Best Flooring for Living Rooms with Pets

When helping customers choose flooring for a pet-friendly living room, it’s important to balance durability, maintenance, and appearance. Pets bring fun and plenty of love, but also wear and tear, so recommending the right material can make the difference between a floor that lasts and one that shows damage too soon. Here’s how wood, Stratex®, and carpet perform in a busy home environment, from muddy paws to the occasional accident and scratching.

Wood Flooring

Wood flooring remains a strong choice for customers who value natural beauty and longevity. It adds warmth and character to a living space while offering a high-end look.

For households with pets, engineered wood is the preferred option. Its multi-layer construction provides greater stability against humidity and minor spills compared to solid wood.

Advise customers to:

1. Keep pets’ claws trimmed to reduce scratching.
2. Wipe up any accidents or water quickly, as you would with any floor covering to prevent staining or swelling.
3. Use a soft brush and a lightly damp microfibre mop for cleaning, avoid steam or harsh chemicals.

Stratex®

For trade professionals seeking the most practical solution for pet-owning households, Stratex® is a standout choice. Its scratch resistant, dent resistant, and waterproof qualities makes it exceptionally robust in active living areas.

The boards are simple to maintain and ideal for customers looking for a wood look without the upkeep. Stratex® is naturally firm underfoot, like wood, and it can be softened with area rugs or pet mats to create comfort zones. It’s an excellent recommendation for high-traffic family spaces, combining durability, easy cleaning, and realistic design.

Carpet

While not as resilient to wear as hard flooring, carpet can still suit households with calmer pets or specific comfort needs. It brings warmth and softness and makes a room feel inviting and homely. It's a comfortable surface for pets, however can trap fur, odours and allergens.

For best results, guide customers towards:

1. Cut-pile carpets made from stain-resistant synthetic fibres, which clean more easily.
2. Mid-toned colours or subtle patterns, which help mask pet hair and small marks.

Regular vacuuming and periodic professional cleaning are essential to maintain hygiene and appearance.

Choosing the Right Option

When advising customers, consider lifestyle and expectations:

1. Stratex® delivers the best all-round performance for pet owners, resilient, low-maintenance, and authentic in appearance.
2. Engineered wood offers timeless appeal for clients willing to maintain it.
3. Carpet provides warmth and comfort where softness takes priority over durability.

Encourage pet owners to use rugs in high-traffic areas, keep nails trimmed, and address spills quickly to ensure any chosen floor continues to look its best.