The difference between lino and vinyl

People often call vinyl flooring lino by mistake, thinking they are the same thing. Here, Floors for Paws looks at the differences between these two popular flooring solutions.

 

What is lino?

Lino, or linoleum to give it its correct name, is a type of flooring that was particularly popular in the first half of the 20th century. Invented by Frederick Walton in the mid-1800s, lino is a mixture of linseed oil (hence the name linoleum) with natural materials such as cork dust or wood pulp, and pigments. In terms of maintenance, a lino floor needs to be recoated and waxed every year.

Vinyl flooring

In contrast to lino, vinyl flooring is made from a completely synthetic, manmade material, called PVC (polyvinyl chloride plastic). Vinyl flooring consists of multiple layers that are heated and pressed together. The surface layer gives the flooring its final appearance and is coated for resistance to scratches, liquids and stains.

How to buy vinyl flooring

Where linoleum can only be bought on the roll (like rolls of carpet), vinyl flooring is available on the roll as well as luxury vinyl tiles or luxury vinyl planks. This gives users the opportunity to create patterns in their flooring such as the traditional herringbone pattern of parquet floors.

At Floors for Paws, our ethos has always been to put the welfare of dogs on an equal basis to that of their owners. To this end, we have worked extensively with Canine Arthritis Management to develop a range of flooring that is the best flooring for dogs. So how does lino measure up to vinyl flooring when it comes to our pets? Let’s take a look at the features of the best flooring for dogs which include slip resistance, comfort, water resistance, and low maintenance in order to keep dogs and their owners happy.

Comfort

The multi-layer composition of vinyl flooring allows for a soft, comfort layer to offer cushioning to older dogs. As linoleum is a single layer construction, this is lacking and may be hard for dogs with joint conditions to lie down on for extended periods.

Slip resistance

Linoleum is extremely slippery and requires an application of a water based sealant or modified resin solution. However it can take up four applications before some slip resistance is achieved. Floors for Paws’ Pawsafe Domestic range and Luxury Vinyl range on the other hand,  have the highest slip rating of any vinyl plank flooring currently on the market

Water resistance

With dogs at either end of the age spectrum being prone to accidents (either from not yet being house-trained or from suffering from age-related incontinence) water resistance is important for dog owners. Linoleum requires regular sealing in order for it to be water resistant and even then, it isn’t recommended for any areas that are prone to moisture and humidity. Vinyl flooring however, when professionally installed is completely waterproof.

Maintenance

Both linoleum and vinyl are fairly easy to clean but keeping pet-friendly flooring clean is easier with vinyl flooring. It requires the minimum of ongoing maintenance beyond regular sweeping and mopping with plain warm water. Linoleum on the other hand does not stand up well to being mopped and does need to be sealed once or twice a year.

Comparisons between vinyl flooring and linoleum

Aesthetics – The options available or vinyl flooring are extensive. As the final aesthetic of LVT flooring and luxury vinyl planks depends on the pattern printed onto their surface layer, colours and patterns available are extensive and wood-, stone-effect finishes are also possible. Linoleum undergoes a different process, with the pigment added to the natural materials in the flooring. This limits the choice of pattern available.

Durability – as lino is a softer material than vinyl, it is more susceptible to scratches and damage. Its single layer composition means that regular sealing is required to counteract this, where vinyl flooring has an integral scratch resistant layer.

Installation – both require experienced installers if they are to give a maximum lifespan and durability. While vinyl is much beloved by the enthusiastic DIY-er, at Floors for Paws we are able to offer a prolonged guarantee against damage or failure of the flooring if it has been professionally installed.

Sustainability – as a product made using only natural materials, lino is completely organic and therefore sustainable, whereas vinyl flooring has, over the years, received a fair amount of bad press due to the nature of its manufacture and the lack of opportunity for recycling. At Floors for Paws, we use efficient manufacturing processes and our ranges are chemical free with a low VOC count. Floors for Paws is both FloorScore® and DIBt certified for superior indoor air quality, and our products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. We use only recyclable plastic and only recommend a solvent-free adhesive.

