How to Choose the Best Flooring for Dogs

Vinyl flooring is both durable and a budget-friendly option. Vinyl comes in everything from commercial grade vinyl to antimicrobial vinyl. It's a good choice for homeowners with pets when they're choosing the best flooring for a dog.

• Waterproof vinyl and water resistant vinyl are easy to clean.
• Mark resistant vinyl and Lifeproof vinyl flooring stands up to larger, active pets.
• Scratch resistant vinyl and stain resistant vinyl resist scuffs from pet nails and damage from accidents.
• Skid resistant vinyl is excellent for older pets.

Pros:

• Cool and comfortable for dogs
• Works with radiant heating systems
• Comfortable and quiet underfoot
• Easy to maintain
• Available in many different looks including vinyl plank flooring designs that mimic natural stone and wood

Cons:

• Can dull easily if you opt for a thin protective layer
• Less eco-friendly
• Can be less desirable when selling a home

Tile flooring is overall highly durable and truly timeless. For example, porcelain tile is a better choice for dog owners than the more fragile and permeable ceramic tile.

Pros:

• Ideal for warmer climates
• Timeless style that adds value to your home
• Durable, long-life material
• Waterproof, water resistant and scratch resistant
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Cool tile can feel good on your pet's paws

Cons:

• Can require a higher upfront investment
• Thin grout lines can make for slippery floors
• Hard surface can be tough on aging pets
• Loud underfoot

Laminate flooring stands up against scratches and stains, making it great for active pets. When it comes to the best flooring for dogs, laminate is an excellent choice for homeowners who value durable, low maintenance flooring.

Pros:

• Cost-effective for big and small spaces
• Scratch resistant laminate is tough and durable
• Resists stains and markings from messes
• Easy to clean with minimal effort
• Heated laminate can be comfortable in colder climates

Cons:

• Water resistant laminate is required for most pet-friendly spaces
• Higher upfront investment for noise resistant laminate
• Slippery surface can be problematic for aging pets

Bamboo flooring is strong, eco-friendly and resistant to major damage. It also provides a unique look that works well in transitional and modern homes. Several types of bamboo flooring are pet-friendly including dent-resistant bamboo, scratch-resistant bamboo and waterproof bamboo flooring.

Pros:

• Stain resistant for high-traffic areas
• Eco-friendly material reduces environmental impact
• Durable, easy to maintain
• Retains warmth in winter

Cons:

• Sensitive to moisture in some cases
• Susceptible to scratches from active pets
• Quality can vary based on harvest
• Can require a higher upfront investment

Cork flooring may seem an unusual choice for the best flooring for dogs. However, it checks all the boxes on durability and requires minimal maintenance. Cork flooring also has a unique look and is comfortable underfoot.

Pros:

• Naturally antimicrobial, making it ideal for allergy sufferers
• Mold and mildew resistant
• Absorbs sound well
• Requires little daily upkeep
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Can show scratches
• Heavy furniture can cause dents
• May discolor over time if exposed to sunlight
• Doesn't handle moisture well

Solid hardwood flooring is an elegant material that breathes new life into any interior design scheme. Hardwood flooring will require regular maintenance. While it is very durable, it may not be the best flooring for active or large dogs.

Pros:

• Timeless style adds value to your home
• Lasts for many years
• Waterproof hardwood options provide some moisture protection

Cons:

• Can stain and wear quickly
• Susceptible to scratches
• May be difficult underfoot for pets

If you simply just love the look of hardwood, engineered hardwood may be the best flooring for dogs in busy, high-traffic spaces.

Pros:

• Offers some scratch and water protection
• More budget friendly compared to solid hardwood
• Rustic finishes can help camouflage scratches

Cons:

• Can require a higher upfront investment
• May not offer enough water protection against spills and accidents
• Scratches easily

Carpet can add a soft touch to your home while feeling cozy underfoot for you and your pets. The best choice for dogs would be a stain resistant carpet such as Lifeproof with Petproof Technology carpet.

Pros:

• Feels good for older, aging pets with problems like arthritis
• Comes in a range of styles to fit every home design
• Stain resistant, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic carpet options

Cons:

• Traps dander and pet hair
• Stores fleas, ticks and pests brought in by dogs
• Needs regular cleaning
• Can require a higher upfront investment