6 Best Couch Material For Big Dogs: Pros & Cons
When you have a pet dog, you want to select the best couch material for big dogs. You want to give it the comfort when they relax. Those who don’t have dogs may only worry about the occasional spill, but pet owners face a unique set of challenges daily. When hunting for a pet-friendly sofa, durability, and easy-to-clean upholstery become top priorities.
I also want to choose the best couch for my dog, Jeny. I test different sofas that are made of different stuff. So, I share the best couches for your dogs. Read below to select the couch for your beloved dogs.
How Dogs Accidentally Damage Furniture
If you’ve shared your life with a dog long enough, you’re likely familiar with how they can accidentally damage your furniture. It’s important to note that this isn’t usually purposeful behavior. Sometimes, they unwantedly damage your furniture. Here are some common ways dogs can unintentionally damage your furniture
Nails
Dogs have nails with which they can easily destroy your furniture. Even with well-maintained nails, dogs can destroy soft fabrics that often cover couches. It can be as innocent as a dog jumping on the couch, with a rogue nail snagging the fabric, causing it to tear. Sometimes, their favorite toy or tennis ball gets trapped under the couch, leading to frantic attempts to retrieve it, which can result in torn upholstery.
Teeth
Dogs love to chew. Even those with no history of household destruction will eagerly gnaw on a bone or tough dog treat if offered one, sometimes for hours. However, puppies, in particular, go through a phase where they explore the world through their teeth. Your furniture can become an unwitting victim if precautions aren’t taken during this time.
Messes
Living with dogs means occasionally dealing with messes. Even the most well-trained and housebroken pups can have accidents, which can wreak havoc on your couch’s appearance and leave an unpleasant odor. But accidents aren’t the only type of mess dogs can create. After outdoor adventures, it’s common for dogs to inadvertently track in dirt, debris, mud, and more on their paws, leading to staining and a dirty appearance on your furniture.
Shedding Woes
Some dogs don’t shed much, but most do, and this shedding can be a headache for your furniture. It won’t necessarily ruin your couch, but it can certainly affect its aesthetics. Constant vacuuming is necessary to rid your furniture of clingy pet hair, which can be time-consuming.
6 Best Couch Material For Big Dogs
Leather
When choosing the best stuff for a couch, real leather is a good option for you because leather is exceptionally tough. Even if your dog decides to jump onto the couch with energy, you don’t need to worry about sharp claws puncturing through it. Leather can withstand such daily encounters without damage. Its solid structure is a significant advantage. It lacks gaps in the weave where your pet’s nails can get snagged. Even if they leave some scratches, these can enhance the leather’s appearance, giving it that coveted worn-in look.
Leather simplifies cleaning. No need for costly trips to the dry cleaner. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is often all it takes to maintain its pristine appearance. The furniture made of leather comes with a substantial price tag. Its pet-friendliness and durability mean you won’t need to replace your couch as frequently, potentially serving you well for decades. Leather can become quite warm in hotter months, which might not be comfortable for your pet.
Leather
Pros
- It is very sturdy
- It is a solid piece of fabric
- It is easy to clean
- Scratches can make it more attractive
- It lasts a very long time
Cons
- It is expensive
- It can get very hot in warmer months
Denim
Denim might not immediately come to mind when considering pet-friendly furniture, but it’s worth considering. It can be used in tough and durable jeans, but denim can also be transformed into cozy, pet-friendly furniture.
Denim is an excellent choice for pet owners because of its durability. It boasts superior breathability. The tight-fitting weave of denim allows air to circulate while effectively preventing things like your dog’s teeth or nails from puncturing through.
It is a specialized fabric. It could be challenging to locate denim furniture that suits your taste and even harder to find pieces that harmonize with your existing decor. Nevertheless, if you’re starting on a major remodel, denim presents a uniquely charming option for any dog-loving home.
Denim
Pros
- It is tough and long-lasting
- It is available in uniquely casual design
- Tightly woven
Cons
- Niche fabric that’s difficult to find
- It may not fit your decor
Outdoor Furniture
When searching for furniture for indoor use with your pet, consider outdoor seating options. Outdoor furniture is built to bear heavy rain, sleet, snow, and various weather conditions. This makes it more than capable of accommodating your dog indoors.
Outdoor furniture often comes at a more budget-friendly price than indoor counterparts. If you’re looking to maximize your furniture budget, exploring the world of outdoor furnishings could be a smart move.
They are easy to clean, but they might be too porous or lack support for your comfort. If you require additional cushioning, exploring alternative pet-friendly options is advisable.
Outdoor Furniture
Pros
- It is relatively inexpensive
- It is very easy to deep-clean
- It offers a wide range of styles
Cons
- Using outdoor furniture indoors may not suit everyone’s taste
- Cushions are very lightweight with minimal support
Twill
Twill is made from a blend of cotton or polyester cotton. Twill is a prevalent choice for furniture upholstery. Finding a couch or sofa with a twill covering is relatively easy.
The challenge lies in selecting the right thread count and weave. Twill comes in various patterns and styles, including textured and printed. For pet-friendly furniture, it’s best to choice for a textured pattern. Textured twill patterns are often tightly woven, making them more resistant to the wear and tear caused by your dog’s nails.
Herringbone, houndstooth, and serge weaves are among the twill patterns that offer durability when choosing furniture suitable for pets.
Twill
Pros
- It is easily accessible
- It offers a wide variety of designs
Cons
- It requires more effort to clean
- Prone to tearing faster compared to materials like leather or canvas
Protected Fabrics
There are options for pet owners in the form of protected fabrics if you’re less concerned about tears and more worried about pet stains. These materials are designed to minimize stains and odors or can be applied as protective sprays on your existing couch to create a barrier.
Crypton is a patented technology that transforms furniture into a stain-proof, bacteria-resistant fortress. You can also consider Scotchgard or other upholstery protectors. These products are excellent for preventing stains, repelling liquids, and neutralizing unwanted pet odors. However, it’s important to note that Scotchgard is a temporary fix requiring periodic reapplication. It’s a cost-effective alternative to buying new furniture.
Protected Fabrics
Pros
- It is a cost-effective solution
- Inhibits the growth of bacteria
Cons
- Limited variety in styles
- Requires regular reapplication when using protective sprays
Canvas
Canvas is an excellent choice for furniture fabric. Canvas offers exceptional durability combined with comfort. It is similar to denim as it features a tight weave, which makes it highly resilient. Additionally, it has a natural, pleasantly rough texture.
Ready-made canvas furniture can be hard to come by, and you can choose custom-built pieces at a premium price. Canvas provides a natural feel, akin to linen but without wrinkles, the sturdiness of denim without color limitations, and easy leather cleaning.
Canvas
Pros
- It is tough and sturdy
- Tightly woven
- It is natural to feel
- It is easy to clean
Cons
- Limited availability
- Higher cost
Conclusion
Choosing the right couch material for big dogs is essential for your pet’s comfort and the longevity of your furniture. The top 6 options discussed here offer durability and pet-friendly features. It’s crucial to consider factors like ease of cleaning and resistance to scratches and odors. By selecting a couch material that aligns with your dog’s needs and your home’s style, you can create a harmonious living space where your furry friend can relax without worry.