While linoleum can be described as the precursor to vinyl, it’s fair to say that the invention of vinyl flooring definitely sounded the death knell for lino. It is however, experiencing a small comeback but for dog owners, we believe that vinyl flooring is the best flooring for dogs. If you would like to discuss any of our vinyl flooring ranges, please send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give us a call on 01522 300218

LVT Vs. click flooring

LVT vs Click

At Floors for Paws, we supply and fit luxury vinyl flooring which we know is the best flooring for dogs.

 

LVT flooring can be installed in two ways – glue-down or click. At Floors for Paws, our product ranges are glue down but here we look at the alternative, click vinyl flooring, to see how it compares.

What is vinyl click flooring?

As its name suggests, vinyl click flooring is made up of interlocking tiles that ‘click’ together thanks to a tongue and groove style system where the edge of one tile will lock into the next. Also known as floating vinyl flooring, click flooring is not permanently fixed to the floor but rather sits or ‘floats’ on top of it.

The disadvantages of vinyl click flooring

  • Many people think that because click flooring requires only underlay and no preparation of your sub-floor, that it is preferable to glue-down. However if your subfloor is not up to standard, it will need some work before an underlay product can be fitted. With glue-down LVT, there is no need for underlay and preparing your sub-floor for luxury vinyl plank flooring is straightforward.
  • Where noise and sound levels are important, click vinyl is not ideal – the adhesive bond in glue-down LVT provides increased stability and noise reduction.
  • Glue-down LVT is completely waterproof and ideal for any room in the home. Click vinyl, however features joints that can be easily penetrated by high levels of moisture, resulting in warping and damage. Additionally where water and other liquids like dog pee are able to penetrate the joins, this can lead to the integrity of the flooring being compromised, and smells.
  • When exposed to fluctuating temperature conditions, click flooring will have movement. The tiles or planks will expand and contract with the heat which will lead to the floor rising over time. It will also need expansion gaps around the perimeter to help with this which add to its overall lack of water resistance and require beading trim or skirting boards.

The benefits of LVT flooring from Floors For Paws

Working closely with CAM, our priority at Floors For Paws has always been to deliver the best flooring for dogs and their owners.

Our flooring has the highest slip rating of any vinyl currently on the market, making it super safe for young, gangly puppies and older, unsteady dogs.

A soft, comfort cushion layer makes it comfortable underfoot for pet owners and offers a kinder cushioning for pets to lie down on.

When professionally installed LVT flooring is completely waterproof and comes with a 30-year domestic guarantee.

Our Pawsafe Domestic range comes in a choice of 12 realistic, wood-effect vinyl planks, allowing home owners to create the look of traditional solid wood flooring. Of course, this kind of choice can be overwhelming, so let us send you up to three free samples (or more for a small charge) to help you decide.

If you are still undecided, consider the options carefully, but before making your final choice, read what one of our trusted installation experts has to say. If you have any further questions after that, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@floorsforpaws.com or on 01522 300218.

What is LVT flooring?

dogs on luxury vinyl flooring

LVT flooring is a hardwearing, low maintenance flooring and here, we discuss why we believe LVT flooring is the best flooring for dogs.

What is LVT flooring?

Short for Luxury Vinyl Tiles, LVT flooring is a luxury vinyl flooring product manufactured from several layers of PVC that are bonded together. At Floors for Paws, our LVT flooring is available in a choice of realistic looking natural wood- or stone-effect finishes.

Is LVT better than laminate?

Laminate flooring is supplied in plank form with the planks comprising layers of pressed wood pulp with a plastic top layer. As LVT is made from a plastic composite, it is a much more flexible flooring option with a softer surface. LVT is also much more durable than laminate and, because of this, manufacturers are able to offer longer guarantees. At Floors for Paws, when our LVT is fitted by one of our approved suppliers, it comes with a 30-year domestic guarantee.

What is the lifespan of LVT flooring?

At Floors for Paws, our LVT range has an expected lifespan of 30 years (hence the guarantee we are able to offer). Its multi-layer construction with surface ‘wear’ layer means our luxury vinyl range will stand the test of time and of course knowing how to clean vinyl floors correctly will also help to prolong its lifespan.

What rooms is LVT flooring suitable for?

