Vinyl tiles vs. sheet vinyl: a comprehensive comparison

Our latest guide to sheet vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl tiles and how they compare to each other.

When it comes to choosing flooring options, vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl are two popular contenders that often spark debate among homeowners and designers alike. Both materials offer a range of benefits, but they cater to different needs and aesthetics. In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences, advantages, and disadvantages of vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl to help you make an informed decision for your space.

Vinyl Flooring Options

Vinyl flooring is available to buy on the roll (vinyl sheet flooring) and as luxury vinyl tiles and planks.

Luxury vinyl tiles and vinyl planks – these are individual squares or planks of vinyl flooring. They are available in various sizes and designs, to produce a realistic wood- or stone-effect finish.

Vinyl roll flooring, on the other hand, is a large roll of vinyl that can cover an entire room without seams, providing a continuous surface. It’s available in numerous colours, and a choice of patterns, making it a versatile option.

Installation of LVT

Installation of vinyl tiles can be straightforward, especially with self-adhesive options. While homeowners with some DIY skills could lay them down themselves, it is vital to ensure a perfectly even surface with a perfectly prepared subfloor (see Preparing your sub-floor for luxury vinyl plank flooring), as imperfections can lead to a less attractive final product. At Floors for Paws, we have a network of reputable installation engineers that we always recommend, to give you the optimum finish for your new floor.

Installation of sheet vinyl flooring

Sheet vinyl benefits from professional installation, as the large roll must be cut to size, which can be challenging without professional tools. Moreover, it’s crucial to get the measurements just right to avoid seams that could lead to water infiltration. The cost of a professional installer can be offset by the benefits of a smoother and more visually appealing finish.

Aesthetics

Vinyl tiles – vinyl tiles offer significant versatility in design. With a wide array of patterns, colours, they mimic natural materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic. This allows homeowners to create unique looks tailored to their personal style. Moreover, the ability to mix and match tiles can lead to creative designs, like borders or patterns such as herringbone.

Sheet Vinyl – while sheet vinyl also comes in various styles, it does not offer the same level of customisation as tiles. However, it does excel in creating seamless designs that can give the appearance of a larger, uninterrupted floor. This can be particularly beneficial in smaller spaces where visual continuity helps make the area feel larger, or in areas that will be subject to frequent and vigorous cleaning.

Durability and maintenance

Vinyl tiles – vinyl tiles are durable and resistant to scratches and stains. However, the seams between tiles can trap dirt and moisture if not properly maintained. Regular sweeping and mopping with a damp cloth are usually sufficient to keep them clean. They also have the added advantage of being easily replaceable; if a tile becomes damaged, it can be removed and replaced without affecting the surrounding floor. For detailed advice om maintaining your LVT flooring, see How to clean vinyl floors – a guide for pet owners.

Sheet vinyl – vinyl roll flooring is known for its exceptional durability and water resistance. Its seamless nature means fewer places for dirt and moisture to accumulate, making it easier to maintain in high-traffic areas or spaces prone to spills, like kitchens and bathrooms. However, once damaged, repairing sheet vinyl can be more complicated, often requiring a whole section to be replaced.

Cost

When it comes to cost, vinyl tiles are often more expensive per square metre than sheet vinyl. However, the overall expense may balance out if you consider installation costs and the potential for DIY work. Sheet vinyl, while generally cheaper upfront, may incur additional costs for professional installation due to its complexity.

LVT and vinyl roll flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, our Pawsafe Domestic range and our Luxury Vinyl range is made up of both tiles and planks. The Pawsafe Domestic range has been endorsed by Canine Arthritis Management and is recommended for pets for its non-slip qualities and comfort layer. Pet owners also love it for its good looks, low maintenance and scratch resistance. Our Pawsafe Commercial range is supplied on the roll (like carpet) and is recommended for high traffic areas such as veterinary clinics and surgeries, canine cafes and dog daycare centres. To find out more, read our guide to commercial non-slip vinyl flooring.

Both vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl present their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the choice largely depends on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. To discuss which option suits your current needs, call the team on 01522 300218 or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

LVT Vs ceramic tiles – the pros and cons

A guide to the pros and cons of LVT vs ceramic tiles for the pet owner.

As technology has advanced, so too has the quality of vinyl flooring and today it is almost indistinguishable from ceramic tiles in looks and quality. So, what are the pros and cons of each for the discerning pet owner?

Aesthetics and choice; LVT vs Ceramic tiles

LVT flooring is offered in a wide variety of styles and colours and is produced in such a way that the photographic top layer mimics the appearance of the finest ceramic tile. At Floors for Paws, our luxury vinyl tile range is offered in a choice of 6 stone effect finishes, as well as 6 wood effect finishes.

