A lack of grip: One of the dangers of laminate floors for dogs
Laminate floors have a finish that’s especially glossy and slippery. This surface is especially difficult for dogs to grip with their paws, causing them to slip and slide. As a result, dogs may experience bumps, sprains, strains, and even fractures. When dogs run on laminate floors and try to change direction, it’s quite common for them to suffer damage to their backs.
In this sense, this type of flooring is especially harmful to older dogs. For senior dogs, walking on laminate or wooden floors can be particularly difficult. They become startled when they slide out of control and this can cause them to feel extremely anxious. After an injury, they may become very reluctant to cross a slippery floor, which then limits their movement around the house.
Qualities to Look for in a Laminate Flooring for Dogs
Several considerations are unique to a home with a dog (or dogs). The following can help anyone learn more about the finest flooring for dog lovers.
For dog owners, scratch resistance is the main problem. A dog has claws, and even if they get manicures regularly, those dog nails could still scratch the floors. Homeowners want a floor that can withstand frequent scratching.
Fortunately, laminate floor is one of the most scratch resistant flooring options. Nevertheless, not all flooring manufacturers or models are the same in a specific location. When looking for laminate, pay close attention to the product specifications or abrasion classification (AC).
Laminate has AC ratings ranging from A1 to A5. For a dog-friendly home, the A1 and A2 floors are too low. In resisting daily claw actions, a laminate floor with at least an A3 rating is preferable. A4 and A5 are designed for professional use, and while they’re more scratch-resistant, there are fewer style selections. A3 is an excellent option.
Homeowners should be concerned about water resistance if they have pets in the house. Dogs will track snow and water into the floor, and even the best-trained dog will have issues. Water resistance varies by laminate, which is essential because stagnant or puddled water may quickly ruin the laminate flooring.
Water resistance is better in a few brands, such as Aqua-Step and Dumaplast Dumafloor, which are both Belgian manufacturers. Additionally, the Zothex brand provides extra durability but not completely waterproof flooring.
Its essential to consider the level of water resistance and any additional protection that the laminates are providing.
Learn more: 5 Ways on How to Make Laminate Flooring Waterproof
When people are walking on laminate flooring, a concern that all homeowners may encounter is how noisy it can be. It’s especially true if the family member strolling on the floor has four legs and claws and occasionally barks.
Examine the sound absorption properties of laminate while searching for flooring, especially if there are downstairs neighbors or noise-sensitive family members. Also, consider investing in acoustic laminate underlay.
Research on the Impact Insulation Class of the flooring just as there are scratch resistance ratings. The classification of most laminate is IIC 60. An IIC of 60 or above is a good option, especially for installation on the second floor or in flats with downstairs neighbors.
To ensure the flooring is quiet enough, know the variety of underlayments available. They range from cork floor to carpet, which will support in absorbing the sound of claws clicking.
Traction is the final factor to consider. Dogs and humans don’t share the same bond with the floor. Dog paws purpose isnt walking on hard, slick surfaces; they’re created to walk on grass, mud, and rock. When dogs walk, they use their claws to hold the ground, and they cant simply grip a smooth solid surface like laminate.
Always take various precautions when it comes to flooring. It also helps ensure the quality and most comfortable experience possible for the dogs, including purchasing stylish booties and traction socks.
There are steps anyone can take to make the floor more secure.
For starters, throw carpet rugs and runners in locations where the dog is likely to walk or lie down. These will make it easier for the dog to move around and for senior canines to rise. Look for textured laminate flooring as well. Some manufacturers make laminate that resembles the texture of real wood. It’s a great option to give dogs additional traction.
Now heres the core of the matter: What are the best pet-friendly laminate floorings?
Since cork is naturally antibacterial, it’s one of the best flooring options for pets. Cork can help keep mold and other allergens out of the house, even when you have pets.
Cork flooring is among the comfiest and most pet-friendly alternatives available. The dogs will feel the warmth and toughness beneath their paws.
Keep in mind that cork is still a member of the wood family. While it’s more scratch-resistant than standard hardwood, it can still be scratched and ruined.
