Depending on the level of house-training, active dogs and other animals require flooring that can stand up to heavy traffic, scratching and stains. Having plenty of traction is also important, as a hard floor can be more slippery for pet paws.
Luxury vinyl, such as our American Charm 6 collection, has a durable surface that’s resistant to moisture, scratches and dents. It also offers realistic hardwood and natural stone looks.
Luxury Vinyl
Whether you have the claws of a cat or the paws of a dog, these flooring options are designed to withstand rambunctious pets. These floors are resistant to scratches, scuffs, water and stain damage, and offer comfort and traction.
Vinyl is a popular choice because it can mimic the appearance of other flooring types and materials, such as hardwood or stone tile. It also comes in a variety of patterns and textures, making it more visually appealing. Look for a high-quality vinyl that has a thick wear layer to increase durability and protect against scratching, fading and abrasions.
Tile is another durable option that can withstand the sharp claws of a pet, hide dander and be easily cleaned. Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a wide range of shapes, colors and finishes. They can withstand spills and accidents, are easy to clean, and resist moisture better than luxury vinyl.
Natural Stone Tile
Tile floors are paw-fect for pets as they’re resistant to scratches, stains, and water-based spills. In addition, the hard surface of tile provides a good amount of traction for your pet’s claws and can stand up to high-impact stress, like jumping or falling.
One drawback to tile is that it can be cold and hard on your pet’s paw pads, so you may need to add some soft rugs to provide comfort. It’s also important to choose a grout color that can hide pet stains and dirt well.
Another flooring option that checks off all the boxes for pets is luxury vinyl. Available in plank or tile form, this flooring offers the look of natural wood floors with durability and easy maintenance. It’s also a great choice for resale value and can be refinished in the future. However, it’s important to select a vinyl that is textured or embossed so that it is more resilient against pet paws.
Engineered Hardwood
If you love the look of wood floors but worry about your pet’s paws, consider engineered hardwood. These floors are made of a plywood or fiberboard base with layers of real hardwood veneers. The top layer is designed to mimic the appearance of solid wood and can be finished with a water-resistant coating. Engineered wood also resists scratching and stains better than solid hardwood, making it a good choice for dogs.
Bamboo floors are also sustainable and easy to clean, so they’re an excellent choice for dog owners. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and are great at hiding scratches or marks from pets’ claws. They also provide a comfortable surface for your pets to walk on and can help to reduce noise.
Tile flooring offers a classic style and is extremely durable. It can withstand spills and wet mopping, and it’s less sensitive to moisture than luxury vinyl. Its hard surface can be uncomfortable for pets, but you can use rugs or mats to add some traction and make the floor more comfortable for your furry family members.
Carpet
Carpet was once off limits to pet owners, but new products are crafted for stain protection, moisture resistance and even heavy wear-and-tear. Look for low pile styles with a textured visual to avoid your dog’s nails from snagging the fibers and for colors that hide dirt or debris until you can clean.
Laminate has become a popular flooring option thanks to its real wood resemblance, and it’s also hard, durable and easy to clean. The best style for pet owners is a scraped or textured laminate, as smoother finishes are more slippery for paws.
Bamboo is another trendy floor that’s a good choice for pet owners as it resists scratches, but it’s still more sensitive to moisture than hardwood and vinyl. You’ll want to make sure your pets are well-trained and have their nails trimmed regularly to prevent them from puncturing the floor. Consider placing a mat at the entry doors to catch the dirt your pet tracks in, and use a damp mop to remove messes.