We’d love to promise a magic floor that handles every muddy paw and sharp claw. The truth? “Petproof” is an exaggeration - no solution offers 100% protection. If you want a pet friendly floor, we generally recommend solution dyed or SmartStrand carpet as well as scratch-resistant luxury vinyl or porcelain tile.
At Island Carpet, Tile & Hardwoods, we’ve been running a series called Fables the Industry Told Me, where we cut through some of the half-truths and marketing spin you hear in the flooring world. We've previously unpacked the myths around “waterproof” and “scratchproof” claims. Today, let’s take on another popular buzzword: PetProof floors.
First, let’s give credit where credit is due. Flooring technology has come a long way, and there are plenty of materials that really do perform better with pets in the house. Solution-dyed carpet fibers are better at tackling stains. Instead of color dye sitting only on the surface, color goes all the way through the fiber. This makes carpets more resistant to stains from accidents and easier to clean. SmartStrand carpet uses a different technology, but is similarly better at resisting stains.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate are also generally tougher than hardwood when it comes to scratches. Plus, if you have a glue-down vinyl floor, you can more easily replace individual boards that are scratched.
With all that said, stating that certain floors are "Petproof" is an exaggerated claim. Solution-dyed of SmartStrand fibers could still carry an odor or start to discolor, especially if there are repeated pet accidents. The same goes for cats and dogs determined to scratch at vinyl or laminate floors. The closest thing you can get to Petproof flooring is porcelain tile—although this is a significantly more expensive product and cold underfoot.
If you have a pet, of course you should think proactively about which floor is best for your household. If you anticipate a lot of wear and tear, glue-down vinyl floors (where you can replace individual boards) may be a great choice. You could then use area rugs throughout the home which are solution-dyed or use SmartStrand technology. Still, at the end of the day, realize that nothing is truly Petproof, Scratchproof or Waterproof. Your trusted retailer will be able to walk you through all your choices, including high-fashion but durable options.
If you have any questions about Petproof floors or how floors differ on durability, give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom. We serve customers throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England, including Newport, Middletown, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Bristol and more.
About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached thousands of viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.
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