When you have pets and are building a new home, you might want to take that into consideration when you choose the type of flooring for your home. All pets leave pet hair, scratches, dander and have accidents in the house. Some flooring types are hard to clean, and others scratch easily. Knowing you love your pets like family, keeping in mind that they will be with you a long time, it's best to choose flooring that is low maintenance.
Vinyl Flooring
If you want flooring that is durable and cost-effective, vinyl flooring might be a good fit. Its durability makes it good for pets. Vinyl, depending on what you get, is water-resistant or waterproof, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and sometimes mark resistant, depending on the brand. You can find vinyl in many designs - even vinyl that looks like hardwood floors, plank flooring, and stone tile flooring.
Tile Flooring
When you need something that is durable with a timeless look, choose ceramic, porcelain or stone tile. This type of flooring lasts for a long time, and it's easy to clean and maintain. It even feels cool under your pet's paws. However, unlike vinyl that is slip-resistant, tile is not. Wet paws can make it difficult for pets to get around. Additionally, the harder surface is often harder on older pets who may have joint issues later in life.
Laminate Flooring
Another type of flooring that stands up to scratches and other pet related damage is laminate. It's relatively low maintenance and is cost-effective. Laminate flooring also resists stains, and many brands are scratch-resistant. However, as with tile, the surface can be slippery, which could be a problem for some pets. Additionally, laminate is only water-resistant. If you don't clean up spills and accidents, it will seep into the subfloor and will damage the laminate flooring.
Hardwood Flooring
This flooring is great when you want to add elegance to your home or increase your home's value. However, it might not be the best flooring for dogs. While it lasts for many years, it is not waterproof unless you add this option as a coating. It does not handle spills well at all, unless you wipe them up immediately. The coating on hardwood wears quickly and is susceptible to scratches. And, if you choose darker hardwood floors, you can see all kinds of dander and pet hair on them.
Carpeting
Carpet feels great under your feet, but it is a high-maintenance flooring, even without pets. It traps dander, pet and human hair, ticks and fleas, and needs regular cleaning. Even if you vacuum it every other day, you'll have to shampoo the carpets at least every three to four months if you have pets. Accidents from pets and humans stain. Carpet also fades and wears out unless you get fade-resistant and wear-resistant carpet.
Bamboo Flooring
This flooring is unique and eco-friendly. Since bamboo is a hard material, it resists major damage. It is resistant to dents, scratches, stains and water, which makes it a low-maintenance floor choice. However, it can be very expensive, especially if you get the more durable brands.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
If you love hardwood floors but don't like the upkeep, you can get engineered hardwood flooring. It is stylish and holds up better in high traffic areas. It does have some scratch and wear protection, but you have to buy carefully as not all brands are equal. It can also be expensive. If you have pets, make sure you find a brand of engineered hardwood that is water-resistant and scratch-resistant as it does scratch and suffers water damage easily, especially when you don't clean spills and messes immediately.
Cork Flooring
Cork resists mold and mildew and is eco-friendly. However, it can scratch easily - you'll notice scratches more on lighter shades. Cork does discolor over time where it is exposed to sunlight. The biggest reason it's not great for pets is that it is not water-resistant - you'll need to clean up spills and messes as soon as they happen.
In conclusion, the best flooring for pets is vinyl - it needs the least amount of maintenance and is one of the easiest floors to keep clean.
About the Author
Jacqui Zuzgo
I have been a REALTOR® in Massachusetts since 1984 and hold both a salesman and broker license. I am currently affiliated with Five College REALTORS® located at 190 University Drive, Amherst, MA. Over my career, I have consistently been a Top Producer in the Pioneer Valley and have gained a reputation for being a strong-minded, no-nonsense negotiator in the industry. I also frequently rank highly on Boston’s Top 20 for sales in Western Massachusetts. Some of my best qualities include my listening and communication skills. I have time and again proven to work well under pressure with exceptional attention to detail. My commitment to my clients and professionalism is obvious in every transaction.
Representing both buyers and sellers in Hampshire and Franklin Counties, as well as assisting in relocations throughout the United States and globally has helped me embrace the need for quality performance and develop an acute and sincere sensitivity to people's needs. Honing in on what matters most is almost a sixth sense. Communication and awareness of the situation at hand produce a final result that has undoubtedly led to the large referral business I maintain.
Education has been a theme throughout my 30 years of experience. Well versed in technology and holding key designations have proven to be assets to my performance and dedication to the Real Estate field. My never-ending enthusiasm, availability, knowledge and drive make for a seamless transaction every client, every time.
I am a native of the Pioneer Valley. I am committed to sharing all the area has to offer in making your transition, whether long distance or short, a satisfying experience.
Education:
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst - Bachelor of Science 1983
- Top Individual Seller for Residential Sales in the Pioneer Valley since 2006.
- #1#1 Realtor in the entire Franklin/Hampshire Counties for Millions Sold since 1999.
- Highest producer in sales since 2004 in Franklin/Hampshire Counties.
- ABR®– Accredited Buyer's Representative
- CRS – Certified Residential Specialist (only 3% of REALTORS® hold a CRS)
- e-PRO – Digital Marketing, Certified e-PRO Realtor®
- GRI – Graduate, Realtors® Institute
- SRES– Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
Biographical Highlights:
Life long, active member of the community, born & raised in the Pioneer Valley. Graduate of University of Massachusetts, Amherst, BS 1983.
Current Committee Involvement:
Member of the local Chamber of Commerce - Post Board of Director's member Volunteer for the Road to Recovery.
Greenfield Community College Foundation Board Member
Greenfield Savings Bank Corporator
MLS Professional Standards Committee Member
Have a question for Jacqui? Jacqui's email: [email protected]
