More family than fur, pets claw their way into our hearts. But sometimes those precious feet claw their way across our expensive floors. Whether buying a new house or renovating, pets can influence your flooring choice. The best flooring for pets is durable, scratch-resistant and easy to clean. If you think that means drab concrete flooring, think again! From luxury vinyl to stain-resistant tile, plenty of options suit you and your pet!

Let's dive into factors to consider and the best pet-friendly flooring options. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Pet-friendly Flooring

The 2024 American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey shows that 82 million U.S. households own a pet. Of those 82 million households, 40 million own cats, while 58 million own dogs. Common flooring damage caused by pets includes scratches, urine stains and snagged carpets. 

If you know what to look for, you can find stylish flooring that is kind to your pup's paws (or kitty's claws). Below are some key considerations when choosing a pet-friendly floor:

• Scratch-resistant: Sharp claws are one of the leading causes of pet-related flooring damage. Look for flooring materials that offer scratch resistance. 
• Water and stain repellent: Whether your puppy is potty training or your cat likes pushing glasses off counters, messes happen. Carpets, in particular, can soak up urine, leading to long-term stains or discoloration. Certain flooring materials are liquid and stain-resistant. 
• Easy to maintain: There's more to life than spending hours cleaning floors. Choose a floor type with minimal upkeep to save time and money. 
• Adequate grip: As a pet owner, you want your fur friend to be safe and comfortable. A surface with more traction reduces the risk of accidents. 
• Cost: Flooring is an investment. When it's well looked after, it can last a decade or longer. The durability and life span of high-quality flooring can offset the initial cost. 

Best Flooring for Pets

Have you come here looking for the best flooring for dogs or the best flooring for cats? We have great news — the same flooring options apply to both! Here are the top pet-friendly flooring options:

1. Tile

Tile is a popular flooring choice offering scratch and stain resistance. The two most common tile types are:

• Ceramic tiles: Low maintenance and easy to clean, ceramic tiles work well for kitchens. They emit no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so they are safe for you and your four-legged friend. Glazed ceramic tiles offer extra water resistance while retaining color.  
• Porcelain tiles: These tiles are less porous and more water-resistant than ceramic. Different looks and textures elevate a room's style while keeping it animal-appropriate.    

The advantages of tiles include:

• Easy care: Tiles are simple to clean and require little maintenance.
• Resistant: This flooring type resists scratches, stains and water.
• Multiple styles: You can achieve the look of other materials like marble or wood with tiles.
• Increased grip: Tiles offer increased traction when combined with grouting.

2. Luxury Vinyl  

One of luxury vinyl's top benefits is its ability to mimic the appearance of other materials. This flooring chameleon can look like stone, marble or wood. Luxury vinyl comes in two varieties:

• Luxury vinyl planks (LVPs): Products like Happy Feet Pinnacle LVP imitate natural wood. Like wood, LVPs can include grains and knots, which work well to disguise scratches. 
• Luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs): LVTs often give the look and feel of stone. For example, the Congoleum ArmorCore Marble LVT mimics the look of marble tiles. Their rugged construction protects against gouges while offering 100% waterproofing. 

Luxury vinyl flooring has many benefits for pet owners, such as:

• Hardwearing: Luxury vinyl is stain, spill, scratch and scuff resistant.
• Comfortable: The thicker, layered material is more comfortable for you and your pets. 
• Affordable: You can get the look of more expensive flooring at a lower price. 
• Low maintenance: This type of flooring is easy to install, clean and maintain.

3. Laminate Flooring

If you want the look of hardwood on a budget, laminate flooring provides an ideal alternative. This cost-effective flooring material resists moisture. An example of laminate flooring with pet protection is Mohawk RevWood Plus Hampton Villa. This versatile flooring combines the beauty of natural wood with waterproofing. 

The pros of laminate flooring are:

• Cost-effective: Laminate floors come in many styles, including those that mimic hardwood for the same look at a fraction of the cost. 
• Moisture-resistant: These floors are water-resistant. They work well in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. 
• Simple cleaning: Whether it's puppy messes or general spills, cleaning is a breeze. 
• Anti-scratch: The pitter-patter of claws is no match for laminate's scratch resistance. 

4. Engineered Hardwood 

If you want genuine hardwood with added pet protection, consider engineered hardwood. This flooring has a multilayered core with a thin top layer of natural hardwood. Engineered hardwood offers the visual appeal of solid hardwood at a lower cost. 

Different hardwood species give the wood a particular grain, texture and color. Engineered hardwood is available in domestic or exotic species:

• Domestic hardwood: Trees like oak and white oak are indigenous to North America. These domestic hardwood types differ by grain pattern and color.  
• Exotic hardwood: The top layer of exotic engineered hardwood originates from outside the U.S. Examples of exotic species include Brazilian cherry and mahogany.

When considering pet-appropriate flooring, engineered hardwood offers the following benefits:

• Durable: The strong core makes engineered hardwood longer lasting than natural hardwood. It can withstand boisterous dogs (or children). 
• Heat and water resistant: Engineered hardwood withstands fluctuating temperatures and water damage. 
• Ease of maintenance: A quick swipe of the mop is enough to clean these floors. 
• Affordability: Only the top layer is natural hardwood. This is a budget-smart alternative to solid hardwood.

5. Bamboo

Bamboo is another durable flooring option available in engineered and solid hardwood, and its strength and durability make it ideal for homes with pets. Bamboo offers a range of staining or painting options to integrate with your home's style.

The Antique Java Fossilized Cali Bamboo flooring offers durability with a rustic look. The hand-distressed texture masks scratches. 

Some of bamboo's pet-friendly pros include:

• Low maintenance: You can sweep or vacuum bamboo floors without using specialized cleaners.
• High resistance: Bamboo resists moisture, making it ideal for spills from your canine companion's water bowl. 
• Long life span: This flooring can last up to 50 years in homes. 

Pet-Friendly Flooring Maintenance Care Tips

You've decided on the ideal pet flooring for your pad. To keep it looking its best, follow these simple tips: 

1. Tackle spills ASAP: Cleaning spills as soon as they happen prevents stains. Water damage can occur to some materials like hardwood.
2. Trim nails: Regular nail clipping of your furry companion reduces scratch risk.
3. Vacuum and mop on the regular: Get into the habit of vacuuming and mopping at least once a week. Routine cleaning makes floor maintenance easier and takes care of pet dander. 
4. Manage food and water stations: Placing a mat or towel under your pet's food and water bowls avoids stains. You want to minimize contact between the bowls and the floor. 

Find Perfect Pet Flooring at Carpet & Tile Mart

Your furry best friend deserves the best floors! Carpet & Tile Mart offers a range of high-quality flooring with added pet protection. From easy-clean vinyl to scratch-resistant tile, we can find your purrfect pet-friendly match. 

Discover why Carpet & Tile Mart are industry leaders with over 900 positive Trustpilot reviews. Learn more about our services or contact us today to make your flooring dreams come true!