Want pets but afraid they might destroy your floor? Check out these hardy flooring types. We’ve numbered them from the best (1) to average (7) in terms of durability (not prone to scratches), cost efficiency, and how easy it is to clean.

1. Porcelain or ceramic tile – In terms of cost efficiency and hardiness, this is the best for households with pets. It’s so easy to sweep, vacuum or mop. Fur will not stick to it.

2. Stone – Similar to tile, it’s very easy to clean and cannot be gouged. This would be the best flooring for pets but it’s number two because it’s the more expensive flooring. Stains and odours from slobber and other pet deposits will easily come out. It will not absorb any of their fluids.

3. Hardwood – It can be fine for pets depending on the finish and the type of wood it is. Go for Australian Red species or Spotted Gum hardwood. Those have been tested and found to be some of the the hardiest among all of the wood species. Inevitable scratches from claws can show over time so don’t forget to call A Custom Floor when wear and tear from pets start to show on your hardwood. We can make make it look brand new again. If not cleaned up right away, stains and smells from pets will stay on the flooring. (If you need floor sanding in Brisbane you know who to call)

4. Bamboo – There are a lot of bamboo and they grow fast so it’s a highly sustainable resource. Depending on how it is processed some bamboo flooring can withstand the tough claws of your furry friends. Some types of bamboo flooring like carbonized and natural are able to be refinished although those are much softer bamboo products (prone to scratches). Strand woven bamboo flooring is the most durable but refinishing it is next to impossible.

5. Cork – It’s also environmental friendly. You don’t need to kill trees for it. It won’t let bad bacteria grow. It hides scratch marks. The higher end cork flooring brands have been tested to be scratch resistant but will probably be more expensive. If water or moisture gets underneath and stays there, the flooring will be destroyed.

6. Laminate – It’s way cheaper than real hardwoods. That said, urine from pets can seep through the seams. It can be scratched easily depending on the quality. If it has a hardwood veneer, it can be sanded and finished again but probably only once because it’s thin. It can be very slippery for pets.

7. Vinyl – It’s cheap and also easy to disinfect. However, it won’t last as long as the above-mentioned flooring and will have to be replaced because wear and rear from pets will become apparent sooner.

Don’t even think about carpet for areas where pets are allowed to roam. It’s the worst for keeping fur trapped no matter how good you clean. Stains from your pet’s bodily fluids can also be easily hidden in there and odours are hard to mask.

Smaller pets are not so damaging to laminate or vinyl. If you do decide to have larger pets, it’s best to choose the more durable flooring like stone. Whatever you choose, remember that all flooring will not stay perfect over time.