What is the Best Flooring for Kitchens?

Whether you are a cat lover or more of a dog person, your pets are part of your family.  That means that, when choosing flooring for your home, you want to take their needs into account as well.  But what exactly do pets need from a floor?  Are any flooring types more suitable for pets than others?

As with most things in a home, this answer in some ways depends on your individual pet’s needs and personality.  While a playful kitten might tear carpet to shreds, a soft carpet floor might be just what an elderly dog needs to be comfortable as he follows you around the house.  You also need to take into account the ease of cleaning a floor (the main reason we don’t recommend carpet for pets) and its durability.

While there is no one-floor-fits-all answer to this question, here are a few of our recommendations with the pros and cons of each:

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl flooring is known for its durability and water-resistance (another key feature, especially for those with younger or older pets).  In addition to being easy to clean, certain styles also come with perks such as skid resistance and scratch resistance, both of which are musts for active pets.  Vinyl will even muffle some of the noise from running paws.

While it is the best overall option for pet owners, vinyl has a couple drawbacks for some humans - it won’t do much for the resale value of your home, and it isn’t a very eco-friendly option.  But as far as your pup or feline friend is concerned, it is the perfect floor!

Tile Flooring

A classic flooring option for many reasons, tile is great for pets thanks to its durability and ease of cleaning.  It is also naturally scratch resistant and waterproof (though dog owners may want to opt for porcelain tile instead of ceramic so that accidents don’t seep into the larger pores of ceramic tile).

Tile can have a few drawbacks, however - it can be very cold on your pet’s feet during the winter, and you’ll hear every step your dog takes, especially in the quiet of the night.  If you choose tile flooring, just be sure your pet has somewhere warm and soft to relax during the coldest parts of the year!

Other good options for pets include laminate flooring (similar to vinyl, just without the water resistance), bamboo (warm and water resistant, but susceptible to scratching), and cork (easy to clean and sound absorbent, but neither water nor scratch resistant).

Overall, the best flooring for your home is the one that will keep both you and your pet safe and happy.  Nearly any floor will be fine for your pet as long as they have a comfy bed and your presence; it is up to you to decide what your tolerance is for noise and scratches.  Whatever flooring type you choose, remember to call us for a professional installation to ensure your floor lives up to your (and your pet’s) expectations!