Are you currently facing the decision of which flooring option best suits households like yours, where pets are cherished members of the family?
Undertaking a home remodeling project while sharing your space with furry companions can be quite the journey. We understand the importance of preserving your home's quality and your pet's happiness.
Making the right flooring choice to avoid the frustration of dealing with scratches, stains, and constant upkeep is a significant decision. At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, our goal is to show the options available to you for a beautiful remodel that not only enhances your living space but also remains resilient to the joyful antics of your four-legged friends.
In this article, you'll learn the best flooring options for homes with pets during a remodel:
- Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT/LVP)
- Carpet with Pet-Friendly Features
- Rubber Flooring
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring
- Tile Flooring
Using the Mohs Hardness Scale When Comparing Scratch Resistance
The Mohs Hardness Scale is a valuable tool in the realm of flooring, helping homeowners assess the scratch resistance of different materials.
The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with each level representing a specific mineral's hardness. The higher the number on the scale, the more resistant a material is to scratches.
When considering pet-friendly flooring options, understanding the Mohs Hardness Scale ensures your selection aligns with the durability needed to withstand your canine or feline companion.
Here is how our top flooring recommendations rate on the Mohs Hardness Scale:
1. Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT/LVP): Appealing and Durable
Luxury vinyl flooring is a fantastic choice for sharing your home with pets.
Higher-quality luxury vinyl flooring stands out for being tough and resistant to scratches, even more so than some basic hardwood options. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, LVT/LVP ranges from 2-4, with cheaper options being the least scratch-resistant.
Plus, it comes in a wide array of styles, so you can match your flooring to your desired look, whether it's the classic feel of tiles or the warmth of wood. Cleaning up after your furry companions is a breeze on this surface.
However, it's essential to note that different luxury vinyl products may have varying chemical durability. To ensure you're using the right cleaning solutions, it's a smart move to double-check with the manufacturer.
2. Carpet with Pet-Friendly Features
Nylon carpet is the best for pet owners, as it's very durable and can handle the actions of pets' paws and claws. Although it comes at a higher price point, its ability to bounce back makes it a comfortable and long-lasting option for households with pets. Remember that it tends to retain more dirt, which can be a consideration, especially during potty training.
On the Mohs Hardness Scale, carpet ranges from 2-4.
Here are a few more pet-friendly carpet materials to consider when installing flooring:
- Olefin (Polypropylene): Olefin carpets resist moisture, stains, and mildew, making them great for homes with pets. They're affordable and keep their color well.
- Triexta: Triexta, often found in newer carpet styles, is a synthetic fiber known for its durability and stain resistance. Triexta carpets can handle pet-related issues and maintain its beauty for a long time.
- Wool Blend: For homeowners looking for a more natural option, wool blend carpets can be a good choice. Wool is stain-resistant, and when blended with synthetic fibers, it can offer luxury and pet-friendly features.
- Polyester: Polyester carpets are known for their softness and vibrant colors. While they may not be as resistant to abrasions as nylon, they can still provide a comfortable and pet-friendly flooring option. They are also more budget-friendly.
3. Rubber Flooring: Multi-Purpose Gym Equipment
Rubber flooring, used in places like basements, gyms, or play areas, is well-known for its strength and ability to withstand different challenges. It is chemical and water-resistant, reduces noise, and handles impacts, making it an excellent option for areas with frequent use and potential spills.
Because rubber flooring varies in durability based on price and quality, it measures at 2-4 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
While it may not have the most varied appearance, its practical benefits make it a top choice for spaces where durability and functionality matter most.
4. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal with durability, delivering a flooring option with a genuine wood feel. As a more affordable alternative to traditional hardwood, it comes in specific colors, lengths, and styles, allowing for a customizable and natural look.
While scratch resistance can differ between options, it's crucial to note that some varieties may need extra care to prevent scratches. This choice balances cost-effectiveness and the desire for an authentic wood appearance in your home.
Engineered hardwood ranks at 4-5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it a slightly more durable option than luxury vinyl, carpet, and rubber flooring.
Here are a few popular engineered hardwood options:
Hickory
Hickory is a robust and durable option for pet-friendly engineered hardwood flooring. Known for its hardness and density, hickory naturally resists scratches and dents, making it an excellent choice for homes with active pets. Beyond its durability, hickory boasts beautiful grain patterns that add a timeless and aesthetic appeal to any space.
Maple
If you're seeking pet-friendly engineered hardwood flooring, consider the virtues of maple. This hardwood variety is characterized by a tight grain structure, providing inherent resistance to scratches. Maple's durability, coupled with its light color options, ensures a flooring solution that not only withstands the challenges of pet activity but also brightens up your living space.
Oak
Renowned for its durability and wear resistance, oak is a classic choice for pet-friendly engineered hardwood flooring. The distinct grain pattern of oak adds character to your floors while ensuring they can handle the demands of a pet-friendly household. With various shades available, oak provides versatility in design, making it a popular and enduring option.
Bamboo
For a sustainable and pet-friendly flooring option, bamboo is a top contender. Rugged and durable, bamboo flooring naturally resists scratches, making it an ideal choice for homes with pets. Beyond its durability, bamboo's unique appearance adds a touch of natural elegance to your space, contributing to style and sustainability.
Acacia
Acacia is an excellent choice for those seeking pet-friendly engineered hardwood flooring with a touch of exotic elegance. With unique and eye-catching grain patterns, acacia not only resists scratches but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your floors. The inherent durability of acacia makes it a reliable and stylish option for pet-friendly homes.
5. Tile Flooring: Porcelain Performance
Tile flooring presents a robust option for your home. When picking pet flooring, it's essential to know the difference between natural stones (like slate or granite) and manmade options (porcelain and ceramic).
Natural stones, like slate and granite, are more susceptible to breakage. This means they need to be sealed more frequently. Porcelain and ceramic choices are affordable, don't need sealing, and work well in colder climates like Michigan.
For a pet-friendly space, porcelain or ceramic tile will perform better over time than natural stones. As the most scratch-resistant option in the market, porcelain and ceramic tile rank at the top of the Mohs Hardness Scale with a range of 7-9.
Next Steps to Installing Pet-Friendly Flooring
If you're a pet owner considering a remodel, the right flooring can make all the difference. Avoid the frustration of scratches, stains, and constant cleaning by choosing a pet-friendly option.
By selecting the best flooring for your furry friends, you'll enjoy a home that's both stylish and functional.
From luxury vinyl to rubber flooring, we've shared insights to ensure your remodel meets the unique needs of pet ownership.
As a design and remodeling company with over 15 years of experience, Custom Built understands the challenges homeowners face. We're here to help you achieve a beautiful and pet-friendly home.
Ready to start your pet-friendly remodel? Contact our team of design and build professionals to explore flooring options that suit your family's needs.
Now that you know which flooring to install for your pet-friendly home, let’s explore more comparisons of popular flooring options, the first step of your project with Custom Built, and an in-depth look into luxury vinyl flooring:
- Comparing Flooring Options for Your Home Remodel: A high-level overview of our top flooring options and how each stacks up against the other.
- What is a Discovery Call with Custom Built? - This article details what your first call with Custom Built looks like as you start planning your remodel.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile Review: A Thorough Overview: Get detailed insight into the pros, cons, and cost ranges of luxury vinyl flooring, one of the most popular flooring options on the market.
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