Having a furry friend at home is one of the greatest joys a family can experience. Instantly, you have a new family member that brings you comfort and makes you laugh! But also, they can bring a new set of challenges when it comes to the condition of your home. Especially when they are young, puppies are high-energy, often not yet trained on how to go outside first to use the bathroom. Overall, they might cause a few messes for the first few years. When deciding on which type of flooring to install in your home, without a doubt, it is highly recommended that you take your pets into account. The decision has to make sense, and offer the most mileage for your family and your investment. Here are the best options for pet-friendly floors.
Hardwood Flooring
When it’s said that hardwood flooring will last you a lifetime, that’s not an exaggeration. If you are a diligent homeowner that polishes and takes care of them, hardwood floors will go the distance and be well-worth the investment. They are easy to clean and offer an unmatched look of refinement in your home. When it comes to dogs, the biggest thing you’ll have to worry about with hardwood flooring is accidents in the house and scratches from their claws. Moisture left on hardwoods for long periods of time will affect them, but that’s not new information – and it can certainly happen with or without pets in your home. You just have to be diligent! Wayfair suggests that if you decide to go the hardwood route, opt for a sturdier wood like oak, cherry, maple, hickory, walnut, mahogany, sycamore, or especially bamboo – these woods will be less prone to denting and scratching than a softwood. Remember that hardwood floors are stained and sealed, and it is also suggested that a urethane coating should be used on your flooring for added pet protection.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a great option if you have animals in your home, but also want the best of both worlds with hardwood flooring. The pieces are incredibly durable, and offer 5 times more scratch resistance than hardwood. Plus, they can still look like genuine wood if you want them to. Laminate can come in many colors and textures to match your home’s unique style, and is water-resistant for your puppy’s early accident-prone days. Combine all of these traits with a lower price point, and you may have found the perfect flooring for your current needs.
Stone Flooring
Are you interested in going with the tile look in your home? Then the most pet-friendly option for you will be genuine stone. Granite, marble, slate, limestone, and travertine are all incredible options stylistically and practically. They are easy to clean and scratch-resistant, too. Just like with wood, some stones are softer and more porous than others, which may mean they require additional treatment or upkeep. Stone tile flooring is especially beautiful for its uniqueness – you will never find the exact same patterns in any other home.
Call Starwood Distributors Today
At Starwood Distributors, we are flooring experts that will help you decide which option would be the best fit for you and your furry family members. Schedule a free, in-home consultation today at any of our locations across the state of Texas. We are in every major city, including the select Dallas suburbs of Plano, Frisco, and McKinney as well.
