If you have a dog or cat, you know that they are bound to make a mess on your floor at some point. Whether it’s water from the water bowl, food from the trash can, or urine on the carpet. Accidents happen all the time. The best way to prevent these accidents is by installing waterproof flooring for pets.
What is Waterproof Flooring?
Waterproof flooring is any type of flooring that prevents water from penetrating the surface. At the most basic level, this means when a puddle occurs on your floor, it won’t seep through and ruin whatever is underneath it.
In addition to household pets causing damage in this way, flooding or leaks can also cause severe water damage to your flooring. In order to prevent this from happening, it’s important that you use a waterproof flooring material.
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The Benefits Of Using Waterproof Flooring
The most obvious reason to use waterproof flooring for pets is that it helps prevent your floors from getting damaged. In addition, there are some other benefits as well:
- A stain-resistant surface makes it easier to clean up after your pet’s accidents. So you no longer have to worry about them ruining the remainder of the room or the entire house. It gets much more out of control than you’d think!
- If you have hardwood floors, they’re much less likely to get scratched up by sharp objects like claws and paws. This significantly increases their lifespan.
- With a material that grips to the bottom of your pet’s paws, you won’t have to worry about them slipping around. It reduces the risk of injuries for both you and your furry friend.
5 Best Waterproof Pet-Friendly Floors
Now that you know why waterproof flooring is essential for pet owners. Let’s go over some of the best choices available. These are presented in no particular order.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent option for pet owners who are looking to install new flooring materials. Vinyl flooring is extremely durable and water-resistant. It means that it can withstand scratching, staining, and general wear and tear from pets or children.
In addition to being a good choice for those with fur kids, vinyl floors also come in many different styles which allow you to customize your home’s look and feel. Most modern vinyl floors have very realistic designs and colors. So they almost complement the same type of problems as natural wood or stone.
Pros
- Durable, long-lasting material.
- Waterproof & easy to clean.
- Several styles, colors, and designs are available.
Cons
- Not so eco-friendly.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is another trendy waterproof flooring for pets. This material has long been the go-to choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways worldwide due to its durability and moisture-resistant properties.
Cork floors are surprisingly soft on your feet & will keep your home cozy no matter how bad the weather gets outside. They also come in a variety of vibrant colors to suit any decor style. Easy to clean and low maintenance, these floors are an excellent option for any home.
Pros
- Dust, mold, & mildew resistance.
- Waterproof.
- It is lightweight & easy to install.
Cons
- Can warp or bend under heavy feet.
Stone Flooring
Stone flooring is a very durable type of waterproof flooring. Natural stones like slate, granite, marble are the best choices for pet-friendly stone floors. These tiles come in a variety of different styles that suit any decor style.
Stone floors have been extremely popular across the USA & Europe for years because they’re easy to clean and highly durable. They’re also wholly waterproof & eco-friendly. As a result, they are an appealing option for many homeowners looking for a way to reduce their environmental impact. Stone floors do require regular maintenance. But it’s relatively inexpensive to maintain this type of flooring after the initial installation.
Pros
- It is a super durable material that will last you for decades.
- It is waterproof & requires very little maintenance.
- You can install it anywhere in your home.
Cons
- Installation is a bit tricky & they’re cumbersome.
Linoleum Flooring
A lot of people don’t realize it, but linoleum floors are incredibly durable and completely waterproof. This innovative material is not only eco-friendly but also super easy to maintain. Linoleum floors do not require any special cleaning products & you can simply mop them with warm water or vinegar on a regular basis to keep them clean & fresh-smelling.
Linoleum floors are soft underfoot, which makes them comfortable to walk on all day long. They’re also very stylish & come in an incredible array of colors & patterns that suit any decor style.
Pros
- Soft on the feet, unlike stone & tile floors.
- Waterproof & easy to clean.
- Multiple styles, colors, and patterns are available.
Cons
- The surface can get slick if it is wet.
Cement Flooring
Cement flooring is a very popular type of waterproof flooring solution. This material can be used almost anywhere inside your home, including bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and living room areas. Cement tiles come in a variety of different colors & designs that suit any decor style.
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to install cement floors yourself using the right tools for the job. You don’t need to call a professional or rent expensive equipment. Because you can simply follow the step-by-step instructions included with any cement tile package.
Pros
- Can be used anywhere in your home.
- Very cheap in price.
- Environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Not as stylish as other types of flooring.
Things You Should Consider Before Choosing Pet-Friendly Flooring.
No matter which type of flooring you decide to go with, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to pet-friendly flooring.
Go for Water Resistance Feature
The most important aspect to consider is water resistance. All types of flooring mentioned above are waterproof and super easy to maintain, but it’s always a good idea to keep this aspect in mind.
Don’t Choose Hot Underfoot Flooring.
Make sure you do not install floors that will get too hot underfoot. This can be an issue with some types of flooring. For example, stone tiles can get way too hot on the feet if they’re installed in a sun-drenched room. In this case, you need to install some sort of flooring that offers a bit more insulation so that your pet feels comfortable.
Must Be Easy To Clean.
Make sure your flooring is easy to clean. You’ll want to make sure that floors are easily accessible and not too hard to wipe down daily. If you choose an expensive floor like slate or marble, ensure you aren’t damaging it by using the wrong cleaning products or tools when spot-cleaning spills & stains.
Consider Pet Size Before Choosing Flooring.
You need to consider the size of your pet when choosing a flooring solution. If you have a large dog, you’ll want to stick with one of the more rugged materials like cement tiles or linoleum options.
Don’t Go For Slippery Flooring.
Ceramic tiles can get slippery if they get wet and small paws and claws might not be enough to get a good grip on them. In this case, it might be safer to go with a more textured or rough flooring type that your pet will find easier to walk on.
Always Take Professional Help.
The best idea is to keep these tips in mind when choosing a new flooring option and then contact a professional who knows all about the different types of flooring on the market so you can make an informed decision.
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FAQs
Are Hard Floors Bad For Dogs?
No, depending on the type of flooring you get. Dogs can certainly walk across hard floors such as tile, linoleum, & cement without any problems. But depending on the surface, dogs can potentially slip & fall, which is extremely dangerous for them.
Will Dogs Scratch Vinyl Flooring?
No, vinyl flooring is pet-friendly. Dogs will not damage the floor because vinyl doesn’t contain any material that can be chewed or torn up by your dog.
What Is The Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring For Pets?
Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is the best for pets as well as any other situation. Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is durable, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and extremely easy to clean because you can simply use a broom or mop to do so.
Conclusion
In our opinion, cork flooring is the best waterproof flooring solution for pets. This type of floor is durable, lightweight, comfortable underfoot, easy to maintain properly. And it comes in a variety of different colors & styles that suit any décor style.
However, you can decide which one works for you by understanding what each type of waterproof flooring has to offer. And once you decide which one would be best for your home, installing it yourself can save you a lot of money. We hope that this article has helped you to choose the right type of waterproof flooring for beloved pets. Best of luck!