Informed tile choices help minimise wear and tear created by beloved pets.
While home owners consider potential foot traffic when selecting tiles, some neglect to factor in the havoc fur babies can wreak on vulnerable flooring.
No tile flooring is completely “pet-proof”. But tile surfacing that reduces risk of scratches and stains makes for pet-friendly interiors.
As leaders in clearance tiles in Perth we know materials that last the distance are key when it comes to paws on floors.
Common ways pets risk damage to flooring
With pets, tiles need to withstand a range of potential mishaps. Weighing practicalities when deciding on tiling will save you time in the future, and help keep tiles in great condition.
- Pet “accidents” can leave you dealing with vomit, urine or worse with the potential to leave marks and odours. Tiles that won’t hold smells or quickly stain are best.
- Does your dog frolic in the rain or under sprinklers, bringing moisture inside? Water bowl spillage is another common issue. Add extra protection by waterproofing tiles.
- Claws can prove less than kind to softer tiling. Surfaces that are scratch-resistant will be more durable as the years pass—although keeping claws trimmed helps.
- Dogs don’t have the option of taking shoes off at the door. Wet sandy trails and muddy paw prints can make a mess over time, especially if your grout isn’t sealed.
Popular tiles for pet owners
Porcelain
If you have a large dog in the family, porcelain is often the go-to choice, for the same reasons these tiles are used in high-traffic areas throughout the home.
Renowned for being scratch-resistant, porcelain tiles are very durable. Another bonus is the easy-to-clean non-porous surface, making them perfect around pets.
In terms of visible wear, the finish you choose makes a big difference. For example, on extremely glossy porcelain tiles the smallest scratches can stand out.
A highly glossy finish on tiles is also more likely to put your pet at risk of slipping and sliding, so consider other options that allow for a steady and safe prowl.
Ceramic
Quality ceramic tiles share a lot of the same benefits of porcelain tiles, though porcelain generally offers a superior performance.
But like many interior decisions, spending limits are important. Ceramic tiles perform well, and usually prove kinder on that renovation budget.
Long-lasting and easy to clean, many pet-friendly homes enjoy the style and durability of ceramic tiles. This extends to outdoor tiling projects.
Stone Look and Concrete Look
Designed to recreate the appearance of other materials, stone look tiles and concrete look tiles are often made of porcelain, though they can be ceramic.
These tiles boast the best of both worlds, letting you embrace an aesthetic without the maintenance or drawbacks the natural material would demand.
For pet owners, it means accessing the scratch-resistance and easy-clean nature of porcelain tiles while gaining a stone or concrete visual effect.
Our staff have seen the popularity of concrete look floor tiles in Perth, and stone look tiles in Perth homes are another favoured pet-friendly choice.
Terrazzo Look
Viewed as family and pet-friendly, traditional terrazzo tiles are made from mixed materials like marble and glass chips, hence their speckled, stylish aesthetic.
In contrast, terrazzo look tiles are generally made from porcelain with a pattern applied. They celebrate the famed aesthetic, yet offer the durability of porcelain.
Terrazzo look tiles have a more affordable price tag, and won’t require the sealing and long-term maintenance that traditional terrazzo tiles usually need.
Natural Stone
Highly durable, natural stone is gorgeous, especially if you prefer a natural-appearing tile in comparison to the sleekness certain porcelain styles embody.
Remember to avoid the softer stones out there if you have a larger dog, as scratches will likely occur sooner rather than later
Look into sealing your stone tiles, as stone tiles are quite porous. Again, this depends on the type of stone and the polished finish. Remember, sealing can need regular renewing.
Grout care
Hair, mud, dirt: pet owners know grout can collect it all. When placing tiles, designs that involve larger tiles have less grout. Keeping grout clean becomes easier.
Pet owners may choose to seal their grout even when it is not technically required, as this process adds another layer of protection from pet wear and tear.
While you may eventually need to replace and reseal your grout, cleaning up messes your pet makes as quickly as possible will help reduce the risk of stains and odours.
Important pet care
If your pet sheds a lot of hair or coughs up furballs, rough or jagged surfaces on tiles can make cleaning difficult—yet too-smooth textures create different issues.
Pet safety matters. Home flooring should allow the four-legged to roam safely. Making tiles slip-resistant helps improve traction, protecting pets from potential injury.
Be aware of the temperature of your tiles. Summer days see most pets enjoy a relaxing lie-down on cool surfaces. During winter, not so much.
Certain tiles become cold for lounging pets when the temperatures drop. Underfloor heating is a possibility. Otherwise, invest in a pet-friendly rug or accessory.
Pet impact on tile selection
Make pet hair on tiles less noticeable by reducing the contrast in colours between the hair and tile surfacing. Dark dog hair on pale tiles risks looking stark.
Single, solid colour tiling can also make hair and scratches stand out. Explore textures and patterns more forgiving on the eye when dealing with shedding pets.
The way tiles are laid comes into play too. Perhaps a bond pattern over stacking? Have a browse through possible tile patterns before deciding.
Still can’t decide on a pet-friendly tile design?
Choosing the right tile for all the family is important. Your pets need to be comfortable too. We have a fantastic range of discount floor tiles in Perth for pet-friendly spaces.
If you have questions regarding our tile range and pet suitability, we are happy to help. Ready to discuss the best tiles for your needs? Reach out to our friendly team.
