It’s summer. And it’s hot.
This time of year is called the Dog Days Of Summer, the period of hot and humid weather in July and August, coinciding with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. And it’s also time for our annual sale on pet friendly floors. If you have dogs, cats, energetic kids, you want a durable floor. This week we will highlight laminate floors, one of our favorite floors for very active households.
Laminate Floors and Pets: A Perfect Match
Laminate floors and pets are a winning combination, much like French fries and ketchup. For homeowners seeking the stylish look of high-end flooring—such as exotic woods, whitewashed finishes, or wide plank European white oak—without the steep price tag, laminate flooring presents an excellent alternative. Modern laminates offer stunning realism with authentic textures and designs that closely mimic natural materials. Advances in technology allow for impressive replicas of techniques like wire-brushing and distressing.
What Are Laminate Floors and Why Are They Pet-Friendly?
Laminate floors are designed to replicate wood. They consist of several layers: a plastic backing, a wood-based core, and a tough finish made up of multiple layers of melamine (a durable plastic) and aluminum oxide for added wear and scratch resistance. This construction makes laminate floors particularly easy to maintain. Their resistance to scratches and indentations makes them ideal for busy households, especially those with pets.
Laminate flooring typically comes in planks ranging from 8 to 12 millimeters thick. Thicker planks offer greater impact resistance, helping them withstand the drops and bumps of daily life. Additionally, thicker planks can help reduce noise levels. However, thicker laminates generally come at a higher price.
An Abrasion Class (AC) rating system is used to evaluate laminate durability. Tests are conducted on abrasion, impact resistance, stain resistance, burn resistance, and swelling. Most laminates are rated AC3 or AC4. AC3 is suited for heavy residential and moderate commercial use, while AC4 is appropriate for general commercial applications. For home use, an AC3 rating or higher is recommended.
Laminate flooring is versatile enough for nearly any room, including kitchens, basements, and high-traffic areas. Newer "waterproof" laminates, featuring technologies like WetProtect, offer enhanced moisture resistance. Mohawk is regarded as the leader in this field.