Its excellent durability coupled with stylish and stunning good looks, makes LVT flooring suitable for any room in your home. As it is completely waterproof (read Best waterproof flooring for pets), it is particularly suitable for bathrooms and kitchens and it will also withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for hallways and entrance halls. For living or dining rooms where a traditional herringbone effect is preferred, wood-effect luxury vinyl planks are perfect.

The benefits of LVT flooring to pet owners

In addition to its durability, water resistance and low maintenance, LVT flooring really is the best flooring for dogs. Offering the good looks of a real wood or stone floor, luxury vinyl flooring has none of the disadvantages. It has a non-slip, textured surface layer to help young and old dogs alike to maintain their balance plus an additional comfort layer and a fleece backing. Designed especially with your pets in mind, the range has been endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management).

LVT flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, our luxury vinyl range is offered in a choice of 8 wood-effect vinyl planks, ideal for creating a traditional herringbone design, and 6 stone-effect tiles ideal for replicating a ceramic floor. We understand the choice can be overwhelming, so why not choose up to three free samples (or more for a small charge) to help you decide?

Once you’ve received your samples, ordering couldn’t be easier! Simply follow the four easy steps in How to order and we’ll do the rest. For any other questions, our friendly team can be contacted by email at info@floorsforpaws.com or over the phone on 01522 300218.

Best flooring for dogs

best flooring for dogs

Loving pet owners want the best of everything for their dogs and here, we take a close look at the best flooring for dogs.

 

When we talk about the best flooring for dogs, we often mean the best flooring for dog owners but at Floors for Paws, we believe that flooring can be both! As we previously discussed in our blog post ‘Pet-proof or pet-friendly – what’s the difference?’ dog proof flooring usually just means it will withstand wear and tear from pets and be easy to clean for owners, while pet friendly flooring will be kind to pets.

Dog friendly flooring

Our flooring has to be kind to our pets, whatever their age. Puppies who are finding their feet and older dogs who are losing their mobility, all need flooring that will help them and support their mobility. Which is why non-slip flooring for dogs is essential.

Non-slip flooring for dogs

Most of the non-carpet flooring solutions in today’s market – ceramic tiles, solid wood, and laminate – while durable and hardwearing, are unforgiving to our pets and pose a real risk of injury to them through slipping and falling. The best flooring for dogs, therefore, needs to offer them good grip and traction so that they can not only move across it with ease, but also get back up easily if they do lose their footing.

Pet friendly flooring

As well as offering a good slip rating, the best flooring for dogs must also cater to their other needs. Older, arthritic dogs are likely to spend a large part of their time lying down so a flooring that is comfortable for them is best. Carpet may be comfortable but it’s also very chewable(!) stains easily, will become damaged by spillages (think dog pee and water bowls) and provides a warm, safe home for fleas and pests. Likewise, hardwood floors, tiles and laminate can be cold and all are extremely hard and uncomfortable.

Pet-proof flooring

While the best flooring for dogs should meet their needs, it can also be pet-proof, and keep pet owners happy too. Flooring should be easy to clean, waterproof, scratch resistant and low maintenance. That’s a lot to ask of any flooring but at Floors for Paws, our vinyl flooring ticks all the boxes.

Why Floors for Paws offers the best flooring for dogs

At Floors for Paws, our PawSafe flooring ranges have been developed in partnership with Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) to be kind to dogs. Our Pawsafe Domestic range and our Luxury Vinyl range are supplied in a choice of plank or tile options in a range of attractive wood- and stone-effect finishes to satisfy the most house proud amongst us. The multi-layered construction has a textured surface layer plus a soft, comfort layer for kinder cushioning. Both ranges also offer the highest slip rating of any vinyl plank flooring and are therefore the best non-slip flooring for dogs currently in the market. Pet owners love our flooring because it’s kind to their pets and it’s great for them; read ‘Best flooring for pet owners’ to find out why.

If you want the best flooring for your dogs, simply call us today on 01522 300218 to find out more, or  drop us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

What can I do at home to help my dog with arthritis?

Canine arthritis friendly flooring

Just as we would help a relative with mobility issues and painful joints so we do with our pets too. Here, we show you what you can do at home to help a dog with arthritis.

 

The parallels between the challenges facing humans with arthritis and dogs with arthritis are remarkable. Where arthritis causes pain, limitations on everyday life thanks to reduced mobility, and anxiety about slipping and falling, we can assume that our beloved four-legged friends experience the same. So, as loving pet owners, is there anything we can do at home to help our arthritic pets?

