The Best Flooring for Dogs
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they aren’t very friendly to our floors! As you already know, our furry companions can scratch, stain, and warp the flooring in our favorite rooms. That’s why it’s so important to outfit your home with strong flooring materials. You want to choose a durable material that will also be comfortable for your canine to walk on.
Here are our recommendations on the best flooring types for dog owners:
Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl tile is our top recommendation for dog owners. Don’t let vinyl’s affordable price fool you—it's an extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof flooring material. And with a variety of colors and styles to choose from, it’s the perfect choice for any area of your home. Vinyl is soft underfoot and quiet to walk on, making it ideal for homeowners with large, active dogs. Overall, vinyl is a safe, comfortable, and low-maintenance flooring material for dog owners.
Tile Flooring
Tile is king when it comes to durability. Porcelain and stone are the strongest flooring materials out there. And if you get glazed tiles, it’s also resistant to stains and scratches. However, tile hardness is both a strength and a weakness when it comes to flooring for dogs. Tile is easy to clean, but it’s not the most comfortable flooring material for dogs to walk on. If you have a dog with sensitive joints, tile isn’t the best choice. Make sure to invest in some area rugs for your dogs to rest on if you decide to install tile in your home.
The Worst Flooring for Dogs
These flooring materials are the most susceptible to dog damage. Don’t worry if your favorite flooring type is on this list; we can recommend the most durable products within each of these categories:
Carpet Flooring
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Carpet is easily stained, and dogs love to chew it up. If carpet is a must for you, we recommend low pile products made from nylon fibers. Dogs will have a harder time tearing up low pile fibers, and nylon is one of the most durable and stain-resistant carpet materials. Carpet tiles are also a good choice for dog owners because they make it easier to replace damaged areas.
Hardwood Flooring
Bamboo is one of our top recommendations for dog owners, but you should avoid other types of solid hardwood. Hardwood floors absorb moisture, so pet accidents can permanently stain and warp them. Plus, your dog’s nails will scratch up hardwood floors over time. If you have your heart set on hardwood, make sure you pick one of the harder species like hickory or maple. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed will help minimize damage as well.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is another less-than-ideal flooring type for dog owners. Cork is a soft material, so it’s more susceptible to damage than other types of flooring. Active dogs will scratch and tear the cork with their nails. Cork does, however, have some pet-friendly qualities: it’s water-resistant, comfortable, and a good sound insulator. So if you don’t mind scratches, cork might work for you.
We hope these guidelines are helpful if you’re looking for dog-friendly flooring materials. Contact America’s Floor Source or visit one of our locations in Columbus, Louisville, or Indianapolis to explore more pet-friendly flooring options. We have a vast selection of vinyl, tile, and bamboo products. Don’t feel like leaving your house? Schedule a Mobile Floor Source appointment, and we’ll come to your home with samples. We’d love to meet your pups!