Durability

Both LVT flooring and ceramic tiles are hardwearing and durable. Where LVT has the edge, however, is in its resistance to cracking and damage. Ceramic tiles crack easily as they are inflexible and have no ‘give’ and once damaged, are difficult and expensive to repair or replace.  The flexibility of luxury vinyl allows it to absorb impacts from heavy objects without being damaged.

Cost

Luxury vinyl tile is much more cost effective than ceramic which is often as expensive as quality solid hardwood floors.

Care and maintenance

Both LVT and ceramic tiles are easy to keep clean and require little more than regular sweeping and the occasional deeper clean (see How to clean vinyl floors – a guide for pet owners). However, ceramic tiles can stain and grout in joints and seams may need replacing over time.

The best flooring for dogs

For homes with no pets, the choice between ceramic and luxury vinyl tiling comes down to personal preference. Where you have pets, however, there is no contest when assessing LVT vs ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are cold and extremely uncomfortable for pets to lie on, particularly senior dogs who may be suffering from canine arthritis. They are also extremely slippery underfoot and paw. This presents a high risk of slipping which is dangerous for dogs – puppies finding their feet need stability as they learn to navigate the world to enable their gait to develop ‘normally’, and older dogs need to minimise the threat of dislocation and broken bones.  Breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia need to feel steady when walking too, to prevent further joint deterioration.

LVT flooring from Floor for Paws

Our Pawsafe Domestic range is the best non slip flooring for dogs, offering the highest slip rating of any vinyl flooring currently available, and with a textured surface that helps dogs of all ages to maintain their balance. A comfort cushion layer makes it comfortable to lie on (and walk on for humans too!) and the flooring comes with a 30-year domestic guarantee.

To find out more about our Pawsafe Domestic range, drop the team an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or call us on 01522 300218 today.

Vinyl floor aftercare

Our complete guide to vinyl floor aftercare will keep your floors in tip top condition.

At Floors for Paws, our best flooring for dogs is supplied as pet-friendly vinyl plank flooring, LVT, or commercial vinyl sheet flooring. While all our flooring options are low maintenance, they will need the correct aftercare to ensure you get the maximum lifespan from them and they remain in the best possible condition. Here’s how!

What to do after installing vinyl flooring

  • After installation, glue down flooring needs time for the glue to set before furniture is moved back on it. This process is called ‘curing’ and if not given sufficient time, planks and tiles could shift.
  • While the adhesive sets, avoid washing the vinyl (for at least 5 days).
  • Do not replace furniture in the area for 48-72 hours and if possible, avoid walking on it too. If you do need to walk in the room, avoid the seams. If heavy objects are placed on the vinyl before the adhesive has cured, it will leave permanent compression marks.
  • Open windows to ventilate the room and help any odours to dissipate.

Protecting vinyl floors from damage from furniture

  • Heavy pieces of furniture can cause dents and scratches to vinyl flooring so use felt or cotton furniture pads for legs (rubber could mark or stain the vinyl). These are attached to the bottom of the legs and will spread the weight, preventing dents, scratches and scuffs.
  • If you rearrange your furniture on a regular basis, use furniture glides, small discs that attach to the bottom of furniture legs. They protect vinyl floors in the same way as furniture pads but also make it easier to move the furniture.

How to care for vinyl flooring

All vinyl flooring benefits from ongoing maintenance. This should take the form of regular sweeping or vacuuming, and mopping for heavier dirt. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar as this could scratch the vinyl. Establishing a consistent care and cleaning pattern, will extend the life of your vinyl, as dirt or spillages that are left to sit on the vinyl could penetrate the joins and degrade the vinyl.

What to avoid when caring for vinyl floors

  • Avoid abrasive cleaning products that could scratch the floor’s surface.
  • Do not use a steam cleaner as this will loosen the adhesive over time. We recommend the Karcher hard floor cleaner.
  • High heels can leave indentations in the vinyl, so always wear indoor shoes with smooth soles on your floors.
  • Keep floors dry at all times – when mopping, dry thoroughly when you have finished, as excessive water could have an adverse effect on the adhesive if left unchecked.

How to clean vinyl floors

Even with regular maintenance, your vinyl flooring will need the occasional deep clean. Seamless floors like our Pawsafe Commercial range which is supplied on the roll, is tough enough to cope with regular deep cleaning whereas the Pawsafe Domestic range and our luxury vinyl range should only be deep cleaned when stubborn marks appear that cannot be removed with routine mopping. For more detailed help and advice for vinyl floor cleaning, our vinyl floor cleaning blog has lots of articles to help.