Fortunately the answer is yes, we can make some small additions and changes in the home that will help!

Access to comfortable resting places

Consider increasing the number of dog beds in your home, positioning one in each of your dog’s favourite places to stop and have a lie down. Lying down eases joint pain so providing soft bedding such as blankets, duvets or specialist orthopaedic dog beds that offer extra cushioning , will go a long way to helping make your dog more comfortable.

Maintain a consistent temperature

Our wellbeing and state of mind is greatly affected by changes in environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity levels, and so are our dogs’. Cold affects joint mobility and heat can causes discomfort, so try to maintain a consistent temperature in your home throughout the year. Keeping your home warm in winter and well-ventilated in summer are just a couple of things that can easily be implemented that will help your pet.

Shorter walks

While our focus in this post is changes we can implement in the home, it’s important to remember that arthritic dogs should still be walked wherever possible. Simply reduce the length of time they are walked – two or three shorter walks are much kinder to an older dog than one very long walk. And always remember to follow even, well surfaced paths.

Flooring

Perhaps the biggest change we can make as dog lovers, is to consider the flooring in our homes. Where your dogs are older and perhaps suffering from the occasional accident, you need a hardwearing and durable option that will be easy to maintain and keep clean. Unfortunately for arthritic joints, these types of flooring – laminate, ceramic tiles, solid hardwood – can be hazardous at the least and downright dangerous at the worst.

Non-slip flooring for dogs

Non-slip flooring for dogs is essential in minimising the risk of falling and therefore potential injuries. Tiles, laminate and wood flooring are slippery in the extreme so look for a flooring solution that offers a textured surface. This will provide traction that will allow unsteady dogs to move more confidently.

Cushioned flooring

Cushioned flooring is great underfoot for humans and for arthritic dogs, offers comfort to painful joints. The shock absorbing qualities of cushioned flooring will let your dog move between lying, standing and sitting easier and more comfortably.

Best flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws we put the needs of your pets first in everything we do. Whether you are looking for luxury vinyl plank flooring (our Pawsafe Domestic range), or LVT (our Luxury Vinyl range), you will find a wide choice of modern designs with the most realistic wood effect finish in today’s market. Both ranges offer a textured, non-slip surface layer with the best slip rating of any vinyl flooring on the market, plus an extra-soft, cushioned layer for comfort. When installed by a Floor for Paws approved contractor, our domestic flooring options come with a 25-year domestic guarantee.

To find out more send an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give us a call on 01522 300218 today.

The pros and cons of LVT flooring for pet owners

LVT for pet owners

The choice of flooring available in today’s market can be daunting but, for pet owners, it’s vital to choose the best flooring for dogs. Here, we look at the pros and cons of LVT flooring in particular.

 

What is LVT flooring?

LVT flooring is the abbreviation for luxury vinyl tile flooring, a synthetic flooring solution that, thanks to advances in production techniques, mimics the look of natural wood, stone, and ceramic.

The benefits of LVT flooring

Beautiful designs – LVT flooring offers the look and style that discerning homeowners demand. Innovative 3D printing techniques produce tiles that replicate the aesthetic of natural wood and stone, making this flooring suitable for anywhere in the home.

Strength and durability –  at Floors for Paws, our luxury vinyl range comprises several layers, including a high density fleece backing, a reinforcement layer and a coated anti-slip wear upper layer. Layers are heat fused together and this composition ensures maximum strength and durability, while protecting the design integrity of the floor.

Low maintenance –  stain and scratch resistant, LVT flooring is easy to maintain and will continue to look its best with a basic level of care. How to clean vinyl floors includes lots of dos and don’ts for regular maintenance as well as deep cleaning advice.

Waterproof – luxury vinyl repels moisture and when professionally installed it is virtually waterproof.

LVT lifespan

The average lifespan of LVT is around 25-30 years and at Floors for Paws, we are so confident in the quality of our products that, when they are professionally installed, they will come with a 30-year domestic guarantee. Manufactured to stand the test of time, luxury vinyl is a great option for busy homes.

