Tile 101
The Best Flooring for Dogs
Featured products: Imperial Brite White, Loft Cement
When you’re a dog owner, you shop for the best flooring for both yourself and your furry family member. Picking the wrong flooring material could make you and your pet unhappy in the long run. Plus, your floor is a big investment, and you don’t want to get something you’ll have to redo a few years down the road. A tile floor is a great option to keep both you and your dog happy.
Best Flooring for Pets
It can be hard to make a choice for your flooring because almost every material has its drawbacks. Carpet is difficult to clean and can rip and stain. Hardwood floors are beautiful but prone to scratches and can also develop set-in stains. Laminate can give you the nicer look of wood but may be slippery and dangerous to pets. Vinyl floors stand up well to moisture and scratches but often do not offer a high-end and desirable look.
Featured product: Dockside Whitecap
Tile is one of the best flooring options for dogs and other pets because it solves all the problems of other materials. It’s extremely durable and scratch resistant, stain and water-resistant and makes it easy to clean up messes. Plus, with advances in technology, you can very accurately replicate almost any look you want, whether it’s wood, stone, encaustic cement or concrete.
If you’re worried about having a hard, cold floor, you can put heating elements under your tile or add rugs and pet beds for coziness. (And in hotter months, your pet will have the coolest, most comfortable spot in the house!) For locations that are warm year-round, these cool floors are a big perk.
Featured products: Boardwalk Ash, Boardwalk Ash Hex Mosaic, Cottage Grey Wood Look, Suomi Grey Hex, Newtron Anthracite Gloss Wood Look
Natural Stone vs. Ceramic and Porcelain
There are differences to consider between natural stone, like marble or travertine, and ceramic and porcelain floor tiles. The softer a natural stone is, the easier it will scratch. Harder stones, like granite, make great floors for pets while a soft marble tile might not be the best choice. However, there are porcelain and ceramic tiles that replicate almost any look, including marble and wood, with enhanced durability. And best of all, porcelain and ceramic will not scratch.
Make It Last
If you opt for a natural stone floor, make sure it is sealed, cleaned regularly and maintained properly at all times. For all tiles, you’ll want to seal your grout because this area is more susceptible to stains from pet accidents if left unsealed. Always clean messes up as soon as possible to protect any type of flooring. For added protection, warmth and traction, use rugs in your space. When it’s possible, keep your pet’s toenails clipped to minimize scratching.
Shop The Look
- Suomi Grey Hex10 x 10 in | Porcelain | 680286
