Choosing the Best Flooring for Pets
The ideal flooring for pets should be durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain. Furthermore, it should provide comfortable walking surface that offers adequate traction.
LifeProof laminate and tile flooring is designed to resist stains, spills, scratches and indents while being less susceptible to moisture than vinyl and linoleum alternatives.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly option that’s highly durable, inhospitable to dust mites, and it resists fungal growth. Maintenance for bamboo flooring is simple – simply sweep or mop regularly using non-wax, pH neutral cleaner. Although bamboo can support heavy furniture loads without issue, for optimal performance we advise placing doormats inside and using pads underneath furniture as preventive measures.
Bamboo floors may be more costly than some hardwoods, but they will often last decades with proper care and maintenance. Like all hardwoods, bamboo can scratch if exposed to high heels or dirt and debris; quality bamboo flooring usually features a factory finish to protect its surface from scratches; it is wise to compare floors carefully and conduct a scratch test prior to making a decision on purchasing bamboo.
Some types of bamboo contain formaldehyde while other varieties do not; its level of formaldehyde emissions depends on how its planks are produced; carbonized bamboo may emit even higher levels, with increased heat adding softening properties that make the boards more susceptible to scratches than their hard counterparts.
Stone
Stone flooring brings nature indoors for a luxurious aesthetic, providing its colors and textures in an elegant design. Durable and water resistant, it stands up well against scratching, staining, chipping and chipping better than other natural options such as hardwood or bamboo flooring. Ideal for high traffic areas like high schools and libraries as it is also fire and water proof. Wine or lemon juice spillage can leave permanent marks while high heels shoes or furniture dragging can leave scratches; thus sealing should be performed regularly to minimize such risks.
Since stone flooring is made from natural products, each tile can vary and have distinct markings – adding charm and personality. While stone may look beautiful when installed over radiant heat systems, they may require more expensive repair work should damage occur than other options, and must also be regularly sealed to prevent moisture penetration and staining.
Tile
Tile flooring is one of the most resilient and flexible choices available, boasting a variety of styles and designs to meet every taste and decor preference. Tile resists stains, scratches, chips and moisture better than most other forms of flooring material – in addition to being eco-friendly as its made from sustainable clay resources and often coated with non-toxic glazes.
Tile provides an ideal surface that’s simple to sweep or mop clean compared to carpet, which often traps dust mites, allergens, pet dander and other particles that contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment. As such, it makes tile an excellent choice for allergy sufferers looking to create a cleaner indoor environment.
While many associate tile with kitchens or bathrooms, its versatility allows it to fit well in many other rooms of the house as well. Due to its durability and versatility, tile makes a fantastic choice for entryways, living areas, bedrooms, patios and even outdoor patios. Porcelain tiles can also be fired at higher temperatures for use in areas with heavy foot traffic or moisture accumulation – especially suitable in heavy foot traffic locations or moisture-prone locations such as outdoor patios.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is an economical, long-term choice that is hardwearing yet flexible – the ideal solution for active homes! Vinyl sheets come in styles that resemble wood, marble, decorative tile and shiplap patterns – ideal no matter your home style – be it midcentury modern renovation or updated 1950s ranch renovation!
Traditional vinyl floors feature a wax wear layer, but newer options boast an effective urethane wear layer to stand up to active kids and pets during late-night zoomies. Available patterns and colors may include grid, corridor, mixed width herringbone weave quarter turn Flemish bond soldier.
Luxury vinyl tile and plank (LVT and LVP) offers more visual appeal than their predecessors, boasting an extremely durable core composed of PVC, wood pulp, plasticizers, and foaming agent – some versions even come equipped with reinforced cores for extra tenacity! In addition, waterproof luxury vinyl tiles can be easily installed over long runs without transition strips – perfect for spaces with numerous angled walls.