OUR SHOWROOM WILL BE CLOSED FROM FRI 20/12/24 TO WED 08/01/25
WE WILL REOPEN ON MON 08/01/25
Three in five Australian households have a pet. Australians love their furry friends and have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world - approximately 61% of households own pets.
Choosing the right flooring is essential for families with kids and pets as the floors are prone to scratches, wear and tear.
For families with kids and pets, the most important criteria to consider when choosing flooring are:
It is one of the best flooring options for pets as it is inexpensive, easy to replace, and water and scratch resistant. Vinyl flooring also absorbs sound better and is easy to clean, making it an attractive option for families.
Vinyl checks all the boxes and it is safe for both kids and pets. This option does not require polishing and waxing and can stand up to the hard work your kids and pets can put it through.
Bamboo flooring is a durable option if you want a natural wood finish, easy to maintain, and scratch and stain resistant.
Note - Bamboo is not suitable for homes in tropical, humid climates like South East Queensland. If you are in this region (or further north) speak to your flooring company about vinyl options.
Tiles are a popular choice for families and they are suitable for pets of all ages as they can withstand any clawing and scratching.
Inexpensive, water-resistant and easy to clean or replace, tiles are a great choice. The only downside of tiles is they can be hard and cold (great in the summer but not so good in winter). You might have to put a soft rug or bed for your pet to rest on and make your kids wear thongs or socks when they are indoors for comfort.
Another popular choice for families, laminate flooring options can be affordable, scratch resistant and waterproof. (Make sure you choose a waterproof and scratch-resistant laminate flooring option.)
These flooring options can need more maintenance and care which can make them not so ideal for homes with pets and children. However, with a little extra care of these options, it's still possible to use them and take advantage of the great benefits of both timber and carpet.
So which floors should you avoid?
Carpets are definitely comfortable but they can also trap dander, fur and dirt. They can require regular cleaning to get rid of any stains, fur and muddy paw marks. Some pets might also enjoy chewing and scratching on the carpet, leading to increased wear and tear.
Moreover, your pet may also bring ticks, fleas and other pests inside which can get trapped in the carpet fibres making it a risky option. Another consideration if your pets are old or very young is that little accidents on the carpet and the associated smell can be hard to get rid of.
Your pet's claws may be unforgiving on the hardwood flooring which can get scratched easily, even if the nails are trimmed. Pet urine can also stain hardwood flooring causing the floor to discolour or have a musty smell.
Hardwood floors are not resistant to water so in case of any spills or accidents, you will have to clean the floor quickly. Hardwood can be a more high-maintenance flooring option and you might have to polish or sand the floor frequently to restore its original finish.
Regardless of the flooring you choose, it's essential to maintain it so it looks great for years to come. You can select a range of different flooring options for your home, for example, carpet for the children's room, laminate or vinyl for the living rooms.
Here are some handy tips to help you keep your flooring looking amazing:
If you are looking for flooring options suitable for your kids and pets, contact us on 07 5443 1295 or complete our online quote request form. We recommend you come in and visit our experienced team at our Sunshine Coast flooring showroom and see the range of our flooring options for yourself.
Since 2003 The Compass Institute has been providing individuals with a disability with the opportunity to thrive. Through a range of continued learning opportunities, vocational training and life skills development we are proud to support our “trainees” to live fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to their community. As a not for profit organisation we are only able to thrive in our work thanks to the support of the local community and businesses such as Impact Floors.
Impact Floors supports The Compass Institute.