The cons of LVT flooring

Compared to the benefits it offers, luxury vinyl flooring has relatively few cons. It can be difficult to remove once it has been glued down, and it can dent easily so furniture coasters/floor protectors should be used under heavy furniture.

Luxury vinyl flooring is the best flooring for dogs

Our luxury vinyl range is offered in a choice of finishes to suit every home and offers all the features and benefits outlined above. However, it is where a home has pets that this flooring really comes into its own. The range is endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) and has been designed with your pets’ comfort in mind. With a non-slip surface and extra layer for comfort, our LVT also features a textured surface to enable older, infirm dogs or even gangly puppies, to maintain their footing and therefore reduce the risk of injury, allowing them to move safely.

Free samples available

If you would like to see for yourself what our luxury vinyl range can offer you and your pets, order up to three free samples, or more for a small charge. If you like what you receive, ordering with us couldn’t be simpler. Send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give our friendly team a call on 01522 300218, and we will do the rest.

A guide to vinyl plank flooring

Vinyl plank flooring

A comprehensive guide to vinyl plank flooring, telling you everything you need to know about this easy to maintain flooring solution.

What is vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is a type of luxury vinyl flooring, made of PVC, that is supplied in plank-shaped strips (like hardwood or laminate flooring) rather than the traditional squares of luxury vinyl tiles.

What does luxury vinyl plank flooring look like?

Luxury vinyl plank flooring or LVP, is specifically designed to offer the aesthetic of a real wood floor, with designs and colour options representing a wide variety of natural wood finishes.

Now we have explained what LVP is, let’s look at the benefits it offers to homeowners, and specifically to pet owners!

Benefits of luxury vinyl plank flooring

Durability – the composition of LVP produces an extremely durable flooring that offers good resistance to the scratches and stains that heavy foot traffic can cause.

Waterproof – when professionally installed, LVP is waterproof, as an impermeable seal is created between the joins in the vinyl that liquids cannot penetrate.

Low maintenance – beyond regular sweeping or vacuuming, LVP can be cleaned quickly and easily by mopping with plain water. How to deep clean vinyl floors – a guide for pet owners explains how to deep clean your LVP and what to avoid.

LVP is kind to pets – offering the look of a real wood floor without any of the discomfort for your pets, LVP is a multi-layered product. At Floors for Paws, our LVP range has an anti-slip, textured surface plus a reinforcement layer, and the Pawsafe Domestic range also has a high density fleece backing for joint comfort. Flooring for older dogs is important to get right if they are to remain comfortable for as long as possible and our range has been developed in conjunction with CAM (Canine Arthritis Management).

How to lay vinyl plank flooring

LVP must be installed over an existing subfloor. An enthusiastic DIY-er can prepare a subfloor for vinyl flooring, but we recommend a professional fitter carries out the work to ensure guarantees are not invalidated. Where a professional fitter is used, Floor for Paws can offer guarantees of up to 30 years dependent on flooring type.

Where to use luxury vinyl plank flooring

A really versatile flooring solution, LVP can be used anywhere in the home. Its ability to withstand the impact of high volume foot traffic makes it the perfect choice for use in entrance halls, hallways and kitchens, while its water resistance makes it ideal for bathrooms. The plank shape and size allows for a wide choice of patterns to be created too, and a classic herringbone pattern will always suit any lounge or sitting room.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring from Floor For Paws

At Floors for Paws our luxury vinyl range offers 12 wood-effect, vinyl plank options that can be installed to replicate the look of a solid wood floor or a traditional parquet floor. Alternatively, our Pawsafe Domestic range offers a choice of two plank sizes in either a herringbone-effect finish or a plank-effect look. If you are considering LVP flooring but aren’t sure which colour or design would suit your home, order up to three free samples from the luxury vinyl range or up to three free samples from the Pawsafe Domestic range to help you decide. If you have any other questions in the meantime, our friendly sales team will help via email at info@floorsforpaws.com or over the phone on 01522 300218.

Vinyl or laminate flooring for dogs

Our latest article examines the similarities and differences between vinyl flooring and laminate flooring.

Your choice of flooring in your home will probably be decided upon after you have considered many types of flooring. However as dog owners, it is important to choose a flooring solution that not only satisfies us but is also kind to our dogs. With this in mind, we are going to compare vinyl flooring to laminate flooring.

