I don't know about you, but the first thing I notice when I enter someone’s home is the state of their floors. Pristine and clean, or damaged and dirty? 👀
No pressure or anything but floors set the mood and tone for your home. They contribute to comfort—Fifi's & Fido's included. And they either add to or lower property value.
That’s why choosing the right type of flooring is such a big deal and even more significant when you have pets.
How to choose pet-friendly floors
New floors don’t come cheap. So whether you’re renting, buying, or renovating, here are six things to consider with furry friends in the family.
1. Durability
You want floors designed to withstand small and large pet-related stressors like indoor "digging", potty training, and food bowls getting flipped over.
2. Upkeep
Mud, odours, biological waste, and dustpans full of fur are the norm for pet parents. Select flooring that is easy to clean and low-maintenance over its lifetime.
3. Comfort
There are two sides to comfort.
- The ideal underfoot feeling when barefoot.
- Dog safety. (Poor traction leads to slip-and-slide situations that strain doggy joints and can lead to fall injuries.)
4. Design
Find a style that jives with your aesthetic preferences.
5. Sound insulation
Live in an apartment? Soundproof floors should be top-of-mind. (You don't want to annoy the downstairs neighbours with the pitter-patter of paws! 🐾)
6. Cost
Think about the initial cost of installing new floors and the ongoing cost of maintaining them, including occasional treatments like buffing/sanding and larger-scale repairs.
To summarize, look for the following:
- Waterproof flooring for pets
- Stain- and scratch-resistant surfaces
- Sturdy materials not prone to warping or cracking when regularly exposed to moisture
What's the best flooring for dogs and cats?
Learn the pros and cons of popular flooring. (There's a quiz at the end. 😅 Just kidding!)
Vinyl
Many would say this is the most pet-friendly floor option on the market.
Pros:
- Wide range of styles, patterns, and colours to choose from
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to maintain
- Waterproof
- Relatively soft and offers high traction for dogs
Cons:
- Dents easily
- Poor resistance to scratching
- Vinyl may lower resale value
Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are among the most in-demand floor options—with or without pets.
Pros:
- Unlimited range of styles to choose from
- Most durable type of flooring
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Moisture-resistant
- Capable of withstanding urine and harsh cleaning chemicals
- Porcelain tiles are resistant to stains and scratches
Cons:
- Cool and hard underfoot
- Some types can be too slippery for dogs
- Cracks when subjected to hard impact
Laminate
The more affordable and forgiving alternative to natural hardwood floors, but not without some serious drawbacks.
Pros:
- Low-cost
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to moisture
- Scratch-resistant and resilient to regular wear and tear
Cons:
- Medium maintenance requirements
- Slippery for dogs
- Not waterproof: Left to linger, moisture/puddles will be absorbed, which eventually leads to swelling and buckling
Hardwood
Whether solid or engineered, hardwood floors are a timeless classic!
Pros:
- High-performing
- Visually attractive
- Warm underfoot and ambience
- Adds value to a property
Cons:
- Requires TLC
- Vulnerable to scratches, stains, and discolouration
- Easily damaged by water
- Expensive
Most durable flooring for pets
So how do these four sought-after floor types rank in terms of our six criteria for pet-friendliness? Take a look!
Tips to keep your floors in great shape
Here are a few clever ways to conceal wear and tear—and make your floors last longer!
✅ Skip dark colours and high-gloss designs
Pet hairs, dirt, stains, and scratches are more visible on dark, shiny floors. Choose low sheen/matte flooring in lighter shades. Or go for dramatic grains with hardwood.
✅ Say yes to the extra touches
Sealed and finished flooring and stain-resistant grout are a must for floor longevity.
✅ Check your hardwood's density
Hardwood was not created equal! Refer to the Janka Hardness Scale before you commit.
✅ Be quick to act
Clean dribble, spills, and messes up ASAP to prevent stains and water damage.
✅ Invest in the right tools
Protect your floors from day one.
- Equip your feeding area with the ultra-absorbent Grubby Paw Feeding Mat and entrances with our non-slip Grubby Paw Doormat.
- Switch to all-natural cleaning solutions like PetLab’s 3-in-1 Cleaner and Disinfectant.
- Always follow upkeep instructions provided by your flooring expert.
Got any advice or floor-maintenance tips you’d like to share? We’re all ears! Leave your comments and suggestions below.
