Laminate is a Great Pet Friendly Option
Is laminate flooring good for cats or dogs? This may be a question running through your mind when evaluating laminate and other floor materials for your remodel. We're here to reassure you that laminate is perfectly suitable for homes with pets both small and large. It is even great for children!
Dive into the durability of laminate and why pet friendly laminate is perfect for your home!
Table of Contents
- What is Considered "Pet Friendly" Flooring & What Qualifies a Floor to be Pet Friendly?
- Is Laminate Good for Dogs & Cats?
- What Laminate Brands are Considered Pet Friendly?
- Pet Friendly Laminate Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
- Choose Laminate Floors from Flooring Attic for Durable, Pet Friendly Laminate Floors
What is Considered "Pet Friendly" Flooring & What Qualifies a Floor to be Pet Friendly?
Durability is Key
"Pet-friendly" flooring refers to any flooring material that can withstand the unique challenges posed by our furry companions. This means it should be resistant to scratches from claws, able to handle accidents without staining, and easy to clean pet hair and dander from. Ideally, pet-friendly flooring should also offer some level of comfort and traction for your pets, preventing slips and falls.
Durability is key, as pets can be tough on floors, especially with their playful antics and tendency to track in dirt and debris.
Scratch Resistance is Crucial
Several factors qualify a floor as pet-friendly. Scratch resistance is crucial, with materials like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile or laminate offering excellent protection against claw marks. Waterproof or water-resistant qualities are essential for handling spills and accidents, preventing damage to the subfloor and minimizing odors. Flooring with a smooth surface, like laminate, wood or LVP, makes cleaning up pet hair a breeze.
Consider slip resistance as well, opting for textured surfaces or adding rugs to provide better traction for your pets.
Is Laminate Good for Dogs & Cats?
Standing up to Scratches from Claws & Paws
One of the biggest concerns for pet owners is whether their floors can hold up to scratches from claws. Laminate flooring is generally made from a combination of wood byproducts and resins, giving it a protective top layer that’s quite resistant to scratches. with a durable wear layer that sits on top of the decorative layer.
This wear layer is typically made of aluminum oxide, a very hard and scratch-resistant material. This makes laminate flooring quite resilient against pet claws, especially compared to softer wood floors.
Consider Laminate Grade & Claw Maintenance for Long-Lasting Laminate Floors
However, it's important to note that laminate is not completely scratch-proof. Some types of laminate come with thicker wear layers, providing extra protection against scratches and scuffs. For pet owners, it’s worth investing in high-quality laminate with a good wear layer. Look for an AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating of at least 3 or 4 if you want extra scratch resistance for a busy household with pets.
Additionally, it's important to note that very sharp claws or heavy objects can still potentially cause damage. Regularly trimming your pet's nails and taking precautions like placing mats in high-traffic areas can help further protect your laminate floors and keep them looking their best.
Pet Friendly Laminate Can Withstand Accidents
A large reason why laminate flooring has become increasingly popular for pet owners due to its impressive resistance to pet-related messes. The key lies in its protective wear layer, a tough, transparent coating that shields the decorative layer from stains and moisture.
This wear layer prevents liquids from penetrating the surface, making it easy to wipe up spills and accidents before they cause damage. While it's still important to clean up messes promptly, laminate offers peace of mind for pet owners who worry about potential staining or warping from pet accidents.
Laminate Offers Easy, Breezy Cleaning
Laminate flooring is known for its easy cleaning and maintenance. The smooth, durable surface makes sweeping a breeze, quickly gathering dust, dirt, and pet hair. Regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is also recommended for a deeper clean.
For occasional spills or sticky messes, a damp mop and a laminate-specific cleaner will do the trick. Avoid excessive moisture, as it can seep into the seams and cause damage. With minimal effort, your laminate floors will stay looking clean and fresh.
Laminate is Great for Those with Allergies
Not everyone has the same tolerance for pet dander. Many pet owners who are looking for pet friendly laminate options may also be sensitive to certain allergens. Unlike carpet which can trap pet hair and dander, dust mites, and other allergens, laminate has a smooth, non-porous surface that dodes not allow these particles to clean or hide. This makes it much easier to keep your floors clean and free of allergens with regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional damp mopping.
