t love the messes and odors they can sometimes leave behind. Our four-legged family members have accidents from time to time, but we can mitigate the damage by having the right kind of floor for the job. Here are the best flooring options for when you own pets.

Caution: Wood. At first glance, hardwood might seem like a good option. After all, it won’t retain moisture and odor like a carpet would, right? Well, lots of hardwoods aren’t very moisture-resistant. Any messes will have to be cleaned up promptly, or the wood could warp. Also, pet nails and toys could dent and scratch the wood. Some materials, like bamboo, are a bit more water-resistant (and naturally hypo-allergenic) but be sure to ask an expert about your pet situation before spending the money for natural hardwood.

Stone. Stone has been gaining popularity as a flooring material for a few years now, with stuff like slate and granite migrating from the counter to the floor. Stone is great for people with pets, as well. Stone is tough, so it won’t get scratched or dented from nails or pet toys, and it is naturally moisture-resistant.

Vinyl. Gone are the days of rolls of ugly linoleum with hideous patterns. These days, vinyl comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, and can even resemble stone tiles. As a composite material, it won’t soak up messes or odors and is also hypo-allergenic.

Laminate. Get the look of hardwood without the cost. Also, laminate is moisture-resistant and has no actual grain, which can harbor bacteria, pet dander, and odors. Additionally, it will not dent or scratch as easily as some hardwood.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.