The life span of finishes varies considerably. Generally, the longer lasting and more durable options are more difficult to refinish. Some polyurethane finishes need to be touched up every few years, while the aluminum oxide finish lasts over 25 years! Whatever kind of floors you land on selecting, a little bit of intentional cleaning and the occasional refinishing job will go a long way in keeping your floors looking like new.
You may feel overwhelmed by the vast choices on the market. You are not alone! This is one of the most common questions we get in the showroom, so we can help! This domestic hardwood is a common choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting, cost-effective option. This wood species is widely available and cheaper than many other options.
Red Oak has a stronger graining than many other oak species, making it an ideal choice for hiding pet scratches. Its lighter color contributes to its ability to hide damage. Additionally, the lightness of the wood matches the light color of wood finishes, meaning that scratches in the finish will be less obvious. When it comes to durable and affordable hardwoods, Red Oak is a solid option. Photo From Hardwood Floor Depot. If you are looking for an exotic hardwood at a reasonable price, Acacia is a great option.
It has strong, beautiful graining and is extremely hard, ranking above both oak and maple on the Janka scale. However, the thing that really makes Acacia stand out as a hardwood choice is its unique grain patterns.
The patterning of the wood is rich and variable which gives you the freedom to select from an array of grain colors. Choose what you like! In addition to the aesthetic freedom provided by Acacia, it also has a natural wax coating, making it more resistant to moisture and easy to maintain. Giving your home a unique and beautiful atmosphere is easy with this exotic flooring.
Picture From Shaw Floors. If rough graining is not your preference, then Maple is a great choice. Its smooth grain and light coloring make it a great choice for homes with a minimalist design. This domestic hardwood is quite durable. Gym floors and bowling alleys are often made of it, so it can withstand your pets. In order to better show off the smoothness, many homeowners choose to purchase this species in wider board sizes. This creates a hardwood look that is both unique and refreshingly light.
If you love hardwood but want a lighter tone that will hold up against pet damage, Maple is the way to go. Brazilian Walnut is one of the hardest woods in the world, meaning that scrambling doggy paws will have a hard time scratching it.
In addition, it has natural moisture resistance. Even if your floors eventually show some wear and tear, you can refinish this hardwood many times without ruining its natural look and feel.
While it is a more expensive option, it is worth the investment since it will serve you and your family for years to come. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. By realtor. Nov 20, 3 Minutes. In Partnership with. Find Your Perfect Home. Founded in , the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports.
Additionally, the durable surface of laminate resists scratches and scuffs. Consider choosing a laminate with a textured surface to provide more traction for Fido. Nowadays, many manufacturers produce luxury vinyl planks that look remarkably similar to laminate or hardwood.
The affordable option offers easy cleanup, high comfort for four-legged friends, resistance to scratches and stains, and minimal noise when walking across the surface. The single downside of luxury vinyl planks is that they may dull easily. Always make sure to choose flooring with a thick top layer and an aluminum oxide coating to ensure longevity and durability.
Although hardwood floors are beautiful and classic, not all types hold up well in households with pets. Moisture can warp and destroy wood floors, making it critical to clean up pet-related messes immediately after they occur. Even so, some stains may absorb into the floor, necessitating costly refinishing or replacement. If necessary, rearrange furniture and close doors so they can no longer access it.
If your cat goes in different places outside the litter box each time, it could be a urinary tract infection or another medical issue. You may need to take the cat to the vet. Just remember, if you have pets, you will probably have accidents on your floor. Try to be patient with your pets and figure out the root cause of the accidents. If you know your pet is prone to accidents or loves bringing mud and water into the home, you may decide that you need waterproof flooring. Luxury vinyl plank LVP flooring can be an excellent option for pet-friendly households.
But you do need to be careful about which LVP you choose. While LVP is promoted as an affordable flooring option, you will want to be looking at the higher-end LVP flooring options if you have pets at home. First, while most LVP is water-resistant, you do need to pay more for waterproof. This is worth it. Most LVP floors will be fine if you clean up any spills within 30 minutes. But the fact is, if your dog has an accident, it is usually when you are out, so it could be sitting there for much longer.
You will also want to go for an option with a thick wear layer. This is the top layer that determines how durable, stain- and scratch-resistant a floor is. If you have pets at home, you are probably looking for a wear layer of 20 mil or more.
Generally speaking, solid hardwood floors are not recommended as pet-friendly. But engineered hardwood works better than other types. If the spill is big enough, the floor can even become warped. But if you do have your heart set on hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood can be a possible option.
Rather than being a single plank of wood, engineered hardwood layers thinner planks of wood. This makes it better at dealing with moisture, as it warps and flexes less easily with moisture.
If you are concerned about pet urine, then it is worth considering waterproof flooring. The best options for this are tile and stone flooring or waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring. These floors should not be permanently damaged or stained by pet urine, and they should also not retain nasty odors.
Hands down, vinyl is better for dogs than laminate when you are looking for the best type of flooring for dogs.
Laminate might seem like a good option on paper since it seems like it would be easy to clean, but in fact, it can warp quite badly when it gets wet. Some new water-resistant options are slowly becoming available on the market. This can lead to accidents. Plus, they are more likely to dig their nails into the floor in order to steady themselves. Vinyl flooring should feel secure underfoot for both you and your dog. Most vinyl flooring options are water-resistant, and if you are willing to pay a bit more, you can also get waterproof options.
It is by far a superior choice for dog owners. Ceramic and porcelain tile are excellent flooring choices for households with dogs.
They are scratch-resistant, extremely durable, and easy to maintain. Vinyl and laminate are two options to check out. With vinyl you can also try installing the flooring yourself, and both options are available in many colors, designs, and varieties. This is a much more affordable flooring that comes in a wide range of colors and designs.
Finally, the greenest alternatives are bamboo and cork. The best options that will require minimal upkeep and will look almost the same even after years of use are stone tile, ceramic tile, and concrete. Another more affordable alternative is luxury vinyl. Yes, vinyl plank flooring is an excellent alternative for homes with pets. While there is no such thing as a pet-proof flooring, there are certainly options that hold up better in pet-friendly households.
Which one is right for you depends on your taste. As you want your home to be pet-friendly, it is still your home. You want it to reflect your style and preferences, and fit your budget. If you want the easiest, most durable pet-friendly flooring, ceramic or stone tile might be your best bet.
Just remember it is hard and cold, so provide a soft rug or pillow for your pet to cuddle up on.
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