18 Sep 5 Best Floor Options for Dog Families

An increasing number of people are becoming pet parents. Dogs make up the majority of pets, with 63 million families that have adopted a dog. They provide comfort and companionship, but they can be as hard on flooring as children. Pet parents have to balance their budget, desire for stylish flooring, and the needs of their pet when choosing dog-friendly flooring.

1. Luxury Vinyl

Available in planks that emulate the look of hardwood and the realistic appearance of stone, luxury vinyl is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s great for budget-conscious pet families, waterproof, and resistant to stains and scratches. Luxury vinyl is comfortable for people and pets to walk on.

2. Tile

It’s extremely difficult to damage tile and ceramic and porcelain tiles can be sealed and glazed for enhanced durability. It’s water and stain-resistant, and easy to keep clean. However, tile is cold and dogs will need a pet bed or moderately thick rug to sleep on to protect them from the cold. Tile can also be slippery and result in falls since there’s nothing for a dog’s claws and pads to grip. It can be especially difficult for older dogs to get up from a prone position due to the lack of traction.

3. Laminate

Families can have the high-end appearance of hardwood but without the price tag with laminate flooring. It’s highly scratch-resistant and resistant to moisture. Some dogs don’t like the smooth feel of laminate coating that minimizes scratches and it can slippery for paws. Laminate is stain-resistant, durable and easy to clean and maintain. It’s also a quiet flooring that doesn’t reflect the sound of claws.

4. Cork

The choice of cork may seem strange, but it has an array of advantages, the primary of which is its antimicrobial properties that aid in keeping homes mold and allergen-free. It’s comfortable for people and pets, water-resistant, and absorbs sound. It has a stylish appearance and accommodates a family’s desire for wood flooring. It’s important to remember that it’s still a member of the wood family and can sustain damage from scratches. It isn’t a good flooring choice for homes with heavy furniture, but cork is eco-friendly.

5. Bamboo

Bamboo is another option that combines pet-friendly flooring with the lure of wood and it’s one of the hardest woods on the market. It’s highly durable, but sensitive to moisture, making it best for canines that are potty trained. Bamboo is an eco-friendly and sustainable wood that’s resistant to the wear and tear of everyday life while providing stylishness.