The concept of pet friendliness is important for many homeowners in multiple areas, and flooring is often quite high on this list. What are the challenges present in designing pet-friendly flooring setups, and which features, maintenance and related approaches can be used to accomplish this task while also matching the aesthetic of your custom cabinets?
At AWA Kitchen Cabinets, we’re proud to offer a huge variety of custom cabinets for clients around Salt Lake City, plus pet-friendly flooring products and the expertise to match them up within any setting. Here are some of the challenges of designing pet-friendly homes that are also stylish, particularly in the flooring realm, plus some features and tips to consider when it comes to pet-friendly flooring needs.
Challenges of Designing a Pet-Friendly Yet Stylish Home (Particularly for Flooring)
When it comes to designing a pet-friendly home, there are some unique challenges to consider. One of the biggest challenges is finding a balance between creating a space that is both functional and stylish. Many pet owners struggle with this balance because they want their home to be aesthetically pleasing while also being practical for their furry friends.
In particular, flooring can be a major challenge when designing a pet-friendly home. Pets, especially dogs, can cause damage to floors through scratching, accidents, and general wear and tear. This can make it difficult to choose flooring that will hold up well against these types of daily activities.
Another challenge with pet-friendly flooring is finding options that are easy to clean and maintain. Pets can track in dirt and mud from outside, shed hair and dander, and have accidents that require immediate cleaning. This means that flooring needs to be durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
Luckily, there are some simple ways to overcome these challenges and achieve pet-friendly flooring that’s not only durable and attractive, but also matches with your custom cabinets and other room aesthetics. Let’s dive into some tips!
Flooring Features to Prioritize
When designing a pet-friendly home, there are a few key flooring features to keep in mind:
- Scratch resistance: Pets, especially dogs, can often cause scratches on flooring surfaces with their claws. Look for materials that are known to be scratch-resistant, such as hardwoods with a strong finish or tile.
- Stain resistance: Accidents happen, and pet urine or spilled water bowls can quickly stain certain types of flooring. Consider materials like luxury vinyl plank or laminate that are known for their stain resistance.
- Ease of cleaning: With pets, it’s important to choose flooring that is easy to clean. Carpet can be difficult to maintain with pets as it traps hair and odors, while hardwood or tile can be easily swept or mopped.
- Durability: Pets can be hard on floors, especially in high traffic areas. Look for materials that are durable and able to withstand scratches, spills, and general wear and tear.
Maintenance Tips
In addition to ideal flooring features, there are some basic pet-friendly flooring maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Regular cleaning: It’s important to regularly clean and maintain your floors, especially if you have pets. This includes sweeping or vacuuming up pet hair and debris, as well as mopping or spot cleaning any accidents.
- Use pet-friendly cleaning products: Some traditional floor cleaners may contain chemicals that can be harmful for pets. Look for natural or pet-friendly cleaning products to ensure the safety of your furry friends.
- Trim your pet’s nails: Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed can help prevent scratches and damage to your floors. You may also want to consider using nail caps for cats or soft paw covers for dogs.
- Protect high traffic areas: Consider using area rugs or runners in high traffic areas such as entryways or hallways. This can help protect your floors from scratches and wear over time.
Materials AWA Offers
At AWA Kitchen Cabinets, we’re here to offer multiple high-quality pet-friendly flooring materials. Options like waterproof laminate, for instance, can be a great choice for pet owners because it’s easy to clean and durable against scratches. Our rigid core SPC flooring is also a great option as it’s 100% waterproof and can withstand even the most active pets.
Tips for Matching Flooring and Custom Cabinets
Here are some areas to consider when matching pet-friendly flooring and an existing custom cabinet setup:
- Color coordination: Consider matching the color of your flooring to the shade of your cabinets for a cohesive look.
- Texture: If your cabinets have a certain texture, try to find flooring with a similar look and feel to create visual harmony.
- Finish: Match the finish of your flooring to the finish of your cabinets for a polished and put-together aesthetic.
At AWA Kitchen Cabinets, we’re here to help with both custom cabinets and a wide selection of pet-friendly flooring materials. Contact us today for these and related services in SLC!