Tips For Choosing The Best Carpet When You Have Pets
Just because you share your home with pets, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the warmth and comfort of carpets on your floors. The trick is to choose carpeting that can stand up to romping dogs and occasional messes. Here are some things to look for.
Carpet Material
You may not be able to choose the carpet of your dreams when you have pets, but you still have a lot of options. Wool is probably not a good choice since it is expensive and doesn't resist stains. A better choice is a carpet made of synthetic material such as nylon or polyester. You can buy this type of carpeting that's made specifically for pets. Hairs won't cling to the fibers, so the carpet is easy to vacuum. Plus, the fibers are treated to resist stains from accidents, which helps prevent pet odors.
Also, you want to consider the loop of the carpet you choose. Cut loop is best for pets. If you choose a carpet with loops, your pet can damage it by getting a tooth or toenail caught in one of the loops. If this is done repeatedly, your carpet will have several unraveled areas that make it look worn. Not only that, your dog could be injured by snagging a nail in a carpet loop.
Another consideration in carpet material is the color. Choose a color that hides pet hair. A solid white or very dark color is probably not the best choice. A neutral color that has varied shades running through it is best at hiding pet hair until you can get it vacuumed up.
Carpet Backing
The backing on the carpet is important to think about, too. One problem with carpets and pets is when your pet has an accident and urine soaks through the carpet and into the pad below. The carpet pad holds onto the odor, and it may even grow mold because of the dampness. A waterproof backing is best when you have pets. This protects the pad underneath from urine and spills. This helps you control odors more easily and it also protects your carpet from damage due to dampness underneath it.
Carpet Tiles
One option to think about when you have rowdy pets is carpet tiles. Once they're installed, the tiles look like regular rolled-out carpet. However, they have an advantage for pet owners. If your dog chews up a portion of carpet, all you have to do is pull up and replace one carpet tile instead of having to replace the entire carpet. Carpet tiles are available in many materials so you can still have a thick, lush carpet even if you choose to go with tiles.
You're not the only one who appreciates the luxurious feel of carpet under your feet. Your pets appreciate having a soft floor to walk on and lounge on, too. With careful selection and regular maintenance, there's no reason why you can't enjoy the benefits of carpet even if you share your home with dogs and cats. For more information about selecting the right carpet, try these guys.