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    Flooring TipsDecember 10, 20242 min read

    Best Pet-Friendly Flooring for Dog & Cat Owners

    Find flooring that stands up to paws, claws, and accidents while keeping your home stylish and easy to maintain.

    Best Pet-Friendly Flooring for Dog & Cat Owners

    Love your pets but want beautiful floors? Here's how to have both.

    What Makes Flooring Pet-Friendly?

    The best flooring for pets should be:

    • Scratch resistant – handles claws without damage
    • Water resistant – easy cleanup of accidents
    • Non-slip – safe for running paws
    • Easy to clean – traps less fur and dander
    • Comfortable – good for joints and paw pads

    Our Top Recommendations

    #1: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

    The Winner for Most Pet Owners

    • 100% waterproof for accident cleanup
    • Scratch-resistant wear layers
    • Soft and comfortable underfoot
    • Easy to sweep and mop
    • Available in realistic wood and stone looks

    #2: Porcelain Tile

    Best for High-Traffic Homes

    • Virtually indestructible surface
    • Easy to clean and sanitize
    • Cool surface dogs love in summer
    • Add area rugs for comfort

    #3: Engineered Hardwood with Hard Finishes

    For Those Who Want Real Wood

    • Choose species with high Janka ratings (oak, hickory)
    • Look for aluminum oxide finishes
    • Consider distressed/hand-scraped looks that hide scratches
    • Keep nails trimmed!

    #4: Certain Carpets

    For Ultimate Comfort

    • Choose solution-dyed nylon or polyester
    • Look for built-in stain resistance
    • Consider low-pile or loop styles
    • Easier to clean than you might think

    What to Avoid

    • Solid bamboo – scratches easily despite hardness
    • High-gloss hardwood – shows every scratch
    • Laminate flooring – water damage from accidents
    • Untextured tile – too slippery for pets

    Living With Pets & Nice Floors

    Tips for maintaining floors with pets:

    • Keep nails trimmed regularly
    • Use mats at entry points
    • Wipe paws after outdoor time
    • Clean up accidents immediately
    • Place runners in high-traffic areas
    • Consider enzymatic cleaners for odors

    See Pet-Friendly Options

    Bring your furry friend to our showroom (on leash!) to see which flooring options work best for your household.

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