The Right Flooring Solutions for Homes with Pets and Children

The Right Flooring Solutions for Homes with Pets and Children

Children and pets help turn your house into a home! But, they can also be difficult to clean up after. Think muddy paws, spilled drinks, and layers upon layers of pet dander. These are but a few of the things you might want to consider when selecting the perfect flooring solution for your family.

When you are choosing new flooring, it's good to consider both form and function. After all, we want something that will make our home look beautiful! However, a family must also think about both the longevity and practicality of the flooring. Over time, almost all wood will get a scratch or two, but hardwood is still a viable flooring option for busy families. It's easy to clean, and you only really need to watch out for moisture and scratches.

If the area has a lot of traffic, like the living room or kitchen, engineered hardwood is also a good idea. It's less sensitive to moisture and humidity than other options, and can be refinished (sanded down and restained). However, engineered hardwood can be a costly option, and there are cheaper alternatives.

A light-colored hardwood floor isn't less prone to scratches than a darker wood, but marks are less visible on lighter colors. Choose a light color so your floor won't be marred by scuff marks, no matter how many dogs and kids you have running around. If you opt for solid wood, you can always stain the floor a darker shade when you refinish.

Another clever way to camouflage marks and, in fact, use them to enhance the appearance of your floor, is to go the rustic route. Reclaimed boards, hand-scraped wood or knotty wood, will add character to your living space while hiding any wear-and-tear imperfections.

If you want to keep your hardwood floor pristine, an area rug will do the job. They come in a variety of designs and can completely change the look of a room. A rug is also a wonderful way to add a touch of class to any living space. Plus, it doubles up as a soft surface for kids to play on. In the case of spills, the rug can simply be lifted and cleaned.

Carpeting, while much softer than hardwood, is not as easily cleaned as a rug. So, it isn't an ideal solution for busy families with pets. Dust and pet dander will get trapped in carpet fibers, which can be a nightmare for family members with allergies. Any spills and muddy feet could result in expensive carpet cleaning bills and unnecessary fuss.

If well cared for, hardwood floors can last for years and are easily cleaned and maintained. Hardwood floors also add character to your home while saving you time and money.

California Designs, Inc. has a variety of hardwood flooring options to suit every family. Contact our design team in North Palm Beach for more information about our flooring solutions today.