If you have a pet, then you know they can cause accidents and other messes that can damage your floors and furnishings. Use this guide to durable home finishes so you can keep Fluffy and Fido and still have a beautiful home.

Floors

Consider these flooring options that are easy to clean and are scratch, moisture, and stain resistant:

• Luxury vinyl
  This synthetic flooring is likely the most durable choice for pet owners. Vinyl can resemble hardwood, tile, and stone. While all types of luxury vinyl floors are resilient, scraped or textured vinyl floors can be an even better choice for disguising wear and tear.
• Laminate
  This composite flooring, which may contain both natural and man-made materials, can be made to look like hardwood and features a durable resin coating.
• Tile and natural stone
  Porcelain and ceramic tile and natural stone like granite, quartz, and slate are available in a variety of looks.
• Bamboo
  Bamboo flooring can be as tough as hardwood if constructed well, but inexpensive varieties can sustain damage more easily.
• Engineered hardwood
  This cost-effective wood-floor option is more water resistant than true hardwood and mimics the real thing because of its thin top hardwood layer.
• Hardwood
  White oak, maple, and hickory are among the hardest and most durable types of hardwood floors. An aluminum dioxide-urethane finish can add an extra layer of protection, while distressed or hand-scraped wood floors can hide imperfections.
• Carpeting
  Carpeting can be cozy, but it can also collect dirt, dander, and stains and is susceptible to water damage. Brands like Lifeproof, Mohawk SmartStrand, Pet Perfect by Shaw, and Stainmaster PetProtect, which have stain treatments built in, can make your flooring last longer.

Fabrics

Look to purchase sofas or chairs upholstered with materials that are easy to clean and less likely to trap fur and dirt, such as:

• Cotton
  Canvas and denim are both sturdy cotton fabrics used to make furniture resistant to stains and rips. But they might not feel as soft as other upholstery choices.
• Leather
  Genuine leather is puncture resistant and can be wiped free of spills and moisture. Distressed and aged leather will hide damage better than smooth and shiny leather.
• Microfiber
  This durable polyester fabric is easy to clean, has a velvety texture, and can repel moisture.

For an added layer of protection, try using a slipcover or water-resistant pet cover on your furniture.