Photographs: Onal Kothari
Animals are wonderful part of our lives. They bring us joy, make us laugh and for many of us, pets are an imminent part of the family. We love animals as pets, but their nails might damage floors. Architect Onal Kothari lists few pet-friendly flooring options for your home.
- Hardwood floors
If your pet loves to create spills or puddles on your floor, hardwood flooring is your best bet. These are available in a range of hardwood materials, including oak, cherry, maple, hickory, walnut, mahogany, sycamore and bamboo.Pros Cons 1. Available in different colours and finishes 1. Expensive 2. Easy to sweep or vacuum 2. Prone to water damage and stretches 3. Gets stained easily if not cleaned immediately - Cork floors
Cork flooring isn’t the new concept in the market. They are eco-friendly and made of antimicrobial material that will reduce the growth of mold and other allergens. The texture of the floor makes it warm and comfortable to walk on.Pros Cons 1. Water resistant 1. Discolours overtime from exposure to sunlight 2. Sound absorbing material 2. Scratches appear easily from pet sharp nails 3. Require less maintenance - Stone tile floors
Stone flooring adds natural beauty to any space. These are extremely scratch-resistant, easy to clean, but provides no comfort or warmth, so pet beds and rugs are a must.Pros Cons 1. Scratch-resistant 1. Cold and hard surface 2. Easy to clean 2. Slippery for pets - Laminate floors
Laminate is an excellent choice if you have a super active pet. You can go through the options available in the market and select the perfect one for your home.Pros Cons 1. Water-resistant 1. Slippery surface can cause pets to be less stable 2. Easy to clean 2. Not as long lasting as hardwood floors 3. Less noticeable scratches - Vinyl floors
This is another great option for your pet. It is an easy replacement for hardwood flooring, provides great traction for your pets and is durable and affordable.Pros Cons 1. Scratch and stain resistant 1. Dulls easily 2. Easy to maintain 2. Water spills can cause mildew or lifting 3. Promote low levels of allergens 4. Quiet underfoot - Bamboo floors
This is recommended as an option for someone who is trying to decide between vinyl and hardwood flooring.Pros Cons 1. Can withstand high traffic 1. Can be more expensive depending on the brand and type 2. Stain-resistant 3. Eco-friendly