The time has come for an important upgrade in your kitchen; however, if pets are a part of your family, you know you need to consider durability. Listed below you will find some of the best kitchen flooring options for households that include the loving and often messy companionship of pets.
1. Tile and Stone
This kitchen flooring style is extremely durable – whether your pets love to scratch, spill, or roll around covered in mud! This is the best flooring that proves to be extremely stain resistant and super easy to clean. This flooring will also be forgiving should your pet get into a scratching fit. While these features prove beneficial for you, this style of flooring may not be the most comfortable for your pet, as it tends to be quite hard and cold. As with anything, there are upsides and downsides to choosing this flooring style.
2. Cork
Cork flooring looks much like hardwood flooring and offers an additional benefit: it is microbial. Pets, particularly dogs, can turn a clean home into a messy home in an instant. This is especially true if you are working with potty training a puppy or own an older dog that may be dealing with incontinence issues. This kind of flooring will prevent the growth of bacteria and mold to keep the rest of your family safe – whether they are furry or otherwise. In addition, cork flooring has the capacity to absorb sound, letting you sleep soundly even after your pet wakes up early.
3. Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring appears much like natural stone or hardwood but is much easier on your budget. This material won’t scratch and will stand the test of time with your pets, whether they are accident-prone, naughty, or both! Most of the available luxury vinyl flooring options are water resistant, while some are even designed to be completely waterproof.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo flooring offers a natural, wood-like appearance. It is resistant against scratches and stains, so you can rest easy whenever your pets start zooming about. However, it is important to note that not all bamboo flooring has these benefits – opt for strand woven bamboo floors, as they are proven to be more durable than the rest. You will also find bamboo flooring easy to maintain clean, making your life that much easier.
5. Engineered Hardwood
Ideally, hardwood flooring should be avoided when you have pets traipsing about your home; however, sometimes the heart wants what it wants. So, if your heart is set on a hardwood option, go for engineered hardwood flooring. You’ll want to choose a highly durable option, like Brazilian cherry or white oak. You’ll also need the kind of finish that protects against scratches. Also, have a back-up plan. Should your pet get through the finish with those claws, you can plan to sand and refinish the planks. You may want to opt for a distressed look so that it is more forgiving to scratches from pets!
When your home is filled with the love of your beloved furry friends, it only makes sense that you consider them with all of your household renovations. Plus, working with a trusted remodeling contractor means you’re getting all of the expertise, without having to do all of the research. However, we hope that the information provided above allows you to visualize that stylish kitchen you’ve been dreaming about! Remember, hiring professionals is the best option, especially when you’re shelling out money for kitchen flooring that suits your aesthetic requirements while also being pragmatic for a home with pets.