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When you share your home with furry four-legged friends, choosing the right type of flooring is important. You want materials that are durable, easy to clean, and comfortable for pets to walk on. Here are some of the best flooring options for homes with dogs and cats.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors like oak, maple, and cherry are classic choices for any home. When properly sealed and maintained, hardwood stands up well to pets. The smooth, solid surface is easy to sweep and mop when accidents inevitably happen. Look for harder wood varieties with durable finishes. Softer woods like pine may be more prone to scratching and staining.

Use rug pads under area rugs to prevent slippage. Consider strategic placement of rugs to corral pets. For example, runners down hallways are easy to roll up for cleaning.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate offers the look of real wood with more durability and affordability. The top plastic-like layer resists scratches, staining, and moisture damage. Laminate flooring clicks together without glue, making DIY installation simple. Just be sure to select thick, high-quality laminate rated for pets. Low-quality options may buckle or warp under paws.

Tile & Stone Floors

Natural stone like slate and marble make elegant flooring for foyers, kitchens, and bathrooms. The hard surface prevents odors from setting into the floor. Textured slate provides solid grip, so less chance of slipped joints. Use grout sealant to enable easy cleaning of tile floors.

For softer bathroom surfaces, install tile rugs or memory foam mats. These cushion joints are for pets while bathing or using the litter box. Remove mats weekly to sanitize the floor below.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) replicates the look of real wood or stone. An excellent value option, waterproof LVP is durable against scratching, staining, and surface wetness. Install vinyl planks on a single level – they don’t work as well for multi-level homes. While scratch-resistant, pets' nails may damage the surface over time.

Place a large door mat at entryways to absorb wet or muddy paws. Use furniture leg pads under heavy furniture to prevent indentation. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully during do-it-yourself installation.

Cork Floor Tiles

Made from the bark of cork oak trees, sustainable cork repels moisture, mold, mildew and pests naturally. Soft and slightly spongy, cork provides a warm, shock-absorbing surface underfoot for playful pets. Antimicrobial properties prevent bacterial growth between cleanings. Look for solid cork tiles rather than thin veneers mounted on backup materials.

Easily replace individual tiles if excessive damage occurs. Use mild detergent and water for routine cleaning. Reseal with polyurethane annually or biannually.

Concrete Flooring

Sturdy, utilitarian concrete stands up to the rowdiest pets in active households. Concrete resists scratching, staining, and damage while providing superior durability. The non-porous surface deters accidents through lack of odor absorption. Concrete floors are easier to sanitize than carpet or wood.

For improved traction, add a concrete sealer with textured grip particles mixed in. Use large area rugs over cold concrete floors. Be aware concrete can crack under settlement, moisture issues, or improper installation. Replacement of damaged sections is challenging.

Polyurethane Floor Coatings

Turn existing wood or concrete subfloors into durable, water-resistant pet spaces. Polyurethane creates a thick, glossy coat able to withstand heavy activity from large dogs. Unlike flooring with seams, the seamless surface leaves nowhere for accidents or dirt to hide. Choose a formula labeled “100% solids” for maximum toughness.

Polyurethane coatings require professional installation. The unpleasant fumes require households to vacate for several days. While scratches don’t penetrate through to the floor below, scratched areas must be re-coated.

Finding the best flooring for households with pets requires balancing durability, easy maintenance, comfort, and style. Prioritize waterproof, stain-resistant materials able to stand up to repeated use. With proper care, homes with dogs and cats can maintain beautiful floors. Protect investments through strategic area rug placement, pet nail trimming, and prompt accident clean-up.

You can also consider getting carpet flooring for your house. Use £600 instant carpet credit from Pay As You Go Carpets for an instant floor transformation! Pay off the credit over time by putting aside £10 per week