What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?

There are similarities and differences between the two in several areas, including how they are made (and what from), what they look like, their durability and their water resistance, amongst other things.

What are vinyl and laminate floors made from?

Laminate floors are made from layers fused together through a lamination process, around a central core of HDF (high density fibreboard made of compressed fibres of recovered wood). There is usually a photographic layer that forms the visual appearance of the laminate and a durable protective top layer. Vinyl floors are constructed from synthetic PVC which is heated and pressed into thin layers.

What vinyl and laminate flooring looks like

Laminate flooring is a wood effect flooring, with the laminate boards recreating the look of solid wood floor boards. Vinyl flooring offers a wider choice of aesthetic, supplied in wood- and stone-effect finishes as well as a herringbone or plank finish, vinyl flooring offers homeowners much more choice and versatility.

Durability of vinyl and laminate flooring

Both laminate and vinyl flooring offer good durability, thanks to their hardwearing and protective surfaces. While laminate is more prone to scratch damage than vinyl, vinyl can become dented unless protected against heavy furniture with specialist coasters or floor protectors.

How waterproof are laminate and vinyl floors?

While laminate is water resistant, its wood content prevents it from being waterproof, while vinyl flooring is completely waterproof thanks to its PVC composition.

From the homeowner’s point of view, laminate and vinyl flooring are pretty much neck and neck. But what about from the pet owner’s point of view – which is better for dogs?

Best dog friendly flooring

Dogs of all ages, but particular young puppies and older, arthritic dogs, need a flooring that will help them to feel safe and secure and reduce their risk of slipping. Comfort is also a big consideration – older joints will feel sore when laying on hard solid wood, laminate or ceramic tiled floors and while carpet is comfortable, it is not the dog pee proof flooring that owners need.

Pet-friendly flooring from Floors For Paws

At Floors For Paws, our vinyl flooring offers pet owners that extra something and has been developed in conjunction with CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) to be kinder to dogs than laminate. Unlike laminate and other types of vinyl flooring, our Pawsafe Domestic range and our luxury vinyl range, (both available in plank or tile options) feature a textured, anti-slip surface layer, and have the highest slip rating of any vinyl plank flooring in today’s market. They also have an extra-soft comfort layer that provides better cushioning.

To see for yourself, why not order up to three free samples today, or get in touch with our friendly sales team to see how our flooring can help your dogs. Call us on  01522 300218 or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

How to clean sheet vinyl floors

dog owners guide to cleaning sheet vinyl

A guide to cleaning vinyl sheet flooring and what to avoid using on them to maintain their appearance.

Vinyl flooring today can be found in a variety of domestic and commercial settings, from private households to clinical settings and even hospitality. Is the care and maintenance needed the same for every setting? Here we look in particular at pet-friendly vinyl sheet flooring when used in a commercial environment.

What is vinyl sheet flooring?

As the name implies, vinyl sheet flooring is supplied on the roll, just like traditional carpet and is supplied in your preferred length.

Vinyl sheet flooring for commercial premises

There are many features of sheet vinyl flooring that makes it the ideal flooring solution for commercial premises. In particular, sheet flooring can cover an area with no seams, or very few, depending on the width of the roll. This in turn means the flooring cannot be penetrated by water or moisture, rendering it completely water resistant.

Maintaining vinyl sheet flooring

As with LVT flooring, vinyl sheet flooring is extremely low maintenance and requires nothing more than regular vacuuming or sweeping. It goes without saying that spillages should be dealt with as soon as they occur and in general, flooring in commercial settings needs the same maintenance as that in a family home.

Deep cleaning vinyl sheet flooring

The difference between LVT and sheet flooring is more marked when it is time to deep cleaning. Settings such as veterinary practices, dog daycare centres, and canine cafes can experience high volumes of canine traffic and as such are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria and will require much more frequent, thorough cleaning. As seamless flooring is easy to mop and is impenetrable to liquid and moisture when professionally installed, it is durable enough to withstand regular deep cleaning where necessary.  Simply mop with a recommended cleaning solution or, if you and your clients prefer a more natural option, tackle stubborn marks and stains with a paste of baking soda and water before mopping with a solution of one cup of white vinegar in one gallon of warm water.

