Best flooring for pets

If you have pets in your home, especially ones with sharp claws, you might be worried about damage to your floors. You’ll need durable, long-lasting flooring to resist against heavy foot traffic and claw marks. Our guide to pet proof flooring will list some of the best flooring for pets, helping you decide which material is best for you. Read on to find out how you can keep your floors looking great with a furry friend at home.

What types of pet proof flooring are available?

There are a number of flooring types out there, but some are less resistant to the wear-and-tear of pet ownership than others. The ideal flooring should be resistant, easy to clean in case of accidents, and easy to replace if needed.

Our guide will focus on three types of flooring: luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), laminate, and carpet. By the end, you should be able to decide on the right flooring for you to keep your floors scratch-free around the house.

What is LVT flooring?

There are many things to take into account when you choose the right flooring for your home, but picking a durable material is one of the most important factors you’ll need to consider.

LVT is made from layers of resistant vinyl plastic, with a protective wear layer guarding it from the damage of everyday use. It’s able to withstand foot traffic, moving furniture, and any other activities that would usually leave signs of damage on your flooring. This is why it’s a popular choice for families with children or pets, as your tiles will be able to take all the rough-and-tumble of a hectic home life.

Why is LVT flooring good for pets?

Luxury Vinyl Tiles are a versatile flooring option with plenty of benefits, but in particular, they’re some of the best flooring options for dogs, cats, and smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. Whether you’re protecting your hall after coming in from a dog walk, or looking for the best flooring for a living room filled with pets, here are some ways LVT can help you:

Scratch resistance

Anyone who’s been accidentally been scratched by their pet knows that animal claws are no joke. They can cause damage at the most unexpected of times, and your flooring is at huge risk of being damaged by scratches. This can sometimes lead to costly repairs.

LVT’s multi-layered design protects it from scuff marks, making vinyl flooring perfect for dogs to play, cats to roam, and rabbits to hop all around your house. It’s resistant to shoes and paws alike, meaning your floors can look great for even longer, with less frequent replacements saving you money in the long run.

Easy cleaning and maintenance

Has your cat smashed a plant pot again? Or maybe your dog has spilt their water all over the floor? No worries, as LVT is easy to maintain and clean. Simply wipe up spills and messes with a damp cloth or mop, and use mild cleansers on harsher stains without having to worry about leaving a mark. Vacuuming pet hair and dirt from your LVT regularly will keep your floors looking flawless, and will make your house a more hygienic place for both you and your pets.

Which types of LVT are best for my home?

There are two ways to install your vinyl tiles: glue down LVT uses adhesive to keep it in place, while click LVT features interlocking tiles that click into place. How can you choose the best method for you and your pets?

Glue down vs. click LVT: which is better for pets?

Both glue down and click LVT are suitable for pets, but your method of installation can affect the durability of your tiles, as well as how easy they are to maintain. Click LVT is an easier option for anyone who’ll be changing or replacing their tiles often, while glue down is a more permanent solution to your flooring. Consider which method would be easiest for your habits at home, and choose between them accordingly.

Choosing a wear layer for pet-friendly LVT

Wear layers are the crucial part of vinyl tiles that protect your other materials from liquid damage, scratches, and more. Thicker wear layers offer stronger protection than thinner ones, so we recommend choosing LVT with a top layer that’s at least 20 mils (0.5mm) thick to pet-proof your flooring.

Considering your pets behaviour and needs

Our pets have just as much individual personality as we do, so make sure you choose flooring that suits their habits. For example, if your pet is very active and loves running around, a thicker wear layer might be needed for protection. If your pet is accident-prone, consider choosing LVT with better moisture resistance to guard against those spills.

Choosing the right look

Not only is LVT practical, it’s easy to work it into your interior design no matter how you style your home. With plenty of patterns available, take the time to research different looks and find the right tiles to suit your home’s décor, so you and your pet can live in a great looking home without sacrificing your floor’s safety.

Is laminate flooring good for pets?

If LVT isn’t your style, laminate flooring has similar benefits when pet proofing your home. Laminate is durable, easy to maintain, and scratch resistant – especially if using flooring with a top layer to protect against marks. It’s also a cost-effective option, being much cheaper to buy and easier to install than many other types of pet proof flooring. These floors are also available in a range of patterns to mimic other materials, letting you choose a design that fits your home’s décor best.

While laminate is a great all-rounder option for pet-proofing, pets with mobility issues (e.g. elderly or disabled animals, etc.) may struggle with its slippery surfaces. Laminate also offers less noise-dampening than other options, making more sound if your pet has longer claws.

Are carpets good for pets?

Pets love a comfy carpet, and soft flooring has a number of other advantages versus hard floors. For example, carpets are great and cushioning sound, making for less noise when your pets are running around the house. They also make for good traction, so your pets are less likely to trip.

However, these floors can often be more prone to damage than hard flooring if the right precautions aren’t taken. When choosing a carpet, make sure to pick one that reflects the needs of your pets. Twist and saxony carpets are best for pets with claws, as these are less likely to catch on their paws or be damaged by scratching. You should also aim for carpets that won’t show as much dirt or pet hair, such as a polypropylene carpet, or choosing a colour that won’t show their shed fur as much.

Be sure to keep your carpets clean and mop up any spills as fast as possible to keep them in good condition for years to come.

Tips for maintaining your flooring with pets

To make the most of your new flooring, make sure you follow a sensible maintenance routine to keep your floors looking great and lasting as long as possible:

Regular cleaning tips for pet owners

Keeping your floors clean helps them look their best, and gets rid of nasty germs in your home. Here are some tips to keeping your space clean:

• Sweep and vacuum your flooring often to remove pet hair and dirt
• Avoid abrasive brushes or stiff brooms when using LVT, as these can damage the wear layer
• Clean spills up with a damp cloth or mop as soon as possible on hard floors, or use a clean cloth on carpets
• For tougher spills, use a mild commercial cleanser suitable for use with your chosen flooring

Preventing and repairing damage caused by pets

While certain flooring can withstand plenty of damage from pets, it’s important to treat any damage as soon as you can, and take steps to prevent it in the first place. Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to minimise scratches, or place mats and runners in areas that get even more use. If deep scratches appear, or if your floor is seriously damaged by your pet in any way, call a professional to discuss repair options so that you can enjoy your quality pet-proof floors for longer.

To conclude, LVT, laminate, and carpet are all great choice for pet-proofing your floors. Look out for resistant properties, materials that are easy to clean, and textured surfaces for extra grip. For an affordable LVT, consider using Royal Click Pro in your home. If you prefer laminate options, browse our range of Quick-Step Impressive Ultra Laminate Flooring for a water-resistant finish. Finally, for soft floors, why not browse our saxony carpets to resist damage from your pets’ paws? You’re sure to find the perfect flooring for your home in our range!