The Best Durable Wood Flooring Options for Families with Pets

It’s estimated that 61% of households have pets. It’s not surprising. Pets generally give companionship to those living alone and add balance to family households. They become intrinsic members of the family. It’s likely that domesticated animals have lived with humans for thousands of years. Unsurprisingly, the first pets were dogs as they were helpful for hunting and guarding.

Today we live in modern homes and spend thousands of dollars acquiring the perfect finish. Part of that means thinking about the perfect flooring for your home with pets.

Hardwood Flooring

This is the number one choice and for good reason. Hardwood flooring comes in a wide variety of styles and colours, including this stunning herringbone flooring. It is also sustainable, most modern hardwood flooring comes from recycled wood or sustainable forests.

The best thing about hardwood floor is that it’s warm underfoot. The floor is generally resistant to scratching from pets claws and still provides them with enough grip to get around.

At the same time, it is easy to clean, and, if it becomes damaged the floor can be sanded to remove blemishes and refinished, making it look like new and last for years.

It should be noted that while hardwood flooring is a good option, softwood is not. That’s floors made from pine, chestnut, and similar softwoods. These are much easier to scratch and won’t withstand children and pets.

Tiling

Tiles are another viable option. They are hard and completely resistant to being scratched by pets. This means they should last for years, although not s long as hardwood as they will become brittle eventually.

Tiles are cold underfoot and they don’t provide much grip for people or pets. That’s worth noting as your dog or cat may slide into furniture more often.

However, they are very easy to clean.

Cork Flooring

If you have pets then you should consider cork flooring. It’s surprisingly durable and is warm underfoot, making it feel nice under your feet.

However, the softness of the cork does mean it’s possible for pets to scratch it. You’ll also find furniture will leave dents in cork. It’s a good choice as it’s cheaper than hardwood, fairly durable, and easy to lay.

Carpet

In some respects, carpet is a great choice. Pets love to lie on it, humans love to walk on carpet, and it helps to insulate the house. In most aspects, it’s easy to clean carpet, either by brushing, vacuuming, or washing.

However, carpet does present a perfect hiding spot for any fleas and other pests that your pets bring in. They can quickly multiply and cause you a headache. It will be necessary to treat your pets and the carpet to eliminate all of them.

Carpet is also not the best option near a front door as it will quickly show up the dirt of people coming and going.

Remember, your choice of flooring is personal, you may choose different types for different parts of your home.