When a homeowner gets a new four-legged companion, it’s one of the most delightful days of their life, both for the dog and the pooch parent. But, there are also new hazards to contend with when a new dog arrives in their household, like stained carpets and bad smells that are hard to get rid of. So, that poses the question, what is the best flooring for dogs? Many homeowners ask this question about their kids, but, dogs are children, too, aren’t they? They certainly make messes just like kids. In this article, we’re outlining some answers to this question so that pets and people can reside in the same household without all the hazards. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is The Best Flooring For Dogs?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Of course, carpet seems to be the likely odd-man-out here, but, the truth is, even carpet can be compatible with pets. However, pet experts typically recommend hard flooring and decorating with rugs that can easily be cleaned or replaced when the pups grow out of the puppy phase. Although, we know that some pups never do grow up. So, that’s when people need floors that will last several years, are easy to maintain, and don’t hurt the pocket-book at initial installation.

1. Luxury Vinyl Flooring

For a low-cost option, homeowners can opt for vinyl flooring. It’s also DIY friendly which can save on installation, and it comes in many designs. Not to mention that the durability of this product has vastly improved over the past decade or more. Besides being a good accident helper, vinyl flooring is cool for pets to lay on during the summer heat and even provides warmth in the winter when the heater or fireplace is running. Also, dog feet won’t slip and slide on this type of flooring so homeowners can rest assured that their pet isn’t going to skate across the kitchen floor when they come running in from the muddy outdoors.

2. Laminate Flooring

Laminate is similar to vinyl flooring but it’s more scratch and dent-resistant. Homeowners should look for a floor rated AC 3 which will accommodate moderate traffic while being dog friendly. The same benefits abide with laminate flooring as with vinyl including the cooling/warming effects and non-slick surface for dogs to slide on.

3. Tile and Stone Flooring

Of course, some of the most dog-friendly floors are ceramic or porcelain tile. One drawback to this type of flooring for dogs is the slick surface, especially at entryways. For this reason, many homeowners will include rugs in their decor to offset the cold feel of the tile. The best thing about tile is that it’s easy to wipe up or mop and there are no hollow spots under the surface which can cause echoes when walked on.

4. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

A list of pet-friendly floors would not be complete without mentioning engineered hardwood. This is a floor that mimics hardwood flooring but without the soft, susceptible wood that can easily be scratched and damaged. The best thing about engineered hardwood is the option to install favored types of wood looks such as mahogany or oak without spending too much. Dogs will love engineered hardwood just as much as regular hardwood.

5. Bamboo Flooring

Many homeowners live by the mantra that the best floors for pets are bamboo. This is a type of wood flooring made from organic material that is highly durable. It’s a hard surface accompanied by resins infused into the material to make it scratch resistant. Those that have bamboo floors love the fact that they have the look and feel of hardwood floors without the worry of damage from their pets.

6. Cork Flooring

Some of the often overlooked but also best floors for dogs is none other than cork flooring. It’s attractive and resembles hardwood. But the best part is that it’s also microbial, meaning if pets have an accident, there is a less likely chance that bacteria or mold can develop under the surface which ultimately causes allergies and illness. Cork also absorbs sound quite well which can be a great benefit for dogs that bark loudly or keep the echoes down from the kids when they’re playing with the beloved pooch.

7. Concrete Flooring

For the most scratch-resistant floors, concrete is the ticket. These types of floors can be installed for a fraction of the cost of other types of flooring and decorated to the homeowner’s liking. They can be painted or have rugs thrown down and they clean quite easily. Dogs will especially enjoy concrete floors because they are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. As an added measure, this can help with utility bills as well.

What if You Must Have Carpet?

Some homeowners just can’t stand the thought of hard floors and would prefer carpet. This is okay, but if they have pets, there are bound to be accidents and other mishaps. In this case, the best option is to install a carpet that is specifically designed for pets that will resist odors and stains. For the easiest option, carpet tiles are fashionable and easily replaceable when something goes wrong.

Installing the Right Flooring For Your Pets

Now that you know a little about choosing the best flooring for dogs, it’s time to choose your new floors. Deciding which type of flooring is right for a homeowner’s household is just the first step. Once they have found the flooring that fits their needs, it’s time to get quotes and get the floor installed. That’s where we come in! We invite all homeowners to contact us when they’re ready to install new floors and put the hazards away. We have many options to choose from and we promise to be honest, professional, and efficient throughout the installation.