What's the Best Material for Pet Run Flooring?

If you are a homeowner and a pet lover, it can be highly frustrating if you cannot let them go outside due to the presence of treacherous pests that lurk nearby, such as snakes, scorpions, javelinas and feral neighborhood cats. For those who are in possession of their own cuddly kitty, you have probably got used to the fact that they will not be able to go outside and enjoy the fresh air, even if your kitty yearns for garden or backyard fun and frolics.
Dog owners, on the other hand, may be familiar with the process of letting their precious pooch go outside into the backyard for between five to ten minutes so that they can do their potty business before quickly returning into the comfy haven otherwise known as your house. For exercise, the free space in the back garden is neglected in favor of a walk on a lead around the local streets, with the owner safe in the knowledge that they are present in case a dangerous irritant chooses to cause trouble with their furry friend.


Regardless of if you own a cat or dog, letting them spend time outside without a leash or tether is essential for their continued wellbeing, even if this notion is wholly impractical due to the limitations of your property. And that's where pet runs come in.


Made to accommodate cats and dogs of all shapes and sizes, a dedicated pet run area will help to keep your animals secure while at the same time giving them the freedom they need to run around, play games, and go to the toilet.
One of the most important aspects of a backyard pet run is the floor. Selecting the right surface is crucial, since many different flooring types can help in the prevention of odors, as well as allow for trouble-free cleanup if a "mistake" occurs. For example, grass, dirt and woodchips can all be easily dug up by curious paws that want to explore, and unpleasant urine aromas can also be soaked up over time, which means the area becomes time-consuming to clean. Ultimately, these are not viable choices for pet run floor surfaces.
Here are some of the most effective flooring options available for backyard pet run installations:


Concrete - An understandable go-to alternative, concrete is extremely resilient, hard-wearing, and resistant to extreme changes in weather, as well as being simple to clean. Unfortunately, it is rough on your pet’s paws and can become very hot in a short period of time. It also may still absorb urine odors if not washed off regularly.


High Density Plastic Decking - Another superlative option, plastic flooring is lightweight yet still robust, sturdy and long-lasting.


Synthetic Grass - One of the most popular pet run floor preferences, artificial turf is designed to remove pet urine through its layered filtration system. Each blade of grass can also be quickly cleaned with the use of a water hose, and most faux lawn products also boast inbuilt anti-digging elements too.


Pea Gravel - Similar to crushed granite, these tiny stones make the task of dealing with solid pet waste quick and straightforward. You can either apply lime or use a power washer on a frequent basis to any affected area to eliminate unwanted odors.
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