Have Pets? Pet-Proof Your Home With These Floors

by Marianna E Perez 12/05/2021

Image by Niek Verlaan from Pixabay

From getting a bad case of the zoomies to being less than dainty with their water dish, pets definitely put flooring through its paces. Unfortunately, many flooring materials simply cannot meet the demands of pet-friendly households. You need a durable material known to withstand whatever your pets can throw at it like these five great options.

Luxury Vinyl

Vinyl has long served as the best type of flooring for pets since it is scratch-resistant, waterproof and easy to clean. Beyond that, this material feels great underfoot and mutes the sound of your pets’ nails clicking across the floor.

You don’t have to get plain colors or boring prints either. You can now find luxury vinyl that boasts the look of hardwood and natural stone but without the cost.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is a fantastic pet-friendly flooring material since it resists stains and scratches, especially if you get unpolished varieties. As an added benefit, the natural texture flooring helps pets stay steady on their feet, which is helpful if your pets are getting up there in age.

If pets spill water or have an accident on the stone, it won’t seep into the material. Instead, you can just wipe it right up with ease. To avoid having to clean up quite as often, go with a multi-colored stone that keeps the errant fur and debris out of sight and out of mind.

Laminate

Laminate has only improved through the decades since its release. It now boasts a truly waterproof design that keeps liquids from seeping into the cracks and warping the flooring. In addition, it is scratch-resistant and doesn’t wear down nearly as quickly as hardwood floors.

Even with heavy use, you’ll find the laminate looking just as good as it did when installed years down the line. This material is also a lot more affordable than hardwood, while looking just like the real thing.

Cork

If you want something a little more natural than laminate, then cork is a good choice. Although it’s only water-resistant, not waterproof, it still works well in homes with pets that are past the initial house-training age.

You will also like it if your pets frequently go out and get muddy since it resists mold and mildew growth. As long as you can quickly mop up their mess, you can trust that your floors will stay in great shape.

Bamboo

Bamboo costs a bit more than cork but is also more durable since it is such a hard material. This material is also more stylish than cork and comes in unique patterns and plank sizes.

You can feel good about it, too, since it's one of the most eco-friendly flooring options on the market today. Like cork, this material is only water-resistant, so go with a different option if your pets are not house-trained.

When you upgrade your home’s old carpet or other flooring with any of these options, your stress levels will likely decrease by far as you watch your pets frolic throughout the house. You can then focus on enjoying your new home to the fullest while spending quality time with your pets.

About the Author
Author

Marianna E Perez

Marianna E. Perez is a Real Estate professional with over 20 years of experience. A lifelong resident of South Florida, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the latest trends and movements in the real estate market. She offers clients top-notch guidance from start to finish, ensuring the entire process is seamless, efficient and rewarding. Prior to entering real estate, Marianna was Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Banking at City National Bank of Florida. She provided strategic leadership facilitating profitable and efficient origination of real estate loans. Marianna was a trusted advisor to clients and to the bank growing a real estate portfolio to over $300 million. She is firmly committed to the philosophy “not quantity, but quality,” which she practices in both her personal and professional life. Marianna is a graduate of FIU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. She is a member of the Miami Association of Realtors, a lifetime board member of the BASF (Builders Association of South Florida), a member of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). She is also involved with the Women’s Leadership Council (United Way TNC). In addition, Marianna has received these special industry accolades: Housing Hall of Fame inductee 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Associate of the Year 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Florida’s Best Awards Chair 2016 and 2004 Builders Association of South Florida, Vice President 2008 Builders Association of South Florida, President’s Award 2008 and 2003