Hardwood
Although hardwood flooring is a go-to flooring choice for its clean, classic look, it is not always the best option for pet owners as hardwoods are more prone to stains and water damage. If you already have hardwood floors or your heart is set on a beautiful style, the best pet-friendly hardwood materials include: oak, cherry, maple, hickory, walnut, mahogany, sycamore, and bamboo. Softwoods, such as pine, chestnut, larch, hemlock, and fir are more prone to dents and scratches and are not ideal for homes with larger breed dogs.
The harder the wood, the more likely it is to resist scratches from a dog’s nails.
Vinyl flooring is the ideal choice for most pet owners. Compared to other flooring materials, it is an extremely affordable option and can be installed almost anywhere in the home. Vinyl also provides great traction for your pet. Available in a wide variety of designs, such as natural-looking luxury vinyl, it is a durable option that does not compromise on style.
One additional consideration when purchasing hardwood flooring as a pet owner is to find an option that is coated with urethane; making your floor more scratch- and stain-resistant.
Vinyl Flooring
Pros
Scratch- and stain-resistant
Easy-to-clean
Promotes low levels of allergens
Quiet underfoot
Keep Pet-Friendly Floors Looking New
These quick tips can help prevent or minimize damage to your brand new floors:
- Clip your dog’s nails regularly; their nails and claws can scratch the surface of your flooring.
- Wipe up urine or other accidents as quickly as possible.
- Food and water bowls create a lot of unexpected damage to your floors. Place a mat underneath any pet food bowls to catch excess water.
- Use doormats at all entrances to catch excess dirt and debris.
- Designate an area rug or oversized pet bed as the “play area” where your pet can play with toys.
- If you choose hardwood flooring, consider conditioning your floors once per year, buff once every couple of years, and have the top layer of your highest traffic areas sanded, stained, and refinished every 10 years.
And remember, it is really fun for your dog to visit a dog park, and work out that energy!
Take your pup down to Danbury’s one and only off-leash Dog Park! With two fenced in areas, your pet can run free amongst dogs their size. Just don’t forget to clean up after them!
Address: 76 Miry Brook Road, Danbury CT.
Speaking of outdoors, here is another topic you might be interested in: Landscape Design for Beginners.
And if you need an interior designer for the inside of your Danbury home, please give me a call to discuss your project.
