Newgen floors

The Best Flooring Options If You Have Pets

Pets are important members of your family, too. However, unlike human counterparts, pets can have a unique effect on your home’s floors. From scratching and clawing to bathroom accidents, if your floors aren’t equipped to deal with it, you can find yourself with lots of headaches and unforeseen expenses. So if you’re looking to renovate or you’re in the process of building your dream home, when it comes to your floors, consider these pet-friendly options: 

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) have been gaining a lot of traction in the flooring industry for their durability and affordability. This flooring has the benefit of being waterproof and scratch-resistant while giving you that elegant hardwood look. 

Laminate

You can think of laminate as a cross between wood and vinyl. Much like LVP/LVT, laminate is durable, scratch-resistant and affordable. It also has an appearance that closely mimics wood. However, it is not waterproof and spills that are left sitting on this floor type could get absorbed into the subfloor and eventually lead to warping or buckling. They might also provide less insulation than other flooring types, making them a less-than-ideal option for cold climates.

Tile

Tile can be considered one of those “timeless” flooring options, right up there with hardwood. It is one of the most versatile products on the market, with hundreds of different styles and materials to choose from. Tile is much more resistant to moisture, making it an ideal choice for areas where spills and moist environments are most likely to be present, i.e., bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms. Whether you choose porcelain, ceramic or natural stone tiles, you’re likely to get a product that can stand up to pets and normal wear and tear.   

Engineered Hardwood

Consider engineered hardwood as a step up from its traditional counterpart. This flooring uses a thin layer of natural wood at the top, as well as a “wear layer” on top of a layered wood or poly-composite core. It’s available in a variety of styles, finishes and patterns to match any decor. 

Bamboo

If you want something that mimics the look and feel of hardwood and also offers a timeless elegance, bamboo is a great choice. Bamboo is durable, easy to maintain and water-resistant. It can also come as either an engineered or solid product, and can be stained and finished in a number of ways. 

Pets are important members of your family, and you want them to be able to enjoy the home just as much as you do. While there’s no 100% foolproof option out there, these are some of the best choices you can make for flooring that will allow your pets to be their authentic selves without the scratches, stains and expensive damage to show for it. If you’d like to ask some questions and explore your flooring options before making a decision, be sure to reach out to the experts at NewGen Floors & More to see how we can help with selection and installation.