Pet-Friendly Flooring Options for Your Vaughan Home

As a pet owner, before you can hire Vaughan flooring contractors to install a new floor, you need to choose an option that matches your lifestyle and that of your animal companions. You need a floor that is comfortable for your dog or cat to walk, sit, and lie on. Pets run around a lot, so the floor should provide traction so your dog or cat doesn’t fall. You should choose durable flooring that is resistant to stains, spills, and scratches. Finding a floor that meets all these criteria that also looks nice and matches your personal style can be a challenge, but there are several options that should work for both you and your pet.

Engineered Hardwood

While hardwood is always a popular flooring option, solid hardwood floors are not a good choice for homes with pets. They are susceptible to scratches and can stain or warp when exposed to moisture. However, if you love the look of hardwood, engineered hardwood is a more pet-friendly compromise. Engineered hardwood is made of a thin layer of genuine hardwood on top of several layers of more durable materials that aren’t as prone to warping. It is a little easier to maintain than solid hardwood.

Protective finishes can help engineered hardwood floors to better withstand scratches and moisture as well, though you should still clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent damage. When choosing finishes, keep in mind that a high gloss finish can confuse and frighten dogs, especially if they have not lived in a house before or have only lived in houses with carpeting. The shiny, reflective surface can resemble water to a dog, which may not be sure whether the floor will bear its weight. Regardless of the flooring material you eventually choose, pick one with a less-shiny matte finish, if possible.

Tile

Materials for tile flooring fall into one of three categories: Natural stone (e.g., granite or marble), porcelain, and ceramic. Natural stone is the most expensive option, while ceramic is the most affordable. Regardless of what materials you use, tile floors are easy to maintain and durable, resistant to both scratches and moisture. Installing a floor with the help of tile flooring services in Vaughan represents a moderate investment but is likely to pay off in the long run as tile floors can last for decades. A downside of tile floors is that they can be cold and hard, which pets may find uncomfortable. On the other hand, the grout between the tiles provides traction.

Vinyl

Even luxury vinyl is more affordable than either tile or engineered hardwood, so this may be the best option if you are on a budget as vinyl tiles or planks come in designs that can mimic other flooring materials. Vinyl is more scratch resistant than natural materials, e.g., stone or wood, and is waterproof, so it won’t stain or warp. Vinyl requires very little maintenance and is easy to keep clean. Pets may find it more comfortable because it is somewhat softer underfoot than tile or engineered hardwood and tends not to get as cold. Choosing vinyl flooring with a slight texture can help provide traction under your pet’s feet.

Vinyl does have its downsides. Because it is plastic-based, it can give off volatile organic compounds, which you and your pet may continue inhaling long after you can perceive the smell. Your pet, having a more sensitive nose, may perceive the smell longer. Vinyl flooring is also not the most environmentally friendly option, although flooring made of recycled plastic is at least somewhat better in this regard.

Whatever material you eventually choose, Handyman Connection can remove the old floor as well as install the new one. Consult us about flooring options appropriate for your pets.