What is the Best Flooring for Dogs

Just like with kids, when you have pet dogs, there are several considerations to take into account around the house.

As flooring experts, a common question we get is what type of floor is ideal for households with dogs. While it may seem obvious that you want a surface that your canines won’t scratch, the real dilemma goes deeper than that.

With the improper type of floor, some canines may cause more substantial, structural damage that isn’t merely cosmetic. A more hefty dog that has long nails is more likely to cause irreparable damage to your floor.

Even considering this, you’ll want to make sure that the floor is easy to clean for any messes that your dogs may make, and of course, you’ll want your dog to feel comfortable while walking— or sprinting— across the floor.

For once and for all, we’ll answer the question on all dog owners’ minds: what is the best flooring for dogs?

Don’t worry; we’ll provide a variety of options!

Hardwood flooring and pet dogs

Some experts warn against having hardwood floors with dogs, but the truth is that not all hardwoods are the same.

The general rule is that the harder the wood, the more resilient it will be against damage.

Some options that you may want to consider oak, mahogany, maple, cherry, and bamboo.

Avoid softwoods such as pine, chestnut, fir, and hemlock. Thankfully, for those of us who are utterly uninformed about a given wood’s firmness, there is the Janka hardness test, which provides its strength.

Remember two numbers: 850 and 1,250. Anything less than 850 on the scale is a softwood, while anything over 1,250 is a hardwood.

Again, the harder, the better.

High-quality hardwoods can be expensive, but they’re essential if you select to install hardwood in your home and have pets.

Laminate flooring and pet dogs

Laminate flooring is synthetic, often making it not as fancy as hardwood, yet it’s among the best flooring options for dogs.

Laminate has several benefits: it’s usually cheaper, more durable, and harder than hardwood flooring. Its water-resistance and ease of maintenance are also big perks.

One of the main drawbacks with laminate is the fact that it can be slippery. This can be ameliorated with the right kind of finish on the laminate, or by putting a rug over certain portions of the flooring.

Tiles and pet dogs

Tile, one of our specialities, is an excellent option for all kinds of pets, including dogs.

It’s usually reasonably scratch-resistant— although certain types of tile, such as marble, may be more susceptible to scuffs. It’s also effortless to clean.

The main downside to tile is that it can get cold, and you don’t want your dog to suffer. Consider keeping the given room with tile a little warmer, and you can lessen this potential issue.

Carpet and pet dogs

While there are some benefits to the carpet for pets— e.g., it’s easy on their paws— the negatives mostly outweigh the positives.

If you thought carpets were a constant chore to clean as-is, dogs would spill food and liquid on them, not to mention shed their fur all over them. To make things worse, dogs can get their nails caught in the carpet’s material. Carpet can cheaper than hardwood floor options, but with pets, it might be best to limit its square footage in the house.

Ultimately, the best flooring to have for dogs depends on your budget and situation.

Many opt to have various types of flooring in their home, as they know their pets won’t enter every room.

It is never a bad idea to consult with a flooring professional to discuss your best options.

For more information, watch our video tutorial on “What is the best floor for pets?“

At Rhodium Floors, we invite you to visit our West Hollywood, California based showroom or contact us via phone or email.