From the Floors Up

The Best Floors for Pet Owners

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There are many variables to consider when shopping the market for your next flooring. Since flooring can be a significant investment that can last for many years to come, it is crucial to pick one that you love. However, pet owners are troubled with another variable. Not only does your floor need to withstand you and your family’s standards of living but also your four-legged family members as well. It would be a shame to invest in a floor that is not suitable for everyone. Well, have no fear, because we explored several of the most common flooring options to discover which is the most pet-friendly option to consider adding to your home. Let’s take a look!

Carpet

No surprise, carpet is not the most ideal flooring option for pets. While it is soft and can be great for you to spend time on the ground with your pets, it is not best for longevity. Carpet has made many advancements in preventing stains; however, if accidents penetrate down to the padding, it can leave a foul odor in your home. Carpet can also easily collect dust, fur, and dirt from your animals. And if your animals go outside or spend time with other animals, it can also store fleas.

Hardwood

Hardwood is a durable option depending on what kind you buy. From floating engineer to solid hardwood, different hardwoods all have their own sets of pros and cons. However, hardwood can scratch. While it can be sanded and refinished, it is essential to know that hardwood is not the most durable option. You can also have permanent damage to your floor if water or pet accidents occur. Hardwood can easily be ruined when exposed to liquids. If your dog love to run around your home as well, hardwood may not be best for traction under their paws.

Luxury Vinyl

Most vinyl plank floorings are marketed as pet-proof. They are 100% waterproof and extremely scratch-resistant. These durable floors can stand many of the obstacles pets throw at them. They are also extremely easy to clean if accidents do occur.

Tile

Tile is another great option. Tile is waterproof and durable. It can be easy to clean while being scratch-resistant. Your main concern is dirt collecting in the grout lines over time. You may also want to note that these floors can become slippery when wet and may give your pet a hard time to find traction.

It comes down to personal preference. While no floor is perfect in every situation, vinyl plank flooring reigns supreme as an excellent option for pet owners. You will need to make sure that this option is also functional with your lifestyle. You may want to consider another great option like tile as well. All in all, the choice is yours. Make sure to weigh out the pros and cons of every flooring option and find which is best for your home.

Different Flooring Types for Pets | Pros and Cons

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Pets are members of our family, and we treat them as such. We need to pick our flooring accordingly so that any damage to a new floor is not the pet’s fault. One of the best questions to ask yourself is if you had it to do over again, what would you do differently regarding pets and your current flooring? We have listed the following pros and cons of pet flooring choices that you should find very helpful when in the market for new flooring.

Carpet

Pro

Carpet is a favorite option for homeowners since it creates a soft and warm floor for pets to stretch out.

Con

Carpet requires high maintenance, especially if your pet has accidents, like training a new puppy. You must have it professionally cleaned or invest in a carpet shampooer.

Hardwood

Pro

Hardwood floors are durable, but not immune to pet accidents and scratches due to large, active dogs running through the house. However, if you find the accident quickly, it can be cleaned, and no damage will occur. Also, hardwood floors last for years and years and can be refinished over time, resulting in the look of a brand new floor.

Con

The cons are accidents and scratches from the dog’s nails while running through the house.

Laminate Flooring

Pro

Laminate flooring is often a choice by homeowners due to its cost compared to hardwood floors. There is a protective covering on the top layer of laminate flooring that will help protect against scratches.

Con

Laminate floors will show scratches, especially if you have a smooth glossy finish. If your pet has an accident and you are not home to clean it up quickly, the moisture will damage the flooring, especially if left for several hours.

Tile Flooring

Pro

Tile flooring is often a favorite of homeowners with pets. It is resilient to accidents, and no matter how active your dogs might be, their nails will not damage the flooring. You can put down an area rug so that pets have a softer surface to sleep.

Con

The main con for tile floors and pets is that tile is cold and hard. Often times, in the winter months, tile floors are extremely cold unless you have an area rug or heated floors.

