Tiling for a home with pets
Tiling for a home with pets
Pets are great at so many things – providing unconditional love, companionship, and a built-in countdown to feeding time. But the one thing they’re not good at is keeping a house clean. Spills, accidents, fur, scratches, mud and sand are all part and parcel of pet ownership so you need a home that’s prepared. That’s where tiles come in.
What makes tile the right choice?
When it comes to mopping up after soggy dogs, muddy paws, messy accidents, spilled water bowls, and scattered food remnants, tiles are one of the easiest surfaces to clean.
Not only are they easy to clean, they won’t hold smells or stains, and they can be scrubbed or mopped as frequently as you like without becoming damaged or faded.
Porcelain tiles can’t be easily scratched, or pulled up by excited animals. They don’t have fabric or thread that can catch in claws, and the won’t begin to deteriorate over time.
Their hard, durable surface can’t house annoying critters like fleas, ticks, or anything else that can piggyback in your pet’s fur.
And their non-porous, flat finish won’t gather fur, and makes vacuuming, sweeping, or dry mopping an absolute breeze.
What kind of tiles are the best choice (and why):
Large format tiles are the best for minimising grout-lines. Fewer grout-lines means less grout to clean and less space for dirt to gather.
Porcelain tiles require minimal upkeep, don’t require sealing, and can withstand frequent washing and wear. Cement tiles are porous and require sealing, so need a little more maintenance than porcelain or stone tiles, and may be more prone to scratches.
There is no need to shy away from light colours when decorating with tile as they can be easily cleaned and won’t stain.
In bathrooms, laundry rooms, or garden rooms - where dogs shake off or have a bath - tiles are great for the walls to catch any spray and prevent damaged paint or wallpaper. High-polish and gloss tiles may be a little slippery for paws on the floor (especially after a clean) but are great for walls.
PEI rating represents how durable the tiles are and how likely they are to scratch. We’d recommend a higher rating (3 and above) when decorating with cats and dogs in mind.
Pendulum rating represents the slip-risk of a tile. For spaces likely to get wet we recommend a rating of P3 and higher.
