The 6 Best Flooring Types for Dogs & Which to Avoid

Keeping your home clean can be challenging if you’re a pet owner. Not only do you have to worry about tidying after yourself, but your pet as well. One of pet owners’ most common problems is scratches on the flooring. Dog nails can be very sharp and often leave unwanted marks on solid wood floors and carpets. Luckily, many flooring types are resistant to scratches. In this guide, we will discuss five of the best flooring types for dogs based on scratch resistance, water resistance, maintenance difficulty, and pricing.

Scroll down to discover our top five choices for pet owners, see how they compare on pricing, and find out what to consider when choosing flooring for dogs. Additionally, learn about what you can do to protect your floor from dog nails and how to maintain it properly.

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click at no extra cost to you. All recommendations and opinions remain our own.

Best Flooring Types for Dogs

1. Tile
2. Laminate
3. Polished Concrete
4. Engineered Hardwood
5. Epoxy Resin
6. Vinyl Plank

Above are the six most scratch-resistant flooring types we found ideal for dog owners. Keep reading below for an extensive description of each flooring type, including its key features, pros & cons, cost, and why we chose it.

1. Tile

Our top choice flooring option for dogs is tile flooring. Tile flooring is made from hard-wearing and waterproof materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, or stone. Generally, tile floors are sealed with a glaze, making them highly durable and resistant to scratches. Furthermore, tile flooring is available in various colors, styles, and textures, so it’s easy to find an option that fits your home décor. You might have even seen wood-look tiles, a trendy option in recent years.

Typically, tile flooring is installed in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, because it’s easy to clean and fully waterproof. It’s pretty much impossible to scratch tile floors, especially for dogs. The only thing that could damage them is accidentally dropping heavy objects on the floor.

Another reason why dog owners appreciate tile flooring is because it is easy to sweep up pet hair and dirt and doesn’t absorb spills or odors as carpet does. Additionally, tile flooring is cooler than other types of flooring, making it an ideal surface for your dog to lay down and cool off during the hot summer weather.

Tile flooring may be a perfect choice if you’re looking for a durable, ultra scratch-resistant, and low-maintenance option. The only downsides of tile flooring are that it’s pretty expensive, with most options starting at least $7 per square foot. Additionally, it’s harder to install than laminate or vinyl plank as it has to be glued down.

• Price Range: $6.99 – $24.99 per Square Foot
• Installation Method: Glue Down
• Scratch Resistance: 5 / 5
• Water Resistance: 5 / 5

2. Laminate

Laminate flooring is another viable option for dog owners due to its scratch-resistant properties and affordability. We’re not talking about cheap laminate flooring but elite laminate products made especially for scratch and water resistance, such as Mohawk RevWood or Pergo Outlast+. These options start at around $2 per square foot, which is cheaper than vinyl, tile, and engineered hardwood flooring.

Typically, laminate flooring is made from multiple layers of materials. The top three layers are a UV top protection layer, wear layer and design layer. The middle layer is a fiber core, and the bottom layer is usually a moisture-resistant material. Another pro is that you can install laminate flooring over existing floors using the floating installation method, which doesn’t require any glue or nails.

Besides scratch resistance, It also happens to be stylish. Laminate floors are available in various colors and styles, so you can find an option that fits your home décor. Additionally, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t absorb spills or odors.

The only downside of laminate flooring is that it’s not fully waterproof. So, if you’re looking for a floor that can withstand contact with water often, then laminate might not be the best choice for you. However, most laminate brands offer a 24-48 hour waterproof guarantee meaning they are water-resistant to an extent, just not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens.

In a nutshell, if you’re looking for an affordable and stylish floor suitable for dogs that don’t have to be waterproof, laminate is a good choice. Feel free to read our laminate flooring brand guide to see which laminate options are best for your needs.

• Price Range: $0.99 – $4.99 per Square Foot
• Installation Method: Floating (Locking)
• Scratch Resistance: 4 / 5
• Water Resistance: 3 / 5

3. Polished Concrete

Third on our list of the best flooring for dogs is one many people don’t know much about, polished concrete flooring.

Polished concrete flooring is basically concrete sanded down to a polished and smooth surface. It’s a good option for residential and commercial properties because it’s durable, low-maintenance, and stylish. Find out just how stylish it is by searching for polished concrete on Instagram or Pinterest; you will find many stunning, modern finishes.

The main reason it’s good for dogs, in particular, is because it’s very scratch-resistant. The probability of your dog scratching the floor is unlikely if the concrete has been sealed and finished correctly. Another primary reason is how cool the floor’s surface is, allowing pets to cool down in the warmer months.

