Pet Friendly Flooring: Why Laminate is the Purrfect Choice

As much as we love them, our pets can wreak havoc on our floors. Between the muddy paws, scratching claws, and unexpected accidents, it's crucial to find the best flooring for living with pets.

Here, we shine a spotlight on why laminate is often hailed as the best pet-friendly flooring option. With its excellent scratch resistance, water-resistant properties, and easy-to-clean nature, laminate flooring keeps your home looking pristine, even in the face of those inevitable pet messes. 

We'll also explore why laminate has become a popular choice among dog owners and provide valuable insights into selecting the best laminate flooring for pets. Whether it's the living room or any other space, choosing the right flooring option can ensure both you and your beloved pets live in comfort and style. 

Why Laminate is the Best Flooring for Pets 

When considering flooring options for a home with pets, it's essential to find a solution that can stand up to the demands of our furry friends. Laminate is one of the best types of flooring for pets, offering several significant benefits. 

Here’s a brief rundown of the pet-friendly benefits laminate provides:

Scratch Resistance: Withstand Active Paws

One of the standout features of laminate flooring is its exceptional scratch resistance, protecting it against sharp pet claws. Laminate's wear layer also serves as a robust shield, protecting your floor against scratches and scuffs. Even with muddy paws roaming around, your laminate floor will continue to look and perform like new provided it is well cared for. 

Easy Clean Up of Pet Messes: Convenience and Hygiene  

Accidents are inevitable when you have pets, so you need a floor that can withstand anything that is thrown at it. Laminate is well known for its easy maintenance design. Unlike hardwood floors or ceramic tiles, the surface of laminate resists stains and liquids, preventing them from seeping into the flooring. 

Whether it's a knocked over water bowl or an unexpected accident, you can quickly wipe away the mess, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for both your pets and family. You can also use a dedicated laminate cleaner to keep the floor hygienic and looking new. Visit our floor care range to find a quality laminate cleaner.

Overall Durability: Standing Up to Furry Antics 

Pets, with their boisterous and playful nature, can put additional strain on your flooring. While types of floors like porcelain tiles or even luxury vinyl flooring offer durability, laminate stands out for its robustness. Designed to resist dents, impacts, and wear, laminate floors are more than capable of withstanding the antics of your furry friends. 

Whether they're running, jumping, or playing fetch in the living room, laminate flooring can handle it all. It maintains its original appearance, making it not just a pet-friendly flooring option, but also a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing choice for your home. The Quick-Step Impressive Ultra range is especially well suited for homes with pets due to its exceptional 12mm thickness and robust design.

The combination of scratch resistance, easy maintenance, and overall durability, makes laminate floors an excellent choice for pet owners looking for the best flooring for pets. Not only does it provide a safe and comfortable environment for your pets, but it also ensures that your home retains its elegance and charm.

Tips for Selecting Pet Friendly Laminate 

Choosing the perfect flooring for your home involves more than just selecting an appealing design. As a pet owner, you need to consider certain key factors to ensure your new floor will stand up to the challenges of a pet-friendly household. Here are some practical tips to help you make the right choice:

Choose Durability: Pay Attention to AC Ratings

High AC Rating Laminate flooring comes with an Abrasion Class (AC) rating that measures its resistance to wear and tear. An AC rating of 3 or higher is typically suitable for residential use, and can withstand the challenges of energetic pets. So, when looking for the best laminate flooring for pets, prioritise options with a high AC rating like the New Forest Brown Oak Laminate Herringbone. 

Conceal Imperfections with a Textured Surface

Textured or embossed finishes not only add a touch of authenticity to your laminate floors, but also help conceal scratches or minor imperfections. This type of finish replicates the natural look of hardwood floors, while offering the additional benefit of being more forgiving of your pet's antics.

Choose a Thick Wear Layer for Added Protection 

The wear layer plays a crucial role in protecting your floor from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Opting for laminate with a thicker wear layer offers additional protection against pet-related wear and tear. This layer shields the underlying design from scratches, stains, and moisture, keeping your flooring looking its best for longer.

Handle Accidents: Moisture-Resistant Laminate 

Accidents happen, especially when pets are involved. Laminate that is moisture-resistant is a wise choice for pet owners. This type of laminate can handle spills or pet accidents effectively, ensuring they don't damage your floor or lead to unpleasant odours. 

Laminate isn’t naturally water resistant, so make sure you choose a variety that is. We have several water-resistant laminate options like the Berry Alloc Ocean V4 Gyant Natural.

Conclusion

As you can see, selecting pet-friendly laminate flooring doesn't have to be a challenge. With these practical tips in mind, you can make a choice that not only looks great but also stands up to the antics of your beloved pets.  However. for those seeking the warmth and comfort of a soft underfoot, discover the best carpet options for pet households.

Remember, the best flooring for pets is one that balances durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance, and laminate flooring ticks all these boxes. When considering flooring options for your home, laminate emerges as a clear winner for pet-friendly households.

Take a look at the best laminate flooring for pets within our range.