Top picks
Best flooring for pets
I know how much we love our pets, which is why it's important to find the perfect flooring that's suitable for all the family. Stay tuned as I delve deeper into which floors will pass the test.
16th August 2023
Pets are our loyal companions and deserve to enjoy our homes as much as we do, so choosing the right flooring is important.
After all, our pets’ paws can be quite sensitive and they are on them a lot of the time!
In this article, we will share everything you need to consider when thinking about the best flooring option for your home and your furry friend.
Things to consider when looking for flooring when you have pets:
There are many considerations to take into account when pondering pet-friendly flooring options.
I've rounded up a few of the key things to think about:
Easy to clean options
Muddy paws, mucky accidents and dreaded ‘wet-dog’ moments are just a few reasons you may want to opt for some easy-to-clean flooring.
Hard wearing and durable
Big dogs bounding around are likely to cause some damage at some point, so having something durable, with a long wear guarantee could be a sensible choice.
Scratch-resistant
It's no secret that cats love a good scratch and dogs can be rather reluctant to have their claws cut.
I’d suggest considering flooring with a scratch-resistant coating if scratch marks and scuffs are likely.
Slippery surfaces
Slippery surfaces are something to keep in mind, especially if you're considering tile or stone options. These types of flooring can pose a slip risk, particularly for our furry friends with paws and claws. Additionally, they tend to be quite chilly so this is something else to bear in mind.
Shedding-friendly flooring
In the realm of shedding-friendly flooring, where there are pets, there's inevitably some fur left behind. Opting for flooring that's easy to sweep or vacuum is a practical idea.
Best flooring for pets
Now that I've run through some key considerations, it’s time to look at some of the best flooring for dogs and cats. To help you make your decision, I’ve put together a helpful list of pros and cons for each flooring type:
Lamanite
A popular choice for any home, laminate flooring often comes with a scratch-free coating and a stain and wear guarantee. It also comes in a huge range of attractive finishes so will blend in effortlessly to many décors.
Unfortunately, laminate can be easily damaged if it is exposed to water too frequently, so may not be the best option if your pet is prone to accidents or if you are planning to lay the laminate where their water bowl is likely to be.
Laminate flooring can also be slippery so a textured finish may be good idea.
Vinyl
Hugely practical, vinyl flooring is easy to clean, water-resistant and highly durable but can be prone to dents if large or very sharp objects are placed onto it.
Vinyl flooring is also very affordable and available in a vast range of effective finishes such as wood and tiles, making it incredibly versatile
Tile and stone flooring
A very attractive type of flooring, tile and stone flooring are generally scratch and water-resistant however, as mentioned above, tile and stone can be quite slippery and cold, and therefore uncomfortable on little paws (not to mention feet!) so it may be worth investing in some underfloor heating
Top tips for choosing a carpet when you have pets
Choosing a carpet can be a bit of a minefield anyway without the added consideration of pets. There are so many different types of carpet out there to choose from. But, which ones are best when you have furry friends running around?
First of all, it may be a good idea to avoid high pile or loop carpets as they are perfect for getting little claws stuck into and it won’t be long until it starts to look a little bedraggled, plus you’ll have to keep untangling paws!
The best carpet for cats and dogs are cut pile carpets, like Saxony or Twist, as they are sheared, meaning they don’t have exposed loops.
Polypropylene carpets are great for high-traffic areas as they are easy to maintain against dirt, spills and fur.
Whichever pet friendly carpet you choose, ensure you vacuum regularly to pick up hairs, dirt and dust.
I recommend vacuuming at least twice a week but you may find you need to increase this, depending on the amount your pet sheds their fur.
Our most pet-friendly carpets
Here are a few of my top picks for pet-friendly carpets. Don't forget to order a free sample of your favourites to help you make the right choice.
Apollo Twist carpet
Made from 100% polyester, the Apollo Twist carpet is a highly durable, easy-clean option.
Part of our softest touch range, the Apollo is incredibly comfortable underfoot and comes with an excellent 10 year stain and wear guarantee for added peace of mind.
Key features:
- Bleach-cleanable
- 10 year stain and wear guarantee
- Woven backed
- Available in 12 colours
Now only £ 19 .99 sqm
- Soft & luxurious
- Warm underfoot
- Ultimate luxury
- 10 years stain guarantee
- Guarantee Wear: 10 years
- Available widths: 4m and 5m
Ajax Twist carpet
Made from 100% polypropylene, the Ajax Twist carpet offers excellent value with a 5 year stain and wear guarantee.
An ideal general use carpet, the Ajax is action backed and easy to clean.
Key features:
- 5 year stain and wear guarantee
- Hard-wearing
- Action backed
- Available in 14 colours
Living New Nobility Soft Touch carpet
A star buy, the New Nobility Soft Touch carpet offers excellent durability with a 10 year wear guarantee and 15 year stain guarantee. Beautifully soft and made from 100% polypropylene, this saxony carpet boasts both comfort and longevity.
Key features:
- 10 year wear guarantee
- 15 year stain guarantee
- Action backed
- Available in 13 colour options
Liberty Saxony carpet
Naturally tough yet indulgently cosy, the Liberty Saxony carpet is stain resistant and offers an exceptional 10 year stain and wear guarantee.
Bleach cleanable and action-backed, the Liberty is a brilliant pet-friendly option for most areas of the home.
Key features:
- 10 year stain and wear guarantee
- Bleach cleanable
- Action backed
- Available in 10 colour options
Only £ 17 .99 sqm
- Soft & luxurious
- Warm underfoot
- Ultimate luxury
Easicare Twist carpet
The Easicare Twist carpet offers a soft yet durable option, with a fantastic 7 year stain and wear guarantee. Made from 100 % polypropylene, the Easicare Twist carpet is bleach cleanable, making it easy to look after.
Features:
- Bleach cleanable
- 7 year wear and tear guarantee
- Woven backed
- Available in 24 colours
Only £ 24 .99 sqm
If you’re looking for pet friendly rugs, synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester. and polypropylene are perfect as they are durable and easy to clean, protecting from spills, stains and shedding.
There are also many options of machine washable rugs around, so you can get those messes up easily and quickly.
Did you know you can book an appointment at any of our stores to discuss your needs with our store colleagues?
Book an appointment to find the best flooring option for you and your home.
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