Best Flooring for Families with Children and Pets

We all know the scenario. The dog has eaten some flowers and regurgitated them back up on the kitchen floor. The kids are screaming. Somebody knocks over their orange juice, spilling it everywhere, including your slippers. Now you’re screaming too. This is the very definition of chaos. Your only saving grace? At least you’d invested in some wood flooring when you renovated the kitchen. If you’re a busy person with a house to maintain, mouths to feed, and pets who like to raise hell on a daily basis, then practical flooring is an absolute necessity. But what type of floor is best for a home when you’re raising a family? 

Odour Proof, Easy to Clean Floors 

Messiness is all part of the business when it comes to having kids and pets. Drinks will be spilled, food will be thrown, and foul-smelling accidents will indeed occur. While there’s not much you can do to prevent these things from happening, you can ensure that the clean-up is easy and doesn’t leave a stain or stench. Invest in some water-resistant laminate flooring and you’ll find any mess can be easily wiped away, as laminate isn’t a porous material. 

Hardwearing Floors 

All sorts of unforeseen damage can occur when you’re living with animals (and we’re not just referring to the cats and dogs). It’s important to choose flooring that can withstand heavy foot traffic in areas like the hallway or kitchen, where most damage tends to occur. Carpet can be torn or trampled, tile can be cracked, and so both should be avoided. Instead, elect for wood or laminate flooring, as these are much more durable. 

Hygienic Floors 

This one is essential but overlooked. Nothing is more important for a growing family than staying healthy. But certain types of flooring can hide more dirt than we might realise. Carpets especially tend to absorb muck that lands on their surfaces, making it invisible to the naked eye and therefore allowing bacteria to grow. Once again, we recommend a waterproof laminate floor in this department, because any stains are clearly visible and can be mopped up with cleaning fluid. 

Soft Floors 

Everyone knows the panic of dropping a plate on the floor. But when you’re surrounded by bare feet and little paws, this fear is even worse. In these circumstances, you’ll want flooring that is cushioned so glass and china can bounce off it without necessarily smashing. Though your mind might first jump to carpet, vinyl and laminate floors actually have an underlay which provides this nice cushion effect. If you’ve also got clumsy children who have a tendency to fall over, you’re saved from some potentially unpleasant injuries. 

To summarise, you need to prioritise your family’s health and safety when choosing new flooring. Think practically and you’ll not only have a household that’s easier to upkeep, but a safer environment where mishaps are allowed to happen.