One of those most common questions we get from customers here in our store is what is the best flooring for pets or little kids. Often when those clients come into our store, they are contemplating the purchase of engineered hardwood floors versus laminate flooring. Most people are trying to get rid of carpet altogether, especially if the have pets because it traps dirt and hair and can have a negative affect on the owners’ allergies.

Although, it is up to the owner on what type of floors they want for their home and it is ok to install any type of flooring in home that has pets or kids, there are definitely pros and cons to each floor.

Vinyl Plank – vinyl floors are a very durable and affordable option. It is less susceptible to water damage than laminate or hardwood and has a softer sound from your pets nails. There are now many different styles and quality to choose from and our most popular vinyl floors at The Floor Barn is vinyl planks that mimics hardwood. The biggest downside to vinyl is if it is a cheaper product, it will not have a big resale benefit if you look to sell your home. But it is one of the best flooring for pets.

Tile – this is another very durable product and holds up well to pet traffic. The biggest cons against it is that it one of the more costliest floors to have installed and is not a warm floor to the feel that most people want in rooms such as their bedroom.

Hardwood – hardwood floors are a wonderful floor that will add a timeless look and feel to your home. However, it is the least durable floor for pet owners. If you have handscraped hardwoods and you get a scratch in the floor from your pets nails, then you can fill it in with a stain pen and is not noticeable to the naked eye, however it is harder to hide on smooth hardwood surfaces.  There are different wood species that have different hardness readings so if you have a pet you might think about something hard like a Hickory versus a softer Birch floor. The biggest concern is potential water damage from urine accidents and water bowl spills, which need to be cleaned immediately to preserve your floors.

Laminate – laminate is a best flooring for pets. It is more durable than hardwood, it is also cheaper and looks great. Although it is able to hold up to water damage better than hardwood, it still is prone to water damage and needs to be maintained properly.

No matter what floor you buy and install, it is good to have your pets nails trimmed to avoid potential damage and to also have a designated area for chewing of bones and toys that is not directly on the surface of the floor, instead use a rug or mat.

by Brian Heltzel
The Floor Barn
http://www.floorbarn.com
817-426-3900
brian@floorbarn.com

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