Keep Your Floors From Going To The Dogs (NAPSA)—Approximately 71 million households in the U.S. have pets, and anyone living in those homes knowsthat sharing space with animals can be a real beast. Muddy paw prints, scratches and scuffs and, of course, unsightly stains from those occasional accidents can all take their toll, especially on floors. Luckily, the latest innovations in laminate flooring are throwing pet owners a bone. “Laminates are superior in durability to any other flooring option, making them ideal for homes with pets,” said David Small, director of marketing for Pergo, the inventor and leading manufacturer of laminate floors. “They resist scratches and are easy to clean, so the removal of pet hair and stains won’t stop owners from spending time with their furry friends.” Practically pooch-proof, laminate flooring won’t fade, dent or scratch like solid wood, won’t yellow or tear like vinyl and is more comfortable on paws than ceramic —which can becold, hard and difficult to clean. In fact, the nation’s leading product review and testing magazine recently named laminate floors a “smart option” because they give “more toughness for your buck when it comes to spills and scratches.” es spills, such as the ScratchGard Advanced” Surface Protection found on Pergo’s new Elegant Expressions”collection of premium laminate. Piddle Proof Pet owners realize that occasional accidents are inevitable. With laminate floors, there’s no The following are just a few reasons why laminate floors are going to the dogs—orat least to the homes of pet owners: Claw Resistance No matter how often those nails are clipped, an overexcited puppy is bound to stumble and scratch its way across a room. Offering superior scratch resistance, laminates won’t wear through, scuff or fade over time, no matter how many games of fetch you play. And laminatefloors never need waxing, polishing or refinishing, allowing more quality time with man’s best friend. For optimum performance, look for laminates that feature extra protection against scratching and need to send Rover to the doghouse. Simply wipe with a damp cloth or mop. For deep cleaning, a mixture of water and vinegar is recommended. Stay away from chemical-based cleaning solutions; they can leave a dulling film on the floor’s surface. Animal Magnetism Thanks to recent design innovations, the quality and variety of today’s laminate finishes are virtually limitless—with realistic colors and textures that could fool Mother Nature herself. In fact, consumers routinely mistake laminates for higher-priced wood, ceramic or stone alternatives. Laminates are also available in a wide array of colors. For instance, Pergo’s Elegant Expressions collection includes rustic whitewashed looks, contemporary dark oaks and even exotic bamboos. These stylish choices allow the floor to direct the dcor of a room. For more tips on laminate flooring, visit www.pergo.com.
