Picking out the right floors for your home can be a tough decision, especially for dog owners. Ideally, you want something thats going to be durable enough to withstand scratches and is easy to clean after unfortunate accidents, while also lending a stylish look to your living space. If youre struggling to find a surface that checks all of these boxes, here are a few excellent options that are worth bringing into your home.
Hardwoods
Hardwood floors can be a good choice for dogs. Scratching, of course, is a big concern, but there are two strategies to take into consideration in this regard. The first is to go with a type of hardwood that has an especially high rating on the Janka scale, which measures resistance to denting and wear, like hickory, maple or oak. The other option is to simply opt for reclaimed or distressed wood floors that embrace signs of wear and tear.
Sealed Concrete
Concrete floors continue to remain in vogue, which is a boon for dog owners wanting a low-maintenance option. When untreated, concrete is a porous surface, but as long as its sealed, youre unlikely to ever see a scratch and you wont have to worry about lingering stains. Plus, if youre worried about it feeling a little cold, you can easily install radiant heat beneath concrete floors.
Natural Stone
Its quite common to find beautiful stone floors in a high-end home, though be advised that not all types are suited to pets. Limestone and marble, for example, probably arent cut out for the job, as they can easily scratch and are difficult to remove stains. Options that are more hardwearing, particularly when it comes to accidents, include sandstone, granite and slate.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
In addition to being a practical choice, a major advantage that tile floors can offer is a wide range of styles to choose from. For instance, if you have your heart set on marble floors but are worried that your furry friend could quickly ruin them, you can certainly find stunning, high-end tiles that are designed to look exactly like the timeless stone.
Published with permission from RISMedia.
