So, you’ve finally caved and got yourself a little four-legged friend. But having a family pet often means you need to reconsider a lot of things in your house, such as your flooring. Ideally, you will be looking for something that is incredibly practical and durable but doesn’t sacrifice style and aesthetics. Luckily, you might be surprised to learn that some more budget friendly floors are actually your best option. This post brings you some of the most pet friendly floors that you can find without having to sacrifice money or home decor looks!
Engineered wood flooring
Engineered floor is the most visually similar to a solid wood you can find on the market. This is because engineered floors are made up of layers of plywood and finished with a top layer of real wood. Besides the fact it looks as beautiful as its hardwood counterpart, it can withstand higher levels of moisture as well as fluctuations in temperatures. This means that it doesn’t expand and contract like solid wood does, so you don’t need to worry about the floor warping or cracking. Maintenance is another key feature you’ll be looking for in a floor when you’ve got a pet. Engineered floor doesn’t need any special care, just a simple hoover and mop with get rid of those pesky muddy paw prints in no time.
It is important to be mindful that engineered wood does have that top layer of real wood, so spills should be cleaned up immediately to avoid any potential long-term damage. Whether its a spilled water bowl or a dirty stick from outside, make sure these are cleared up. To avoid scratches on your floor caused by claws, try an engineered with an oiled or lacquered finish.
Laminate flooring
This floor is similar to an engineered floor as it also replicates solid wood. The main difference is that laminate floors are totally synthetic and are made up of four layers. The backing, which protects the floor from the moisture, the core, that gives stability and makes the floor to stand heavy footfall and the image, which makes the floor look like real wood. This is then topped with a wear layer that works as extra protection to scratches and damages. The way that this floor is made makes it much cheaper than real or engineered wood. One of the key factors that makes this floor great for pet owners is that it is water resistant. No need to worry about moisture or water, this floor can handle it no trouble. The water resistance also makes cleaning easier too, as a mop and sweep is all it takes to keep it as good as new.
Vinyl tile flooring
Vinyl tiles is a type of flooring made 100% from plastic. It is thanks to this that the floor is highly resistant to, well, nearly everything! Unlike laminate flooring, vinyl flooring tiles are total waterproof. So let your pet do its worst, vinyl tiles can handle it. Another feature that might interest you as a pet owner is that it is a very hygienic floor. It’s nonporous properties means it doesn’t trap any first, dust or allergens as you would typically experience with a carpet. This means fur won’t become matted and imbedded on your floor.
You might think that such a practical floor won’t look anywhere near as good was those more expensive products. Well, we’re here to reassure you that is not that case. This is why vinyl tiles are so amazing, it replicates different kind of woods as well as tiles. This surely has to be the reason why vinyl flooring is proving itself to be a homeowners favourite.
So there you have it, three floors that we think can be very useful if you are a pet-owner in need of a new floor.
