Having a pet is such a huge commitment. It’s not just about getting an animal, feeding it, and giving it a place to sleep. You have to think about their comfort and safety, too, just as much as you think of yours and every other person living in the same house.
One thing that a lot of homeowners who are also pet owners need to remember to consider when building or buying a house is the floors. Most of the time, homeowners will only think about which flooring will fit right in with the style and aesthetic they’re going for. But, if you have pets, there’s so much more to think about and ask yourself. Are the floors pet-friendly? Will they scratch easily after a few weeks of your furry friends running around on them? Will they absorb unpleasant smells and cause issues and problems in the future?
Thankfully, there are lots of choices to pick from that are both beautiful and pet-friendly. Check them out below.
Option #1 Tiles
Depending on where you live, tiles are totally acceptable to have all over your home. This timeless classic is great for homeowners because it’s easy to clean and easy to replace in case of any damage. It’s quite durable as well and can withstand spills, accidents, and a lot of the mopping that owning a pet comes with. What’s even greater about tiles is that it comes in hundreds of thousands of designs at varying price points so finding one that will suit your budget, aesthetic, and needs will be super easy.
Option #2 Vinyl
Love the look of hardwood floors but can’t get it because of your furbaby? Viny floors might just be what you need. Vinyl flooring is accessible, affordable, and even DIY-able for those of you who are on a budget. It’s water-proof so you don’t have to worry about spills and mopping regularly and it is totally pet-friendly since it is scratch-proof as well. Vinyl floors also lend a touch of luxury to any room so they’re perfect for common areas like the living room and the kitchen as well as for bedrooms.
Option #3 Laminate
Another great option for pet owners is laminate flooring. Although not as luxurious in appearance as vinyl, laminate flooring is definitely just as pet-friendly. This scratch-proof flooring option is also affordable and DIYable in case you’re on a tight budget. One of the few cons of laminate flooring is that it’s not as water-proof as the other previously mentioned flooring options here so you might want to be a little bit more careful with spills and mopping.
Option #4 Engineered bamboo
Engineered bamboo is a bit pricier but, after experiencing it with your pet, you’ll see just how worthy it is of the rather steep price tag that comes with it. Engineered bamboo floors can be stained any way you want so you can make it blend in seamlessly with the rest of your house. It is also scratch-resistant but not as water-resistant as other options mentioned here.
You don’t have to sacrifice your style to create a safe and comfortable home environment for your pets. These options prove that you can have beauty, comfort, and functionality all wrapped into one if you just look long and hard enough.