Can you use a steam mop on vinyl sheet flooring?

The quick answer to this is no! Many people think that the seamless nature of vinyl sheet flooring  makes it suitable for steam cleaning. However it is not the risk of moisture and steam penetrating the joins that is a risk to the flooring. The high temperatures that steam cleaners and mops get to, can cause adhesive to melt and can compromise the surface of the flooring, allowing the steam to penetrate the vinyl and damage the interior layers.

Other things to avoid on sheet vinyl floors

Do not use abrasive scourers that will damage the surface of the vinyl.

Extremely hot water should not be used – warm water only is suitable for mopping vinyl floors.

Wax products – these leave a residue on the surface of the flooring which can be difficult to remove without causing damage.

Avoid leaving newly cleaned floors wet – simply dry with a clean microfibre mop.

Vinyl sheet flooring from Floors for Paws

We supply sheet vinyl flooring as part of the Pawsafe Commercial range. Ideal for premises that experience a lot of four-legged visitors, the flooring has been endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) as it offers excellent slip resistance and maximum grip for dogs that may be unsteady when standing or walking, due to age or conditions such as canine arthritis. The range features a thicker than average wear layer for extra comfort too. For our two-legged customers, the Pawsafe Commercial range is offered in a selection of wood- and stone-effect designs to add a domestic aesthetic to business premises.

To see for yourself, why not order up to three free samples? Or give our sales team a call on 01522 300218 to find out more.

How to help a dog with arthritis

Our latest guide to helping older dogs suffering from arthritis, to make their lives easier.

Arthritis in dogs

  • Canine arthritis develops over time just as human arthritis can and statistically, 80% of dogs over 8 years old will develop arthritis.
  • It isn’t just older dogs that can develop it however; an injury or wound suffered at any age can cause joint damage which can lead to inflammation and arthritis.
  • Sadly also, there are certain breeds that may be predisposed to canine arthritis, including popular breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Springer Spaniels, amongst others. In these cases, screening is available.
  • Ensuring your dog remains a healthy weight, and exercises regularly, will reduce the risk of being overweight which can also be a cause of arthritis through excessive weight putting stress on the joints.

Once you have identified that your dog is suffering with arthritis, there are lots of practical ways you can help to lessen the effects and of course, consulting a vet and canine dietary specialist who can offer practical advice will also help.

Easing arthritis in dogs

  • Lift food and water bowls off the ground (there are lots of different bowl stands available on the market). Doing this means that larger or taller breeds don’t have to lower their heads too far which can pull on painful joints.
  • Ensure your dog’s bed is as comfortable as possible and firm enough to offer support to painful joints. Arthritic dogs rest often and having several beds around the home will let them rest in comfort wherever they are.
  • As with humans, exercising arthritic joints to prevent immobility is very important but consider more frequent, shorter walks rather than one or two longer walks. This will be kinder on joints, as will walking on softer ground such as grass, that offers less impact stress than say concrete.
  • Keep claws well clipped to reduce the chance of slipping.
  • When walking an arthritic dog, try to stick to flat, dry ground. This will minimise the risk of your dog losing his footing and slipping or falling.

As well as minimising the risk of slipping while on a walk, it is important to ensure flooring at home does not pose a similar threat. At Floors for Paws, we specialise in dog-friendly flooring solutions that are kind to arthritic dogs.

Non slip flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, we have combined quality and style in our range of pet-friendly, low-maintenance flooring. Where real wood, laminate and ceramic floors pose a real risk of slipping coupled with a hard landing, our vinyl solutions are perfect for dogs of all ages. With a textured, anti-slip surface and an extra-soft layer of protection, our ranges have been endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) who recommends them for older dogs and those with arthritis. Offered as tiles or planks in a wide range of colours and designs, our Pawsafe Domestic Range and our Luxury Vinyl Range are perfect for any room in the home. For businesses who experience a high volume of pet visitors, such as veterinary clinics, dog daycare centres, and canine cafes, our Pawsafe Commercial Range is supplied on the roll and offers the very best in pet-friendly flooring.

To discuss any aspect of our flooring and how it can help your dog remain as comfortable as possible for as long as possible, please call us today on 01522 300218 or send an email to info@floorsforpaws.com