Natural Stone

Pro

Stone flooring’s pros and cons are very similar to tile flooring. Stone flooring is known for its undeniable beauty and durability. It is resilient to bathroom accidents, and no matter how active your dogs might be, their nails will not damage the flooring. You can put down an area rug so that pets have a softer surface to sleep.

Con

The main con for stone flooring is it is not warm and soft for pets. Again, during cold winter months, stone floors are very cold unless you have heated floors or an area rug.

Luxury Vinyl

Pro

In many cases, luxury vinyl is the best option for homeowners with pets. Pay careful attention to LVF because many brands are 100% moisture-proof and are competitively priced compared to hardwoods, laminate, tile, and stone flooring.

Also, many brands have a thick cork backing that is great for standing on for long periods of time. Also, if you buy a hand-scraped plank or tile/stone flooring with a less smooth finish, you will not see any dents or scratches from your pet’s nails.

Con

As far as the cons go for LVT, the least likable fact is that due to its elastic contents, the manufacturing process is not as environmentally friendly as other options.

We hope that you found this list helpful, and be sure to check back weekly for more flooring advice.

How To Prepare For Guests and Be the Ultimate Hostess Part 2

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Part 2 – Kitchen, Guest Bathroom, Pets

Moving right along let’s continue with more guidelines as to how to be the best possible hostess when guests come to stay in your home. The goal is ensure that they feel appreciated, relaxed, and a little bit at home.

Kitchen

  • Set out everything your guest might need for morning coffee or tea. You’ll get extra points if you arrange it prettily. Fold a napkin, place a spoon on it, and set an empty mug next to it. In the morning set out the cream, sugar, and tea bags.
  • Ensure that your guest is comfortable and well taken care of by also preparing your refrigerator ahead of time. Before their arrival ask what they like to eat. Not just for a formal meal. Ask what they like to snack on. It will be much easier to keep them satisfied and save yourself excessive food prep time if tasty, easy-access food is in the house. Such as fruit, nuts, sandwich ingredients, etc. Plus, nothing says guest of honor like a spread of food that was clearly purchased with your guest in mind. 

Guest Bathroom

  • Prepare the guest bathroom by overstocking it with clean towels. Even if your guest only uses a few of the towels, there is something about extra towels that make a bathroom feel luxurious. Make sure to stock all the necessities of bathing. Even if your guest brings their own, they won’t have to ask for anything they forgot and they’ll realize how thoughtful you are. Things to include are shower gel/soap, razors, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, extra toothbrush, q-tips, cotton balls, and lotion.

Pets

  • If you are allowing pets into your home everyone will have a much better experience if you plan ahead. First, remove or block off anything in the home that absolutely cannot support the presence of an animal. Next, create a space on the floor for the animal’s food and water. By deciding ahead you can avoid the inconvenience of randomly placed pet dishes under foot. Give your guest an extra house key if they will need to leave for a short while to walk the dog when you’re not home. Provide doggy waste bags to ensure your guest doesn’t upset your neighbors. Last, ask you guest to bring along a pet carrier or crate if you aren’t comfortable with the animal running loose in your home when everyone is out for the day or night.

Question 3 In the Series Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring

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Today we are answering the third question in the 1o part series: Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring.

Question: Is laminate a good choice for homes with kids and pets?

Answer: Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for homes with children and pets. Laminate is a manufactured product that simulates the look of hardwood, ceramic tile, natural stone and many other types of flooring. In the past, laminate floors have been easy to spot, but today’s technology allows manufacturers to create realistic visuals and textures for an elegant and quality floor.

Laminate characteristics:

  • Extremely durable
  • Moisture resistant
  • Scratch resistant
  • Easy to maintain
  • Many color ranges to choose from (more grain and movement hide dirt!)
  • Less likely to fade in sunlight
  • Great impact and indentation resistance
  • Easy to replace if damaged or desired

Considerations:

  • Some styles can be slippery for children in sock feet – use area rugs here
  • Pet urine needs to be removed as quickly as possible
  • Walk off mats should be used at every entrance to minimize dirt that can scratch the floor
  • Using area rugs will reduce the noise of children playing

Do you have a home with children or pets where you have used laminate flooring? What have your experiences been?

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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