pet friendly flooring pros and cons

Pet Friendly Flooring Options: Pros and Cons

Pets are like family, but we don’t want them ruining our floors. (Come to think of it, we don’t want our human family ruining our floors, either!) There are plenty of things for pet owners to consider when it comes to the flooring in their home. How scratch- and damage-resistant is it? Will pets slip and slide? Will it be comfortable for the padding on their feet? Given these factors, what are the best options for pet owners when it comes to choosing the right material for our feet?

Hardwood

Pros

  • Plenty of colors and finishes to choose from.
  • Easy to vacuum and sweep.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • Easily damaged by scratches and water.
  • Easy to stain.
  • Pet urine contains salt crystals that may cause odors and stains to reappear even after being cleaned.

Bamboo

Pros

  • Good for high-traffic areas.
  • Wear-and-tear-resistant.
  • Also stain resistant!
  • Eco-friendly.

Cons

  • Dark finishes are easier to damage with water or scratch marks.
  • Expensive.

Cork

Pros

  • Eco-friendly.
  • Antimicrobial.
  • Little maintenance.
  • Sound-absorbing.

Cons

  • Discolors over time from sunlight.
  • Easy to scratch.
  • Heavy furniture permanently indents flooring.

Laminate

Pros

  • Easy to clean.
  • Scratch-resistant.

Cons

  • Slippery, so less traction for pets.
  • Not as long-lasting as other flooring options.
  • Standing water causes lifting or mildew.

Stone Tile

Pros

  • Easy to clean.
  • Scratch-resistant.

Cons

  • Cold, hard surface.
  • Can be slippery for pets.
  • Can get pricey.

Vinyl Floors

Pros

  • Scratch-resistant.
  • Stain-resistant.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Low allergen levels.
  • Quiet underfoot.
  • Water-resistant.
  • Affordable.
  • Durable.

Cons

  • Dulls easily.

Carpet or Carpet Tiles

Pros

  • Comfortable.
  • Various colors, types, and styles.
  • Carpet tiles are easy to replace.

Cons

  • Difficult to clean.
  • Hard to remove urine stains or smells.
  • Prone to wear and tear.
  • Can get pricey.
  • Looped carpet can snag pets’ nails.
  • Can house allergens.