Im-paw-tant Tips for Pet-proofing your Floors


Darren has a broad portfolio, having studied fine art & graphic design, originally working in advertising and owning his own graphic design company. After succumbing to his true passion, Darren now operates his own interior design studio and has been a judge on numerous seasons of The Block.

Which flooring should you look for if you have a cat or dog that’s prone to burrowing, digging or scratching?

I would recommend hard flooring in this instance. Even the most well-behaved pet will have occasional accidents which could be devasting to broadloom carpets.

If you prefer softness underfoot, you could use synthetic fibre rugs that can cover large areas, as they can be easier to clean and replace. SDN (solution-dyed nylon) fibres are the most robust in terms of colour fastness and UV resistance, giving them the best possible chance of resurrection should the worst occur.

Which kinds of carpets are allergen-friendly and easiest to clean?

Any carpet with a plush or cut pile will be the easiest for removing surface hair and mess, whereas a single colour on a flat pile will likely reveal damage through staining or wear-and-tear. To get the best of both worlds, use a carpet with lots of colour variation and irregular or organic patterns.

As a fibre, wool has naturally hypo-allergenic qualities and so is preferable if you need to keep irritants to a minimum. Wool also has the benefit of naturally containing lanolin, which makes it naturally water-resistant, affording you a little more time to attend to spills or accidents if they occur.

What kinds of hard flooring are the best options for pet owners?

Technology is constantly delivering more durable, adaptable and forgiving flooring materials, such as hybrid laminate flooring. Fusing the visual qualities of timber with the practicalities of vinyl or laminate, you literally get the best of both worlds.

With UltraPet Pinnacle Hybrid, you can give your furry friends the run of your home without worry. The final product is highly resistant to wear-and-tear as well as being 100 percent water resistant, making it the perfect flooring to accommodate paws, claws and any pet-related mishaps. Having a forgiving floor means you don’t have to forgive your pets for just being themselves, while they keep you company in every area of your home.

What are the most effective methods to care for your hard flooring if accidents, stains and spills occur?

When accidents occur, the best thing to do is to treat the incident as quickly as possible, as the least possible exposure will yield the best possible result. Each flooring will have its own cleaning recommendations but choosing the most durable and resistant surface will give you the greatest window of time when having to clean up.

What should pet owners do to keep their floors in pristine condition?

The best way to keep your floors in great condition starts with your pets. By maintaining and training your furry friends, you’ll give your floors the best possible chance of a long life. Things like regular nail clipping, keeping them clean, toilet training and providing lots of opportunities to get outside amongst nature will give you the best protection against wear-and-tear of your home’s floor.

Even the tidiest of homes will face issues when keeping pets inside, so regular cleaning is a must. Choosing a durable flooring material that will resist liquids and stains will keep your floor looking fresh for longer, as you won’t always be around to mop up the mess immediately.

Pet-Proofing Your Floors | Style Stories


Darren Palmer has a broad portfolio, having studied fine art & graphic design, originally working in advertising and owning his own graphic design company. After succumbing to his true passion, Darren now operates his own interior design studio and has been a judge on numerous seasons of The Block.


Which flooring should you look for if you have a cat or dog that’s prone to burrowing, digging or scratching?


I would recommend hard flooring in this instance. Even the most well-behaved pet will have occasional accidents which could be devasting to broadloom carpets.

If you prefer softness underfoot, you could use synthetic fibre rugs that can cover large areas, as they can be easier to clean and replace. SDN (solution-dyed nylon) fibres are the most robust in terms of colour fastness and UV resistance, giving them the best possible chance of resurrection should the worst occur.

Which kinds of carpets are allergen-friendly and easiest to clean?

Any carpet with a plush or cut pile will be the easiest for removing surface hair and mess, whereas a single colour on a flat pile will likely reveal damage through staining or wear-and-tear. To get the best of both worlds, use a carpet with lots of colour variation and irregular or organic patterns.

As a fibre, wool has naturally hypo-allergenic qualities and so is preferable if you need to keep irritants to a minimum. Wool also has the benefit of naturally containing lanolin, which makes it naturally water-resistant, affording you a little more time to attend to spills or accidents if they occur.

What kinds of hard flooring are the best options for pet owners?
Technology is constantly delivering more durable, adaptable and forgiving flooring materials, such as hybrid laminate flooring. Fusing the visual qualities of timber with the practicalities of vinyl or laminate, you literally get the best of both worlds.

With Pinnacle hybrid flooring, you can give your furry friends the run of your home without worry. The final product is highly resistant to wear-and-tear due a ClawShield™ coating, as well as being 100 percent waterproof, making it the perfect flooring to accommodate paws, claws and any pet-related mishaps. Having a forgiving floor means you don’t have to forgive your pets for just being themselves, while they keep you company in every area of your home.

What are the most effective methods to care for your hard flooring if accidents, stains and spills occur?

When accidents occur, the best thing to do is to treat the incident as quickly as possible, as the least possible exposure will yield the best possible result. Each flooring will have its own cleaning recommendations but choosing the most durable and resistant surface will give you the greatest window of time when having to clean up.

What should pet owners do to keep their floors in pristine condition?

The best way to keep your floors in great condition starts with your pets. By maintaining and training your furry friends, you’ll give your floors the best possible chance of a long life. Things like regular nail clipping, keeping them clean, toilet training and providing lots of opportunities to get outside amongst nature will give you the best protection against wear-and-tear of your home’s floor.

Even the tidiest of homes will face issues when keeping pets inside, so regular cleaning is a must. Choosing a durable flooring material that will resist liquids and stains will keep your floor looking fresh for longer, as you won’t always be around to mop up the mess immediately.

Pet-Proofing your Floors | Style Stories

Get the Carpet Court Look

  1. Hybrid Pinnacle in Vintage Chestnut

  2. Hybrid Pinnacle in Natural Oak