Busy households need flooring that can stand up to the rigours of everyday use. It needs to be strong, durable and, most importantly, easy-to-clean. Anyone living with small children or pets will know the perils of choosing the right floors. Muddy footprints, smeared foods and even paint has the potential to find itself smeared across your precious floor on a daily basis. So, how do you find the perfect flooring for homes with animals and children?

Everyday Demands

There's a saying that homes full of noise are homes full of love. However, the same can be said about dirt. If you've got young children or a furry four-legged friend, you'll know just how much dirt and grime they can bring in. Gardens are a haven for burning off energy but are also the places where your little ones are likely to get the grubbiest. In these environments, flooring needs to be easily cleaned and hard-wearing. Even then, there are various considerations to take into account depending on the age of your pets and children. Let's look at some of the most suitable options.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Suitable for: Young children

Luxury Vinyl Floor tiles allow you to combine that wooden look with the durability of vinyl. They are a higher quality alternative to sheet vinyl and are exceptionally hardwearing. This makes them perfect for those rooms where little ones are bound to run, skip and jump to their heart's content. Additionally, these tiles are moisture resistant so spilt drinks or paints will be easy to wipe clean.

Alternatively, Laminate Flooring is a low-cost option that can be used in every room of the house and requires minimal expert support to install – another option to consider for younger children.

Wooden Floors

Suitable for: Older children

Wooden floors, specifically hardwood options, have long proved a popular option for busy family homes. They are remarkably hardwearing, standing up to many years of abuse. Equally, wood floors don't hold on to irritants including mould, pollen or dust in the same way that carpet does. This minimises allergy risks. Hardwood can also be finished in a range of varnishes – working flexibly with your children as they grow and their preferences change. One expert tip would be to choose lighter coloured woods floor to hide dents and scratches.

Carpet

Suitable for: Toddlers and older pets

If there's one key benefit of carpets that we had to mention first, it's the softness. Toddlers are notorious for falling and bumping their heads. Equally, older pets can become weak in their knees. Carpet offers the protection and cushioning needed to minimise serious injury. It is also a good noise reducer and helps to insulate a room, perfect for playrooms and bedrooms alike. Most man-made carpets are bleach cleanable and offer stain-resistant properties which lend itself perfectly to busy family homes.

Here at Virtuoso Flooring, we have been supporting the needs of busy family homes for over 20 years. Let us help you create a comfortable, warm and stylish home every member of your family will love.