Whether you have many pets, a single pet that's uncontrollably exuberant, or if you run a commercial business specializing in pet care or pet health - choosing flooring for pets can be critical.
Pets, from rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, hamsters to cats - can cause damage in or around the house flooring and wall with its scratching, toe nails and excrement or urine. Floor cleaning will be a headache thus we need to select a flooring type that is stain-resistant, durable and relatively easy to clean and sanitize. There are 2 choices of flooring for your consideration: Engineered hardwood and Vinyl flooring.
Vinyl Flooring, a man-made manufactured material, is classified as resilient flooring that is sold in very thin sheets or tiles—or in click-lock planks. It is also known as luxury vinyl flooring, and needs to be cleaned and maintained weekly. It has a relatively high hardness. This material has anti-fouling, waterproof and scratch-resistant functions, is economical, and has a good-looking appearance. The most important thing is easy maintenance as it is resistant to water penetration and stains. Debris can be quite easily wiped off using standard commercial cleaning agents for floor sanitization.
Engineered Hardwood
It is possible for pets and hardwood floors to coexist in your home. Engineered hardwood is more water-resistant than traditional hardwood floors. But remember to clean up any accidents or spills immediately to protect your floors.
Any type of hardwood flooring is not recommended for pets, but if you must have hardwood, then go with engineered hardwood. Also known as layered wood flooring, engineered hardwood is manufactured by bonding together various layers of wood. The top wear layer or lamella is made from real hardwood. Just make sure it has a tough, scratch-resistant finish on it - go with planks that have a thick veneer. As the topmost layer of engineered wood flooring is made of natural timber, it will exude the same warmth and luxury as authentic solid wood flooring. Available in American Oak Natural, White Wash, Ebony, Midnight Black, and Walnut.
Floorings to Avoid
In general, avoid installing flooring materials that are not maintenance friendly such as non scratch resistance, easily damaged or susceptible to moisture penetration. Laminate, wood or carpets flooring are not recommended if you have a pet at home.