Stone Flooring
Stone floors can be a great choice for a pet owner on–the–go, as most stone floors types can be very easy to
clean. Stone flooring also provides a very hard
surface that in many cases is nearly impossible to scratch, and additionally resists mold and fungi growth.
Pros
- Resists the growth of mold, fungi and bacteria
- Resists allergens such as dust, mites and pet dander
- Great for pets and pet owners with allergies
- Some stone floors are very hard and scratch resistant
- Properly sealed stone flooring is moisture resistant for the most part (however, spills should still be cleaned up
immediately)
Cons
- Grout may stain
- Not a quiet surface for long–nailed pets to walk on
- Hard surface can be unforgiving on pets' joints
- Acidic liquids, such as urine, may damage unsealed stone floors
- Porous stone types may hold onto liquid and debris
Pet–Friendly Flooring Tips – Stone Flooring
- Seal grout lines completely (with a sealant recommended by the manufacturer)
- Use a darker grout to help disguise stains
- Protect your subfloor with a moisture barrier or underlayment such as cork or foam rubber
- Choose larger stone floor tiles for fewer seams (this can help reduce the risk of subfloor damage due to moisture
absorption)
- Install slightly textured stone floors to reduce slippage
- Put pet boots or nail caps on your pets to reduce slippage and floor damage
- Clean up spills, dirt, and debris immediately
- Keep pets' nails trimmed to minimize scratches
- Place non–slip mats or rugs under food and water dishes, as well as in running paths and areas your pet visits
frequently
