The Best Flooring for Pets and Children

With many of us having little small creatures and children running about the place, it only makes sense that we need to consider them when looking to refloor our home. Often our favourite floors aren’t always the best option for our needs. So we’re here to help you reach your decision bearing in mind these requirements.

Considerations

One of the main considerations when it comes to a big family household is the amount of foot traffic. Therefore, something sturdy and durable is a must have and different floorings have different levels of durability. Although solid wood is incredible durable, its other features don’t make it the most practical option when it comes to pets and children. First of all, it’s no good when it comes into contact with water. It will stain if anything is dropped on it – a common occurrence with kids running about the place! Solid wood is also susceptible to scratches too and pet’s claws and children’s toys can cause damage.

The best way to avoid damage is to of course take measures to prevent this in the first place. This includes laying it in rooms that don’t see lots of water spillages, keep pet’s claws trim and place mats by entrances to stop debris scratching.

Wooden flooring

However, although we wouldn’t recommend solid wood as the first choice when it comes to pets and children, it certainly has advantages over its competitors. You can sand wood down to eradicate any damage and this can even be done more than once. So, if you’re prepared to give a little more attention to your floors, then wood might not be a bad choice after all!

Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl tiles

If you’ve fallen for the look of natural products such as wood and tile, it can feel like laminate and luxury vinyl tiles are a bit of a cop out. Although we won’t lie and say that they offer the same luxurious and classical feel as wood does, you aren’t having to sacrifice good looks either. Laminate and LVT come in very realistic impressions of real wood that often it’s hard to tell them apart. As well as this, they are both much more practical and much more suited to busy family households with pets and children. Most especially LVT – but why?

Firstly, LVT is soft and cushioned under foot, which is perfect for playtime and when your kids and pets take those tumbles. It is also compatible with under-floor heating, something the modern world is seeing more and more of in its homes.

Stone and stone tile flooring

Although stone and tiles look glamorous, they’re extremely slippery when wet. So, no good for when your little ones are charging about the place after bath time! The good news is that LVT is anti-slip, a much safer option for your little ones.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

When you’re a busy parent, you can’t be worrying about extra chores and maintenance duties. For this reason, LVT is the best flooring to make your life easier in this respect. It is incredibly easy to clean, with only a quick sweep and a mop necessary to keep it looking hygienic. It is also resistant to scratches, stains and water – so it really is the best care free option available! The best part is that LVT is massively cheaper than options such as real wood and stone. So, perfect for those on a tighter budget.

Although we would say LVT is preferable over laminate, it’s not a bad option either. Laminate is scratch, stain and water resistant but not proof, and is also very easy to clean. Laminate is however very affordable as well as offering impressive durability.