It's important to consider what floors are best if you have dogs. There are many types of floors, but not all are ideal for homes with pets.
But scratches and stains are a package deal when you own a dog. Different types of floors work better or worse with pets. Here we'll outline the pros and cons of each type of flooring so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are a classic and elegant choice for any home. They're easy to clean and don't show dirt or hair as much as other types of floors.Hardwood is the most likely material on this list to get damaged by scratch marks or urine.
If you have hardwood floors, it's a good idea to keep your dog's nails trimmed. Invest in a set of furniture pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches. You can also protect your floors with rugs in high-traffic areas.
If your heart is set on hardwood, opt for waterproof engineered hardwood, which is more resistant to scratching. Consider choosing light-colored wood that won't show scratches as much.
Choose harder woods or woods with stronger grains. Red or white oak, hard maple, or hickory are also more resistant to scratching.
Tile Floors
Ceramic or porcelain tile floors are a beautiful, traditional choice for any home, especially in warmer climates. They're easy to clean and scratch-resistant.Active dogs might find tile flooring too slippery, though they may enjoy the cool temperature on their paws in the summer. You can add traction to your tile floors with rugs or mats, especially in areas where your dog likes to play. If you have a senior dog with joint problems, cold tile floors may not be the best choice.
If you choose tile, look for unglazed tile, which has more traction. You can also choose a tile with a textured surface to help prevent your dog from slipping.
Laminate Floors
Many people choose laminate floors for homes with pets because of their versatility. Many laminate flooring options today are almost indistinguishable from hardwood floors. They're durable and resistant to scuffs and scratches.Traditional laminates are a floating floor system, which means they're not attached to the subfloor. That can make them more susceptible to damage from moisture.
But newer types of laminate floors have a waterproof core. That means they're much more resistant to spills and accidents. You should also look for textured or embossed laminate for a more slip-resistant surface.
If you have laminate flooring, clean up any urine or spills as soon as they happen. Sweep or vacuum at regular intervals to prevent dirt and hair from building up.
Carpeted Floors
Carpet floors are a popular choice for homes with dogs because they're soft and comfortable. These types of floors are warm and soft to your dog's paws. If you're not a fan of the tippy-tap sounds of dog nails on the floor, then carpet might be the right choice.The downside of carpet is that it can show dirt, hair, and stains faster than other types of floors. Carpet is also more challenging to clean.
If you have carpet, invest in a good vacuum cleaner. You should also have a carpet cleaner on hand to spot clean accidents and spills.
If your pet is prone to accidents, your carpet will likely show stains. You'll need to be ready to quickly clean up accidents with a robust cleaning solution and a good steam cleaner.
Carpet is also a dust and hair magnet. Choose a low-pile carpet that is tightly woven and made of stain-resistant fibers, such as olefin or nylon. Invest in a vacuum cleaner designed to remove pet hair from carpets.
If you have carpet, consider using area rugs in high-traffic areas. Area rugs can be removed and cleaned more easily than wall-to-wall carpeting. Always be prepared with stain-removing cleaning solutions. You'll need to vacuum often to keep the floors looking clean.
Vinyl Floors
Vinyl floors are a popular choice for homes with pets. They're inexpensive, easy to clean, waterproof, and scratch-resistant.Avoid buying vinyl sheets if you can afford to. You cannot replace one damaged area without replacing the whole sheet. Choose click-lock vinyl planks or tiles so you can replace one plank or tile at a time.
But What Are the Best Types of Floors for Dogs?
The best flooring choices must be comfortable for your pet, easy to clean, and durable. However, we think there's one material that provides the best floors for dogs: luxury vinyl planks!Why We Love Luxury Vinyl Planks
Luxury vinyl planks are a type of flooring almost indistinguishable from natural hardwood and stone products. But this flooring is made from PVC!Luxury vinyl plank flooring is durable, easy to clean, waterproof, and comfortable for your dog. If you choose a quality brand and install it correctly, luxury vinyl plank flooring will last for years.
And the best part? You can find luxury vinyl plank floors that look like any type of wood or stone. So if you want the look of hardwood floors without maintenance, luxury vinyl plank flooring is the way to go!
Now You Can Make the Best Paw-sible Choice
So, if you're in the market for a new floor and want something good for your dog (and easy to clean), we recommend using waterproof, scratch-resistant material with good traction. And don't forget – always keep some treats on hand to reward your pup for being such a good sport! Thanks for reading.Thanks for reading! We hope this article has helped you learn about the best types of floors for dogs. Check out our luxury vinyl plank flooring if you're in the market for new flooring. It's the perfect choice for homes with pets!