Cork is also water-resistant rather than waterproof. When doing potty training to pets, make sure to clean pet urine right away to preserve the floor.
Bamboo floor is one of the strongest, most durable, and most pet-friendly options available. It’s the flooring industrys best-kept secret.
Bamboo is a unique wood flooring choice that attracts dog-loving families due to its strong, durable, and elegant nature. Bamboo is one of the excellent dog flooring options since it’s durable enough to withstand pets while also adding to the homes aesthetics.
Bamboo, like cork, is still wood; its sensitive to dampness. In other words, well-trained pets are good. Despite this, bamboo is one of the quickest floors to clean for dogs.
Laminate has been a popular flooring option for a long time, and the similarity to an actual wood is only becoming better. Laminate flooring should become the winner when selecting the finest flooring for dogs because it’s hard, resilient, and stain-resistant.
While laminate is ideal for pet owners, it can be highly slippery for their pets. Scraped or textured laminate flooring is the best for dogs, especially if they’re active or older. They look beautiful, and the texture helps with traction. It will ensure that dogs can keep playing for many years ahead.
When deciding between bamboo and laminate, remember that bamboo will last longer for a large dog who enjoys playing fetch all around the house. However, the advantage of laminate is that scratches and marks are less evident.
Tile is long-lasting, timeless, and durable; it never goes out of style. Because tile floors usually have enough texture, they give sufficient traction for pets when combined with grouting.
Tile is well known for being easy to clean and maintain, making it one of the best pet-friendly flooring options. If a dog has a mishap, anyone can wipe it away.
Tile flooring for dogs has only one disadvantage: It’s hard and chilly. A pet owner should get them a small dog bed to sleep in.
The finest flooring for dogs is vinyl. Its a low-cost, water-resistant, scratch- and stain-resistant flooring thats also soft underfoot. Both pet owners and dogs are pleased with vinyl flooring.
A vinyl floor may have a terrible reputation for a long time, but pet owners can learn everything about the latest improvements in vinyl flooring and how it compares to laminate and linoleum floors.
Luxury vinyl flooring is another terrific option. It has the appearance of genuine stone tile or hardwood but is much gentler on dogs. LVP (luxury vinyl plank) and LVT (luxury vinyl tile) are two types of luxury vinyl (LVT). LVP and LVT are beneficial to pets for a variety of reasons.
There are no clear rules when it comes to the best dog flooring. These flooring suggestions are the no-nos for pet owners, but if anyone is committed to having both hardwood flooring and dogs, then they can.
When it comes to home care, any homeowner can be much more meticulous.
Its no secret that carpet isnt the ideal type of flooring for pets. The dogs, of course, will think its paradise. They’ll spend the entire day on the carpet since it’s soft, comfortable, and cozy.
Meanwhile, all of the pet hair and plenty of dust and debris will get caught in the carpet strands. Everyone loves a soft surface, but it could have filled an entire garbage bin with the dog hair stuck inside the bedroom carpet when you’re pulling it up!
Solid hardwood floor is like a ladys favorite $200 dress that must be dry cleaned, pressed daily, and melted like the Wicked Witch of the West if exposed to excess water. It requires a lot of maintenance.
Another point is that spending a lot of money on solid wood flooring means everyone wants it to last a long time. Nobody wants to waste energy or time worrying about scratches, dents, or dog pee.
For those who want real wood, an engineered hardwood floor is a good option. Engineered wood flooring is the best hardwood flooring for dogs if pet owners insist on wood. Engineered wood floor is a little less fussy than solid hardwood, but it still has the same beautiful, traditional aesthetic.
For dog owners, laminate has both advantages and disadvantages. Many manufacturers have scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant, and sound-absorbing properties. They’re ideal for the wear and strain that a dog-owning household may experience.
On the other hand, laminate can be problematic for some dogs, particularly older dogs that have difficulty getting up from lying down. Using throw rugs and runners in the pets favorite places or purchasing textured laminate that will help dogs acquire a better grip is preferable in taking advantage of the benefits of laminate.