If you have any questions about cleaning our pet friendly vinyl floors, contact us by email at info@floorsforpaws.com or give the team a call on 01522 300218.

The benefits of LVT flooring

LVP flooring dogs

A guide to luxury vinyl flooring and its benefits to pets and their owners.

What are luxury vinyl tiles?

Luxury vinyl tiles or LVT, is a manmade flooring option. It is available in a plank format like laminate flooring and traditional square tiles. Although a manmade synthetic product, LVT can have the realistic appearance of stone, ceramic or wood, thanks to production techniques.

LVT Vs. laminate

LVT is a more flexible product and has a more forgiving surface compared to the plastic-coated, pressed wood pulp construction of laminate. Being more durable than laminate means that vinyl flooring often has a much longer guarantee.

Glue down or vinyl click?

LVT is available in two varieties, depending on how it will be installed – glue down or click. Like laminate boards, vinyl click flooring panels lock into each other and because it is not permanently fixed to the floor, is also known as floating vinyl flooring. Contrary to popular opinion, click flooring does need sub-floor preparation and an underlay, unlike glue down vinyl that requires only subfloor prep. LVT Vs. click flooring – Which is best for dog owners? has more on this.

Why owners love LVT from Floors for Paws

  • Maintaining LVT – LVT flooring is low maintenance and needs little beyond sweeping or vacuuming regularly, and mopping with plain water. Of course, as with any flooring, spills should be dealt with immediately. For the dos and don’ts of caring for LVT flooring, see How to clean vinyl floors – a guide for pet owners
  • Durability – luxury vinyl flooring from Floors for Paws has a multi-layer construction, with layers heat fused together to give extra strength and durability.
  • Aesthetics – available in real wood- or stone-effect designs, LVT offers high end looks for any style of interior. Our luxury vinyl planks can be used to create traditional designs such as herringbone, while our stone-effect tiles give the look of a ceramic floor.
  • Kind to pets – a textured, anti-slip surface layer helps to stabilise dogs that are unsteady on the legs and the high density fleece backing gives comfort to ageing joints.

Why pets love LVT from Floors for Paws

Comfort – hard surfaces such a real wood or laminate floors, are uncomfortable to lie down on for prolonged lengths of time so LVT offers the older dog a more comfortable option. The soft comfort layer provides cushioning not found in other hard floors.

Textured surface for grip and stability – for arthritic senior dogs or dogs with hip dysplasia, it is essential to reduce the risk of injury through slipping. And young and old dogs alike will love the feeling of security they get from a stable, non-slip surface.

Warm – the backing prevents the LVT from feeling cold to the touch, like ceramic or porcelain tiles, making it nicer to lie on for any length of time. Dogs seem to love lying on it!

Pet-friendly LVT from Floors for Paws

Our luxury vinyl flooring range offers customers a choice of 6 stone-effect finishes and 6 wood-effect finishes to appeal to all tastes. To help you narrow your choice, order up to three free samples today.

https://www.floorsforpaws.com/luxury-vinyl-range/

Alternatively our friendly sales team is available via email at info@floorsforpaws.com or phone on 01522 300218

The best flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws

A guide to the best flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws.

As a nation of dog lovers, we all want the best flooring for dogs but what exactly is that and how do our flooring ranges tick all those boxes? Read on to find out!

Best flooring for dogs

When our pets are either very young, or starting to age, it’s important that they are kept comfortable and safe, to support their development and to avoid any unnecessary discomfort.

Features of pet-friendly flooring

  • Dogs of all ages, but particularly those at either end of their lives, need non-slip flooring. For the young, unsteady pup, a floor that will provide stability under-paw and not increase their chance of slipping will help them to develop without fear of injury. Older dogs who may be suffering from canine arthritis need the same stability to make them feel safe and secure – injuries to older dogs from slipping can be life-threatening, painful and for owners, expensive!
  • When we think of how long our dogs spend lying down and sleeping, it’s easy to see why pet-friendly flooring needs to be comfortable and warm. Cold hard surfaces will add to any arthritic pain your dog may be experiencing and we know ourselves, that sleeping on a hard surface does not contribute to a good night’s sleep!

So, if the above is what our dogs need, what do we as owners need from our floors for them to work for us too? It goes without saying that we want the best for our dogs, but we also need the best flooring for us, and that means our floors have to be pet-friendly and pet-proof!

