Author: Sophie Isbell
If you’re in the market for a new home or you’re renovating your current one, choosing the right flooring requires some thought and planning. However, if you’re a dog owner, there’s even more for you to consider—it’s important to pet-proof your home as much as possible and make it a comfortable place for both you and your pups, and your floors are no exception!
Whether you have a week old puppy or a senior canine companion, aligning your flooring choice with both your personal tastes and your pups’ needs is entirely possible. So how do you choose the right floors that will withstand the wear and tear of your dogs while still maintaining their beauty? There are a few main things you should consider.
Scratch resistance
Dogs can do a lot of damage with their nails when running or playing in the house, or simply by walking around if they haven’t been trimmed. This is true for even the most well behaved dogs! That’s why it’s important to consider the scratch resistance of different flooring materials you’re choosing between.
If you have a rambunctious pup or a larger dog, you might not want to go for solid hardwood flooring, as these can be harder to maintain. Instead, choosing materials like tile, luxury vinyl, or laminate would offer a more durable flooring option that can handle everyday wear and tear.
Water and stain resistance
If you’re still potty training your pups or your dog is more prone to accidents and spills, keeping water resistance in mind is a must for your floors. Some floor types, such as hardwood, bamboo, laminate, or cork, don’t provide a high resistance to moisture, and prolonged water exposure can cause irreversible damage.
While these materials might be able to handle quick spills that are tended to immediately, they won’t be the best choice if you’re dealing with frequent water exposure or accidents from your pups. Instead, opting for a water resistant material like tile or even 100% waterproof luxury vinyl plank will make caring for your floors less of a headache.
Comfort and traction
As a pet owner, you probably want to do what you can to ensure your dogs are safe and comfortable in your home. Your floors are a big part of this! Different floor types provide various levels of thickness, comfort and traction for both you and your pups.
If you have a more senior dog, you might want to look at floor materials with a softer underfoot so your dog’s joints aren’t strained—cork, bamboo, and laminate are all great options for this. Tile and vinyl flooring, while durable and long wearing, might not provide the most comfort for every dog.
While no flooring is 100% pet-proof, it’s completely possible to find floors that cater to both you and your pups needs. For a visual guide on how to choose dog-friendly flooring for your home, check out the infographic below.
