What’s the Best Pet-Friendly Flooring?

Posted on: 24th August 2016

We’re a nation of animal lovers. In the UK, half of all households own a pet. About 25% of us own a dog and 20% own a cat – that’s a lot of four-legged friends! Although we love our pets, their fur, claws and teeth can take their toll on our homes. This is especially the case when it comes to flooring, which can be scratched and stained by our beloved companions. So what’s the best pet-friendly flooring? We take a look…

Carpet

Pets love curling up on cosy carpets, but they can give them a hard time. Claws can get ‘snagged’ in carpet loops – and if you’re not careful, your carpet could become your cat’s new scratching post. Water stains and pet hairs are also potential problems. Low traffic areas like bedrooms are the best place for carpets in a home with pets, but if you’d like a carpet downstairs, choose a stain-resistant carpet designed for heavy domestic use and commit to regular vacuuming. Top manufacturers like Cavalier and Cormar design carpets tough enough to stand up to the daily wear and tear of life with pets.

Natural Flooring

Manufactured from natural plant fibres such as sea grass and sisal, natural flooring is both eco-friendly and extremely hard-wearing. Alternative Flooring offers a wide range of natural flooring styles crafted from sustainably sourced plant fibres, as well as a versatile collection of rugs and runners – a great low-maintenance way to enjoy the warmth and comfort of carpets in a home with pets.

Vinyl

When it comes to pet-friendly flooring, vinyl is the safest choice. It’s one of the most hard-wearing flooring options available, and highly stain- and scratch-resistant. Choose a respected manufacturer like Tarkett or Rhinofloor who offer excellent quality, durability and value for money. Vinyl is available in a huge range of designs, making it suitable for any home. Furthermore, several ranges of vinyl floor tiles from Karndean and Polyflor have been especially created to mimic natural hardwood, marble and stone flooring. These are perfect if you love the appearance of hardwood flooring but need something more durable.

Hardwood

With its on-trend Scandinavian look, hardwood flooring is a highly desirable flooring choice – but if your heart is set on pristine hardwood floors, you’ll need to be careful with little paws walking over them. Your pet’s claws can scratch the surface of a hardwood floor, so choose a harder wood like bamboo or oak that will be more resistant to scratches. An engineered wood flooring from a leading brand like Boen or Junckers is your best choice. Water stains can damage hardwood floors, so it’s best to keep your pet’s water bowl on a water resistant mat, and make sure any pets are fully house trained before you have your new hardwood floor installed.

If you have pets and are looking for a new flooring, visit our showroom in Shepherds Business Park in Lenwade. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to talk you through our extensive range of products, highlighting which ones will be most suitable for you. Alternatively, call us on 01603 879359.

Like us on Facebook for more great flooring tips and design inspiration.