Features of Floors for paws best flooring for dogs 

  • Durability – pet-proof flooring will withstand the wear and tear from dogs (thinks claws and teeth!).
  • Waterproof – flooring that will not perish under the inevitable ‘accidents’ from puppies and incontinent senior dogs is a must.

Flooring from Floors for Paws that ticks all the boxes

At Floors for Paws, we offer home owners a range of vinyl flooring that is not only pet-friendly but is also pet-proof. Add in to the mix that our flooring is aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance and you’ll see why our flooring is the best flooring for dogs.

Pawsafe Domestic range

With the highest slip rating of any luxury vinyl flooring in today’s market, the Pawsafe Domestic range has a textured surface layer to safeguard against slips and falls, plus a generous comfort layer. When professionally installed, the Pawsafe Domestic range comes with a 30-year domestic guarantee and is easy to keep clean. Waterproof and stylish, the range is available in a choice of finishes to please even the most discerning homeowner – from wood-effect planks perfect for creating a herringbone pattern to stone-effect tiles.

Benefits of Pawsafe Domestic: Best flooring for dogs:

  • Safe
  • Comfortable
  • Hypo-allergenic

Benefits of Pawsafe Domestic range for dog owners:

  • Waterproof
  • Durable
  • Zero maintenance
  • 30 year domestic guarantee
  • Stain resistant
  • Dog claw resistant

The range is fully endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) to give you the confidence that you will get the perfect flooring for you that is also the best flooring for your dogs.

To find out more email us at info@floorsforpaws.com or by phone on 01522 300218. And if you’d like to try before you buy, you can also order up to three free samples.

How to fit LVT herringbone flooring

herringbone flooring

 

For dog owners who want the luxury of a high end, solid wood parquet block floor but who worry about the safety of their pets, look no further. At Floors for Paws, we have the perfect solution – LVT herringbone flooring.

What is herringbone flooring?

Often used when talking about wooden parquet flooring, the term herringbone is in fact one of the most popular patterns that can be created with any type of block flooring. The pattern is created from rectangular wooden blocks which are each arranged at a 45 degree angle from the next to make a geometric, V shape.

Can LVT be installed in a herringbone pattern?

LVT planks are ideal for creating a herringbone pattern and will give a durable, long lasting and beautiful floor.

How to fit LVT herringbone flooring

  • LVT needs to acclimatise upon arrival at your home, to make up for the change in temperature between your home and where it was stored prior to delivery. Leaving the LVT for 24 hours reduces the risk of it warping or cracking after installation.
  • While luxury vinyl tiles do not need a traditional underlay, it is vital to prepare the surface your tiles will be installed on. This surface is known as the subfloor and should be concrete, floorboards or ceramic tiles. If your subfloor has carpet, vinyl or lino on it, this should be removed
  • Prepare your subfloor to ensure it is perfectly smooth and even. Remove all nails and tacks etc. and thoroughly vacuum, before repairing any cracks or holes.
  • For concrete floors a thin (3-4mm) layer of smoothing compound can be applied to the surface to ensure the subfloor is completely smooth. Wooden subfloors should have a flooring grade plywood affixed every 120-150mm, with the joins filled so they won’t ‘ghost’ over time.
  • Cut LVT planks with a sharp blade and glue them down, butting each one up tightly to the next.
  • A herringbone pattern should be started in the centre of the room and worked outwards from this central point. Drawing a guide line will help and one corner of the first tile should be lined up to this at a 45 degree angle. Subsequent tiles should be laid at 90 degrees to the previous one. Once the first pattern row has been established and glued down, subsequent rows are added on alternate sides. The overall pattern is created as you add subsequent rows of planks.

Please note: Installation of glue-down LVT planks requires much more skill than click-together planks and is not for the faint-hearted. We do not recommend that a novice DIY-er tackles this kind of installation and would always recommend an approved installation specialist.

LVT herringbone flooring from Floor for Paws

For pet owners wanting a stylish and traditional aesthetic in their home but who worry about the risks from hard, wooden floors to their dogs, the PawSafe domestic range from Floor for Paws is the best flooring for dogs. It is available in a choice of 12 wood-effect patterns perfect for creating a chevron design, with 6 of those available in a smaller plank size ideal for the Herringbone design. All feature a textured, non-slip surface layer to help unstable dogs of any age. The range also offers a comfort layer and fleece backing. All Floors for Paws ranges come with a 30-year domestic guarantee.

To see for yourself, why not order up to three free samples or contact us by email at info@floorsforpaws.com or telephone on 01522 300218 for more information?

The difference between lino and vinyl

Best flooring for dogs

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 – Which is best for dog owners?

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? A complete explanation

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.

What is the best flooring if you have 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