Choosing Pet Friendly Flooring

Our fur babies are much-loved – but that doesn’t mean they don’t come without challenges, especially when it comes to keeping our houses pristine! 

One of the key issues when it comes to pets and our homes is the type of flooring we choose. This is because no matter how well trained they are – and how well set up your home is with dedicated feeding spaces, pet doors, litter trays and the like – accidents can happen.  

However, with some careful thought, planning and investment, minimising mess and avoiding irreversible damage to your floor coverings is possible. 

So, what do pet owners need to know in terms of selecting pet-friendly flooring solutions? 

Hard Flooring 

Hard flooring is perfect for homes where pets are part of the family, and the choice generally comes down to two options – timber or hybrid. 

Hybrid floors merge laminate and vinyl to offer a fabulous, stylish hardwood look that is 100% waterproof (due to the limestone composite core board), and incredibly hard-wearing. Being scratch and stain resistant and odour-proof it offers perfect pet protection! 

Engineered timber and oak timber floorboards are also a great choice. Not only does timber deliver elegance and ‘wow’ factor, it’s also warm and full of character. On top of this, it’s durable and comes with a protective finish that makes it ideal for life with cats, dogs and other furry friends. Our stunning Australiana Hardwood Engineered Series, which boasts a lacquer finish that’s particularly hard wearing and simple to clean, is also highly environmentally friendly. 

Pet-friendly Carpet 

While carpet may not be the first thing that springs to mind as a pet-friendly flooring solution, many fantastic synthetic carpets options abound. 

Nylon is soil and stain resistant and, because it’s a wonderfully strong fibre, it’s also excellent for areas of the home that cop lots of foot – and paw! – traffic.  

If you like a wool-look carpet, polypropylene is ideal. It doesn’t absorb liquid, doesn’t easily stain and is simple to clean, as well as being affordable.  

Vinyl Flooring 

Vinyl flooring that could be mistaken for timber is a go-to for many pet-loving homeowners who love a sophisticated feel.  

Modern vinyl floors are gorgeous, easy to maintain and durable – and don’t require sanding or polishing. They also feature a protective wear layer that makes them extra hardy. Added bonus – they’re water resistant! 

Pet-friendly floor care tips 

If your four-legged family member does make an unexpected mess on your floors, getting to the spill or stain fast is essential (and even more important with timber flooring to avoid warping) and it’s imperative you only use cleaning products recommended for your flooring choice. 

As prevention is better than cure, placing rugs and mats around your home can also make cleaning up pet accidents simpler. This is also why doing your research and choosing the best flooring type for your home from the outset is the way to go. 

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