At GOFLOORIT, we provide carpets and hard flooring to homes in Towcester and further afield every day. Many of our customers are families, which means there are several considerations to take into account when choosing the right flooring for their homes.
It’s about more than just looks; it’s about lifestyle. As a flooring provider and fitter, we always ask our customers about their day-to-day lives when discussing the options. One important factor that’s often overlooked? Pets.
Pets and Flooring
If you currently have pets, or even if you’re planning to add a furry friend to the family in the near future, it’s well worth thinking about how your flooring will hold up. You’ll want something durable, easy to clean, and resistant to the wear and tear that comes with claws, muddy paws, and the occasional accident. Of course, it still needs to look good and feel comfortable underfoot.
If you’re looking for flooring for your home and have pets, contact our team today. We can talk you through the different options and help you decide what will work best for you.
Suitable Types of Flooring for a Home with Pets
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s our expert breakdown of the most pet-friendly flooring types, including the pros, cons, and our recommendations based on years of experience fitting floors for pet owners.
Hard-Wearing Carpets
Although carpets may seem like an unusual choice for households with pets, they can still be suitable for low-traffic areas within your home or if you have a calm or elderly pet.
Pros:
- Softer and warmer underfoot, ideal for pets that like to lounge.
- Sound-absorbing, which helps keep noise down, especially in flats.
- Some ranges are stain-resistant and designed with pets in mind.
Cons:
- More difficult to clean than hard flooring options, especially when dealing with accidents or shedding. If you have a pet that isn’t house-trained, carpets should be avoided.
- Can retain odours over time if not properly maintained.
- Claws can snag loops in certain carpet types, causing pulls or potentially damaging your pet’s claws.
Our Recommendation:
If you have your heart set on carpet and have pets, opt for a short-pile, tight-weave, stain-resistant carpet in neutral or darker tones to help disguise stains. These types of carpets can also stand up to wear and tear for longer. Avoid loop-pile carpets if you have cats, as they may be tempted to scratch them.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring can be a stylish choice for homes with well-trained pets.
Pros:
- Elegant and timeless appearance.
- Can add value to your home.
- Easy to clean spills and accidents if caught quickly.
Cons:
- Can scratch easily from claws, especially those of larger dogs.
- Needs regular maintenance, such as resealing, to stay looking good. This may be required more frequently if your pet scratches or damages the floor.
- Can be slippery for pets, potentially causing joint issues over time.
Our Recommendation:
If you prefer hard flooring in your home and have pets, consider harder woods such as oak or maple, with a matte or textured finish to help reduce the appearance of scratches and improve grip. Engineered wood can also be a more stable option than solid hardwood. Invest in carpets and rugs to reduce slipping and help protect your dog’s joints.
Laminate Flooring
Probably one of the most practical options, laminate flooring is great for busy households looking for an affordable, low-maintenance solution.
Pros:
- Scratch- and stain-resistant surface.
- Easy to wipe clean, making it ideal for pet messes.
- More affordable than hardwood while offering a similar look.
Cons:
- Can be slippery for pets, so rugs may be needed.
- Cheaper laminates may sound noisy or hollow underfoot.
- Not ideal if water is left sitting on the surface for too long, as this can cause swelling. Make sure you wipe up any accidents quickly.
Our Recommendation:
Choose a good-quality laminate with a heavy domestic or commercial use rating. Embossed finishes can provide better traction for pets.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Luxury Vinyl Tile, or LVT flooring, is a great option for pet owners looking for durability and style in their homes. It is particularly well suited to kitchens, bathrooms, and entranceways.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens and utility rooms.
- Stain-resistant.
- Comfortable underfoot and quieter than laminate or tile.
- Wide range of stylish designs, including wood and stone effects.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than laminate, although its added durability may make the extra cost worthwhile.
- Must be installed on a level subfloor for the best results.
Our Recommendation:
LVT is one of our top choices for homes with pets. It combines the resilience you need with the style you want, making it a great option for dogs, cats, and everything in between.
Different Pets, Different Needs – for Flooring as Well as Care
Not all pets are created equal when it comes to flooring. Here’s what to consider:
Dogs and Cats: These pets will have the greatest impact on your flooring choices because they move freely around the house and can scratch floors with their claws. Accidents, muddy paws, and shedding are also common. Flooring needs to be durable, easy to clean, and safe for their joints.
Caged Pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): These pets generally have less impact on flooring, as they’re usually confined to specific areas or kept outside. However, any bedding or hay spills should still be easy to clean.
Birds or Reptiles: These pets are mostly kept in enclosures, so choosing smooth, easy-to-clean flooring around their cages or tanks can help maintain good hygiene.
If your pet is elderly or has mobility issues, soft flooring, such as cushioned LVT or carpet, may be better for their comfort.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing the right flooring for a pet-friendly home is all about balance. You want something that works for your household now and into the future. That means thinking about durability, style, comfort, and, of course, your pets.
Need help choosing the perfect flooring for your home and furry friends?
We’re here to help. Pop into our showroom or book a free consultation today. We’ll help you find a flooring solution that suits your style and stands up to paws, claws, and the chaos of pet life.