Whether you, a family member, or a guest struggles with pets or other allergens, laminate is a perfect choice. Choosing laminate flooring can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable home environment for allergy sufferers, especially those with sensitivities to pet dander.
Pet Friendly Laminate is a Quieter Choice for Pet Owners
One of the often overlooked benefits of laminate flooring is its noise-reducing qualities, especially for pet owners. Unlike harder surfaces like tile or stone, laminate has a slightly softer and more forgiving surface that absorbs some of the sound of pet claws clicking across the floor.
This can make a significant difference in reducing noise levels in your home, especially if you have larger dogs or pets that tend to run and play indoors. While laminate may not be as silent as carpet, it offers a good balance of noise reduction and practicality for pet owners seeking a quieter and more peaceful living environment.
Worried About Your Home Smelling? Laminate Has You Covered!
One of the significant advantages of laminate flooring is its resistance to odors. Unlike carpet, which can trap pet odors, spills, and other smells, laminate has a non-porous surface that doesn't absorb or retain odors. This makes it an excellent choice for pet owners, families with young children, or anyone who wants to maintain a fresh and clean-smelling home. With proper cleaning and maintenance, laminate flooring ensures your home stays odor-free and welcoming.
What Laminate Brands are Considered Pet Friendly?
Lifeproof Laminate
When it comes to pet-friendly laminate flooring, certain brands stand out for their exceptional durability, scratch resistance, and ease of maintenance. Lifeproof Laminate, for instance, offers a variety of waterproof and scratch-resistant options that can withstand even the most rambunctious pets. Their innovative CrystaLux™ wear layer provides superior protection against scratches, stains, and spills, ensuring your floors stay looking pristine for years to come. Plus, Lifeproof's wide range of styles and colors allows you to find the perfect match for your home décor.
USMills
USMills laminate is another contender in the pet-friendly flooring arena. Their collections often feature a durable wear layer and a water-resistant core, providing protection against spills and scratches. Look for specific USMills laminate lines that emphasize pet-friendly features, such as enhanced scratch resistance or textured surfaces for better traction. Always check the manufacturer's specifications and warranties to ensure the laminate you choose meets your needs and lifestyle, especially with pets in the home.
Pet Friendly Laminate Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Maintaining clean and pet-friendly laminate floors is a breeze with the right approach.
What are the Best Pet Friendly Laminate Cleaners?
When you four-legged friend makes a mess, it's important to wipe up spills and accidents promptly with a damp cloth and a laminate-safe cleaner, ensuring no moisture seeps into the seams.
For pet-friendly laminate floor cleaning, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for laminate, ensuring it's free of harsh chemicals and strong fragrances that can irritate your pet's paws or senses. Always test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
What Should I Use to Clean Up Spills?
Regularly sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove pet hair and dander, preventing scratches and build-up in crevices. For tougher messes, blot up excess liquid immediately, then use a slightly damp mop with a pet-safe cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
Use Area Rugs and Mats as Extra Protection
I'ts important to trim your pet's nails regularly to minimize scratches, and consider placing mats at entryways and under food and water bowls to protect high-traffic areas. With consistent care, your laminate floors will remain beautiful and pet-friendly for years to come.
Choose Laminate Floors from Flooring Attic for Durable, Pet Friendly Laminate Floors
If you're considering a floor renovation but are worried about your furry friends, laminate is a fantastic option! Its durability, scratch resistance, and easy maintenance make it perfectly suitable for homes with cats and dogs.
With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, you can find the perfect pet-friendly laminate to complement your home décor and create a beautiful, comfortable space for both you and your beloved pets. So, embrace laminate flooring with confidence and enjoy a stylish and worry-free home, even with the most playful paws and wagging tails!
Flooring Attic is your trusted source for laminate flooring, offering a vast selection, unbeatable deals, next-day shipping, and a commitment to making your flooring purchase as easy as possible.