Flooring Choices For Homeowners With Pets

Forty percent of American homes have pets. With so many options for flooring, it's hard to determine which one is best for both the pet and the owner. Here are a few flooring choices that can benefit both pet and master alike from OHi flooring expert Tammy Ogaard.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Seen in the picture on the right, vinyl brings the luxurious appearance of wood, slate, stone, and ceramic, but its textured surface resists slipping and scratching. Don't get distracted by the kids' toys in this basement. This family can also manage anything that Fido throws their way thanks to vinyl's waterproof, easy maintenance and soft feeling underfoot! Vinyl is reasonably priced, and compared to tile or hardwood, it better absorbs sounds like pet nails on its surface. I personally love the Mannington Luxury Vinyl line. It's so beautifully made that you can't even tell it's vinyl!

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is as good as vinyl for both the pet and the home, but it's a little more expensive. Pet scratches are rare, and linoleum flooring lasts longer than vinyl. In fact, linoleum shares many of the qualities of vinyl. It’s easy to clean, fairly water resistant, softer, and absorbs more sound than vinyl when walking on it.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and more comfortable to pets than tile and hardwood. The material is also durable and resilient. Choose a lighter shade to conceal scratches better!

Bamboo Flooring

Quality bamboo is resilient but less comfortable for pets. Bamboo can be a convenient choice for its resemblance to hardwood while also preventing scratches and dents. Bamboo is eco-friendly, durable, and resistant to stains, but comes with a hefty price tag.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring appeals to pet owners because it has the benefit of looking like hardwood but is much easier to maintain. It is cheaper than other flooring and available in every appearance of hardwood from textured to blonde. Laminate resists moisture stains, claw scratches, and is easy to maintain. However, laminate flooring is also loud and slippery for claws, so keep that in mind when you make your choice.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are beautiful, but softer woods are more susceptible to scratches and pet urine. If hardwood is what you just have to have in your house, it is best to choose a matte or low gloss finish and a lighter color. This combination tends to show fewer scratches. Furthermore, the darker the stain, the easier it will be to see the scratches and the hair left behind by our furry friends! Some hardwoods come with multiple layers of finish, so the floor can be sanded down and refinished a few times if damage does occur. Soft woods, like pine, teak, or larch, should be avoided.

Now What?

There are endless possibilities for creating your dream home,  and OHi has been helping families in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs remodel their homes since we founded our family business in 1900. Our expert team members will help you find design inspiration and carry out your vision. We’ve been improving our neighborhood one home at a time through expert advice, exclusive products, and exceptional service. Check out our portfolio, or contact us to speak with an OHi family member about your remodel!