Pets bring a lot of joy – and a lot of tiny scratches if you’re not careful. Dogs and cats with claws can mark soft wood, certain laminates and even some vinyls quite quickly, especially if they run or play indoors.
If you have pets or plan to, choosing a floor with a tougher surface, a bit of texture, or a pattern that hides small marks makes life easier. Extremely glossy, dark floors show every scratch and hair. Mid-tone, slightly varied patterns are much more forgiving.
You might also think about how easy the floor is to clean after accidents, muddy paws, or shedding. Some materials handle moisture and stains better than others.
Designing with pets in mind up front saves you from constantly worrying about damage and lets your animals move freely without you flinching at every scamper.
