FAQs
Installing new flooring is quite the investment, so you’ll want to find an option that both you and your dog will love. The right flooring for dogs can last for well over a decade, even with rambunctious pets. Read on for some frequently asked questions about choosing and maintaining your new flooring.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is another significant concern when it comes to flooring in pet households. No matter how well trained your pooch is, accidents can happen. Not to mention, your dog will track water, snow, and mud into the house and knock over the water bowl on occasion.
Tile and vinyl flooring is highly water resistant and can tolerate standing water (which is why it’s a common choice for bathrooms and kitchens). Laminate is designed to be water resistant but can become damaged if water seeps between its seams. Because of this, it’s best to avoid standing water on laminate flooring.
Keep carpet and hardwood as dry as possible to avoid any damage like molding or warping. If you have these flooring types with pets, take steps to avoid standing liquids.
Why Laminate Might Not Be the Best Flooring for Pets
Even if you buy from the best laminate flooring brands, you’re inviting disaster if you buy a non-waterproof laminate floor. The best flooring for dogs simply has to be waterproof.
Additionally, the protective coating that makes laminate scratch resistant can also make it slippery. Your dog may have a difficult time moving easily on laminate floors, so the trade-off may not be worth it. You can, however, try a textured type of laminate so that your dog can get some traction.
Finally, as with any other composite, laminate isn’t always the most eco-friendly flooring choice. Some products like Armstrong laminate flooring aren’t even sold in the US anymore because of chemical issues—so be sure to shop for non-toxic laminate flooring only.
The Top 3 Dog Friendly Flooring
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If you’re making some home improvements and looking for the best flooring for dogs, we can relate. We’ve been there too!
There are so many types of flooring out there to choose from; how can you know what will hold up well with dogs and other pets?
Whether you’re flooring one room or your entire house, your pets—especially dogs—are a giant consideration. You’re likely wondering if certain types of wood flooring will hold up better than others, if you’d do better with carpet or hardwood, or if there are other flooring ideas you need to consider.
That’s why below, we’re going to go over 7 flooring materials that have a claim to the best flooring for pets trophy. We’ll explain—in detail—how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and why each one might be the best flooring for dogs.
We’ll even talk about the few options you really should stay away from, best practices in caring for your pet-friendly flooring, and answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about buying waterproof flooring for pets. Consider it your cheat sheet!