The Best Floors for Pet Owners
It can be challenging in Alberta to balance being a pet owner and a homeowner. The facts – pets can be messy, and they’re hard on a house. Young pets have accidents, spill their water bowls, and cover your floors with paw prints. Not to mention, claws can destroy flooring faster than you’d believe possible. So what’s a pet-parent to do?
Laminate Flooring. High quality laminate flooring is one of the best choices for homeowners with dogs. Laminate flooring looks great and closely resembles the hardwood look so many Alberta homeowners want, and is also incredibly durable. The right laminate flooring is scratch resistant, and easy to clean. A quick wipe with a wet cloth will take care of those muddy paw prints. Laminate flooring can be slick and hard on a dog’s hips though. Choose laminate with an embossed or textured finish to prevent slipping. Of course, like any flooring, over time the Laminate will start to show signs of wear. At an economical price point, it is expected to be replaced over time.
Tile Flooring. Whether you choose stone or ceramic tile, you’ll find this flooring option can really stand up to pets. It’s water proof, stain and scratch resistant, easy to clean, and super durable. However, tile flooring can be hard on both pet and people feet. It can also be slippery. If you choose this flooring, pick which rooms will have tile carefully.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring. Luxury Vinyl flooring has excellent characteristics for standing up to traffic and wear. You will find this flooring option can really stand up to pets. It is water, stain and scratch resistant, while also easy to clean, and extremely durable.
Hardwood Flooring and Engineered Hardwood Flooring. Wood flooring is more susceptible to scratching and denting, but if you don’t mind the added character they can offer good value as flooring in a home with pets. One benefit of using either Solid or Engineered Hardwood in your home, as long as there’s a substantial wear layer, is they can be sanded and refinished over time – offering you a lifetime of serviceability. Some wood floor selections will show character and imperfections more obvious than other – so make your decision carefully. A Natural (no stain) wood floor with lots of grain and mineral streaking can look beautiful, even with scratches and dents.
There are a ton of flooring options for homeowners with pets, but it’s a good idea to keep both your pet and your budget in mind. A good quality, textured laminate or Luxury Vinyl may be two of the more affordable choices, but you should take the time to make the best long term choice for you and your pet.
TimberTown is here to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your home. If you have any questions about which floors will stand up best to your pets (or kids!), come into the TimberTown closest to you today!
