Everything you need to know!

As pet lovers, few things are better than enjoying a meal or a cuppa in the company of mans best friend. Fortunately, many cafes and restaurants embrace pet-friendly policies, creating welcoming spaces where pets and their owners can relax. Pet-friendly spaces are becoming increasingly popular, and patios are a valuable investment for both businesses and homeowners.

What Makes a Patio Pet-Friendly?

A truly pet-friendly patio isn’t just about allowing animals, it’s about ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for pets and their owners. Using durable, high-quality materials can make all the difference. Here are some key features:

Pet-Friendly Flooring: Avoid hot, rough surfaces on paws. Lighter-coloured surfaces, soft grass, or outdoor rugs are excellent options.

Secure Boundaries: Repair or replace fences to create a secure area that keeps pets safe while you dine in peace.

Shaded Areas: Direct sun can be overwhelming for pets. Trees, pergolas, or parasol can reduce surface temperatures and provide relief.

Water Stations: Hydration is crucial, especially on warm days. A fountain or water bowl keeps pets cool and hydrated.

Thoughtful Design: Whether your pet is big or small, speak to a landscaper to accommodate zoomies and let pets settle comfortably without feeling crowded.

Conscious Design With Henry J Agg

We loved seeing our Kandla Grey Porcelain featured in Henry J Agg Garden Design, where Henry’s thoughtful and creative approach transforms outdoor spaces across the UK and beyond. His passion for garden design shines through in every project, as he crafts tailored outdoor environments that reflect each client’s unique needs and surroundings.

You may have spotted him as a presenter on ITV’s Gardening Club or showcasing his expertise at prestigious events like the Chelsea Flower Show. Beyond design, Henry is also a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness, actively promoting his Open Up & Grow fundraising initiatives to inspire well-being through gardening.

See more of Henry J Agg’s projects on Instagram here!

Our Top Pet-Friendly Patio Flooring Picks

We understand your outdoor space should be safe, stylish, and practical for the whole family, including your pets! Here are our top pet-friendly material choices:

• Porcelain
• Natural Stone
• Composite Decking

How is Nustone Porcelain Pet-Friendly?

Porcelain paving is the paw-perfect choice for pet-friendly gardens. Here’s why:

🐾 Slip-Resistant: With an R11 anti-slip rating, our porcelain provides a secure surface for playful paws, rain or shine!

🐕 Scratch-Resistant: Tough enough to withstand claws and energetic pets, keeping your patio looking pristine.

🧼 Stain-resistant and easy to Clean: Muddy paws? No problem! A quick wipe or hose down keeps your paving looking fresh.

☀️ Cool Under Paws: Our porcelain is UV-resistant and retains less heat than natural stone, making it comfortable for pets to walk on, even during summer.

⏳ Durable & Long-Lasting: Built to withstand high traffic and pet adventures for years to come!

Which Natural Stone Is Coolest On Paws? 🐾

When choosing pet-friendly paving, it’s essential to consider how hot the surface gets under the sun. Lighter-coloured slabs are a great choice for extra-sensitive paws, as they retain less heat. Some natural stones stay cooler than others, making them more comfortable for your furry friends to walk on. Here are the top natural stone options for pet-friendly patios:

Sandstone: Naturally porous, making it less likely to retain heat. A great choice for keeping paws cool in the summer!

Limestone: Is a softer, cooler stone that doesn’t absorb heat as quickly as darker or denser materials.

Granite (Lighter Shades): While granite is dense, lighter-coloured options reflect heat better than darker ones, making them a safer choice.

Travertine: One of the best stones for heat resistance! Its porous nature helps keep it much cooler than other materials, even on hot days.

Is Composite Decking Safe For Pets?

Paws are essential, too, so we ensure they’re comfortable! That’s why our composite decking is designed with pet-friendliness in mind:

✅ Anti-Splinter & Smooth Surface: No risk of painful splinters or trips to the vet.

✅ Slip-Resistant: Provides secure footing, reducing the risk of slips and skids, even on rainy days.

✅ Scratch & Stain-Resistant: Tough enough to withstand claws, playful pets, and everyday messes.

✅ Low-Maintenance & Easy to Clean: No more worries about muddy paw prints, just a hose down!

✅ Long-Lasting Durability: Built to endure all-weather conditions and active pets for years.

☀️ Can become warm in the sun: To prevent this, opt for lighter colours, add shade, use rugs, or incorporate plants.

What Outdoor Plants Are Pet-Friendly?

Adding greenery to your patio can enhance the space, but choosing pet-safe plants is essential. Below are some common plants that are safe and unsafe for pets.

Top Tip: Before purchasing or planting, research if it is a safe option for your pet.

Pet-Safe:

🌿 Lavender: Calming and non-toxic for pets.

🌿 Rosemary: An excellent herb that is pet-safe and repels insects.

🌿 Areca Palm: A beautiful and non-toxic decorative plant.

🌿 Spider Plant: Air-purifying and entirely safe for cats and dogs.

🌿 Marigolds: Bright and safe flowers that can deter pests.

Pet-Unsafe:

❌ Lily: Highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.

❌ Oleander: Extremely toxic to both cats and dogs.

❌ Sago Palm: Can cause severe liver damage in pets.

❌ Azaleas: Ingestion can lead to serious health issues.

❌ Philodendron: Contains calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation and swelling.

Keep Your Pet Safe While Patio Cleaning

Maintaining a clean patio is essential, but keeping your pets safe during the process is just as important. Always keep your furry friends away from cleaning solutions until the area has been thoroughly rinsed and dried to prevent accidental contact with chemicals. Even when using eco-friendly products like the EcoProTec Range, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry, indoor, and secure space out of reach of pets and children. This ensures a safe and worry-free environment for both you and your four-legged companions while keeping your patio looking its best!

Enhance Your Patio Experience

Enjoy a pet-friendly experience together for years to come, here are some ideas:

Add Comfortable Seating: Garden furniture, cushioned seating spots, or hammocks for you and cosy pet beds for your furry friend.

Incorporate Greenery: Whether you have a balcony or open garden, natural scents provide stimulation and discovery for your pets.

Play: Add a storage box to hide pet toys when not in use, keeping them safe and preventing tripping hazards.

Cool It Down: A quick spray with water before letting pets outside can make a big difference!

Hoses & Sprinklers: Dogs will love joining in on the fun! They’ll enjoy a little playtime while you’re washing down the patio or watering the grass.

Maintain: Keep it clean and tidy so you can enjoy it every day.

Final Thoughts

Pet-friendly patios create excellent opportunities for bonding with your pet while enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re a pet owner looking for a welcoming spot or a business to attract animal lovers, embracing pet-friendly features can make all the difference. Enjoy the great outdoors and quality time with your four-legged friend!

Visit us in-store to test our products, and bring your dogs along, too! We’ll welcome them with open paws! 🐶🐾