How to erase dog tracks from your laminate floors
One of our Swiss Krono customer service experts knows all too well the answer to this problem! She has two house dogs who play tag whenever the mood strikes them, and this means paw prints are everywhere. Here’s what she has to say:
“I often clean with a microfiber dust mop, dampening it with warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. In addition, the vinegar acts like an odor eliminator so I have no doggie smells, especially after they have gotten wet on their daily walks. I installed my laminate flooring in 2006, and it still looks great.”
If your laminate floor is highly glossy, you’ll want to clean frequently with a microfiber mop and hot water in a spray or mister bottle. High-gloss laminate flooring often shows prints, especially so if you have a dog.
Is Laminate Flooring Good for Dogs? | The Answer May Surprise You!
Your pets are part of the family. Keep your home looking great year after year by choosing a flooring with pets in mind. You certainly want to choose something designed to hold up to the fur and claws and everything else that comes along with your furry family. Before you decide on the right flooring for you home you need to consider the overall design of the space. This and room use will ensure you select a product designed to meet the needs of the space while enhancing the overall style.
Hardwood flooring is beautiful, but it is also costly and prone to pet damage. The natural wood scratches easily and does not hold up to any moisture, making small accidents enough to create lasting damage. Luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring both provide the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. These man-made alternatives come in the same fashionable colors and textures you look for in the real thing. The best way to determine which one is best for a space is to take a closer look at each one and compare their benefits and drawbacks.
Luxury vinyl flooring is manufactured to look just like hardwood flooring or ceramic tiles. This makes it an ideal choice for any style of home. Vinyl plank flooring is affordable, waterproof, and incredibly durable. The design is so resistant to moisture, that it has become a go-to choice for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets or children. Spilled water dishes and the occasional accidents are easy to clean without a trace of damage when you install luxury vinyl planks or tiles in your home.
Although overall very durable, vinyl flooring is susceptible to scratches over time. One of the best ways to keep vinyl scratch-free is to clean it regularly with a hard-floor-approved vacuum and mop. Remove dirt and grime to prevent those items from scratching the surface of the floor while pushed across it with a broom. If there is an area that is particularly high-traffic, such as the front door, lay down an area rug with a mat beneath that helps prevent shifting.
Like with any flooring, vinyl floors have the tendency to dull over time. You should not expose vinyl floors to wax or solvents. Instead, use a lamb’s wool bonnet on a mechanical buffer every once in a while, when it is necessary.
Laminate flooring is manufactured to provide the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Unlike vinyl, laminate flooring is not fully waterproof. If there are accidents or water bowl spills, clean the mess promptly to avoid damaging the floor or causing the material to swell. Most laminate flooring is not well suited for pets. However, a few styles of laminate floors are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of pets. Putting a waterproof mat beneath the pet’s litter box or water bowls will help prevent moisture damage.
Most laminate floors are smooth in finish. Their smooth, slick finish can cause pets to slip, especially if they run across the floors. If traction is a problem, adding area rugs with a rug pad underneath can help to soften the floor and provide sure footing for your pets. Choosing a laminate floor with a more matte or distressed finish will also help to improve traction for your pets.
Laminate flooring features a veneer on top of bottom layers that provides the look of wood. Help to prevent deep scratches that reveal the bottom layers by selecting a laminate floor product that offers a thicker veneer. This means you can buff out small scratches with a light sanding without damaging the look of the floors. Work with a small-grit sand paper in light passes until you buff the scratch out.
A life with pets means hair and dirt on your hard floors. Keeping your laminate or vinyl floors looking great for many years to come requires regular cleaning. A vacuum designed for use on hard floors will help to remove dry debris and pet hairs from the floor every day or two. Once a week, mop the floor to provide a deeper clean. Make sure to use a product designed for the type of floors you install.
Pets can bring an incredible joy to a home, but they also bring a few basic requirements. Ease of cleaning, chances for scratches, traction, and moisture damage are all considerations in choosing the best flooring for homes with pets. Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are great choices but if the pet is prone to accidents, luxury vinyl is the way to go. No matter which option you select, make sure to look at the specifications of the product and choose the most durable option.