How to Choose the Best Flooring for Dogs

Vinyl flooring is durable and cost-effective, making it a good choice of material for homeowners with pets. A range of different options, from commercial grade vinyl to antimicrobial vinyl, are available. This gives you more options when choosing the best flooring for your dog.

Benefits:

• Cost-effective
• Waterproof vinyl and/or water resistant vinyl are easy to clean
• Mark resistant vinyl and Lifeproof vinyl flooring can stand up to larger, active pets
• Scratch resistant vinyl and stain resistant vinyl options are also available
• Comfortable and quiet underfoot
• Skid resistant vinyl is excellent for older pets
• Available in many different looks including vinyl plank flooring designs that mimic natural stone and wood
• Cool and comfortable for dogs
• Works with radiant heating systems

Considerations:

• Can dull easily if you opt for a thin protective layer
• Less eco-friendly
• Less desirable for resale

Verdict:

• The best overall fit for humans and dogs
• Most budget-friendly flooring option
• Easy to maintain, durable and reliable
• Choosing a more stylish option can help boost resale value

Durable and truly timeless, porcelain tile, ceramic tile and stone tile have long been go-to options for pet owners. Here's why it's some of the best flooring for dogs:

Benefits:

• Tile is a durable, long-life material
• Waterproof or water resistant and scratch resistant
• Tile offers timeless style
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Cool tile can feel good on your pet's paws
• Porcelain tile is a better choice for dog owners than ceramic tile, which is more fragile and permeable

Considerations:

• Can be expensive, though low-cost options exist
• Thin grout lines can make for slippery floors
• Hard surface can be tough on aging pets
• Loud underfoot

Verdict:

• Ideal for warm climates, but less suitable for cold areas. During the winter, tile can be quite chilly underfoot
• Tile flooring can be made comfortable with rugs and pet beds
• Can be costly, but tile flooring is highly durable
• Timeless style that adds value to your home

Laminate flooring stands up against scratches and stains, making it great for active pets. It's also easy to maintain for most homeowners, putting it near the top when it comes to the best flooring for dogs.

Benefits:

• 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

Considerations:

• Water resistant laminate is required for most pet-friendly spaces
• Can be loud without more costly noise resistant laminate
• Slippery surface can be problematic for aging pets

Verdict:

• An excellent choice for homeowners who value durable, easy-to-clean flooring
• Slickness could be bad for aging dogs
• Water can cause long-term damage if you're not diligent

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.

Benefits:

• Dent resistant bamboo and scratch resistant bamboo are strong materials
• Water resistant bamboo and waterproof bamboo flooring can handle big spills
• Stain resistant for high-traffic areas
• Eco-friendly material reduces environmental impact
• Easy to maintain
• Retains warmth in winter

Considerations:

• Sensitive to moisture in some cases
• Susceptible to scratches from active pets
• Quality can vary based on harvest
• Can be expensive compared to other flooring materials

Verdict:

• Pet-friendly if you choose the right type of bamboo flooring
• Durable and long-lasting despite higher cost
• Ideal for sustainability-minded buyers

Cork flooring may not be as popular as other materials on this list, but it can still be the best flooring for dogs and in homes depending on your unique needs. Cork flooring also offers a striking style that will be uniquely yours.

Benefits:

• Cork is naturally antimicrobial, making it ideal for allergy sufferers
• Mold and mildew resistant
• Absorbs sound well
• Requires little maintenance or daily upkeep
• An eco-friendly flooring that is good for the planet

Considerations:

• Can be sensitive to scratches; lighter shades handle scratches better
• Heavy furniture can cause dents
• May discolor over time if exposed to sunlight
• Doesn't handle moisture well

Verdict:

• Offers a unique style for your home
• Comfortable underfoot due to the relatively soft nature of cork
• Excellent for homeowners who don't mind natural scratches
• Durable if you clean up messes quickly

Engineered hardwood flooring provides a special mix of durability and style few other materials can offer. If you love the look of hardwood, engineered hardwood may be the best flooring for dogs in busy, high-traffic spaces.

Benefits:

• Stylish look may improve your home's resale value
• Offers some scratch and water protection
• Affordable compared to solid hardwood

Considerations:

• Can be expensive compared to other flooring materials
• May not offer enough water protection against spills and accidents
• Scratches relatively easily

Verdict:

• Preferred if you love the look of natural hardwood
• For the best protection from scratches, opt for the hardest type of hardwood
• A hardwood floor with a rustic finish can help camouflage scratches
• Other flooring materials like vinyl, laminate and tile may be better options

Solid hardwood flooring is an elegant material that breathes new life into any interior design scheme. While it can work for some homes, it may not be the best flooring for dogs depending on your lifestyle.

Benefits:

• Timeless style looks great and adds value to your home
• Lasts for many years in the right home environment
• Waterproof hardwood options provide some moisture protection

Considerations:

• May not perform well in wet environments
• Can stain and wear quickly
• Susceptible to scratches
• May be difficult underfoot for pets
• Dark colors show dander and pet hair

Verdict:

• A timeless choice for world-class interiors
• Hardwood flooring will require regular maintenance
• May be better for small dogs than bigger pets

Carpet can add a soft touch to your home while feeling cozy underfoot for you and your pets. It's not ideal for every room, though. Here's what you should know about pet-friendly carpet:

Benefits:

• Comes in a range of styles to fit every home design
• Very comfortable under your feet
• Feels good for older, aging pets with problems like arthritis

Considerations:

• Will trap dander and pet hair, though antimicrobial and hypoallergenic carpet options can help
• Stores fleas, ticks and pests brought in by dogs
• Requires regular cleaning
• Water damage can occur unless you choose water repellent carpet
• Stain resistant carpet suitable for pets can cost more
• Fade resistant carpet and wear resistant carpet are better for homes with active pets

Verdict:

• Can provide comfort and performance for some rooms
• Consider Lifeproof carpet and PetProof carpet for extra protection