Please note that polished concrete can become dull and may show scratches after ten years. However, it can be sanded down and refinished. Polished concrete flooring is also quite affordable, with most companies asking for between $3.99 and $6.99 per square foot. It’s even cheaper if your home already has concrete subfloors.

One of the best things about polished concrete flooring is that it can be installed over almost any surface, including existing floors. The installation process is relatively simple, but for best results, it should be done by a professional as it requires heavy machinery.

However, polished concrete does have some downsides. Firstly, it can be difficult to install without the help of a professional. Secondly, it’s simply too cold for some people. All things considered, polished concrete is definitely worth considering if you’re a dog owner, especially if you already have concrete subfloors.

• Price Range: $3.99 – $14.99 per square foot
• Installation Method: Pouring and Polishing
• Scratch Resistance: 4 / 5
• Water Resistance: 5 / 5

4. Engineered Hardwood

Our fourth pick for the best flooring for dogs is engineered hardwood, a popular, affordable, scratch-resistant, easy-to-install option with timeless looks.

Engineered hardwood is suitable for homeowners with dogs because it is one of the most scratch-resistant flooring types. It is often compared to laminate flooring in terms of scratch resistance.

In fact, they’re very similar as both engineered hardwood and laminate flooring are made of multiple layers of wood, but laminate usually contains a higher percentage of plastic. The top layer is a natural wood veneer usually made from oak, maple, or hickory. This gives engineered wood flooring the same stunning timeless looks as solid hardwood.

However, not all Engineered Floors are scratch resistant; some cheap options can scratch easily. That’s why it’s best to go for a product such as Mohawk UltraWood, designed for ultimate scratch and water resistance.

In addition, Engineered hardwood is a relatively affordable option, with prices starting at around $2.50 per square foot. Like laminate flooring, it is easy to install using the floating method over existing floors.

However, there is one downside to engineered hardwood. It’s not as water-resistant as other flooring types on our list, such as tile or vinyl plank. Therefore it’s not really suitable for bathrooms or kitchens.

Overall, engineered hardwood is a good pick for homeowners with dogs looking for a durable, stylish, affordable, and scratch-resistant option.

• Price Range: $2.49 – $12.99 per Square Foot
• Installation Method: Floating (Locking)
• Scratch Resistance: 4 / 5
• Water Resistance: 3 / 5

5. Epoxy Resin

Next up is Epoxy Resin, another one worth considering, especially if it’s something stylish you’re after.

Epoxy resin has only recently become popular, but it’s already made a name for itself as one of the most stylish and scratch-resistant options. Epoxy flooring is made of two parts: epoxy resin and hardener. Once mixed and dried, they create a strong, durable surface ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and living rooms.

The best thing about epoxy resin is certainly its looks. Most installation pros offer various styles as they can add different colors to the floor, creating a floor looking like a piece of art. Having an epoxy resin floor will definitely impress your visitors.

Epoxy resin is also scratch-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean. But it is one of the more expensive flooring options. The cheapest installers usually ask for around $4.99 per square foot. In addition, epoxy resin is a fairly tricky material to work with and requires special tools and expertise for installation. Therefore, it’s best to leave this one to the professionals.

Overall, epoxy resin is an excellent pick for homeowners with dogs due to its water & scratch resistance, cold temperature surface, and style. However, the high price tag and installation difficulty make it less favorable if you’re on a budget.

• Price Range: $4.99 – $9.99 per Square Foot
• Installation Method: Pouring
• Scratch Resistance: 3 / 5
• Water Resistance: 5 / 5

6. Vinyl Plank

Last but not least on our list is vinyl plank flooring, a great option for kitchens and bathrooms in particular. Scratch and water resistance are two of the most important factors when choosing flooring for a home with dogs. Vinyl plank flooring performs well on both of these factors.

But please note, we’re talking about reputable scratch-resistant vinyl plank floors such as Shaw Floorte Elite, Coretec Pro Plus, or Mannington Adura Max. You should avoid cheap options with no reviews as they can be hit and miss when it comes to scratch resistance.

Another benefit of vinyl plank flooring is that it is comfortable underfoot, even in the summer months when the temperature of other flooring types can become uncomfortably hot. Installation is also quick and easy as vinyl plank can be installed using the locking method. Finally, vinyl plank flooring is a relatively affordable option, starting at around $1.49 per square foot.

Considering all of these factors, it’s easy to see why vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for homes with dogs. But be aware that while vinyl plank flooring is a good choice for many homeowners, it does have some downsides.

One downside is that vinyl can lose its shine and become dull over time. In addition, vinyl plank flooring can be damaged by sharp objects forcing you to take extra precautions when moving furniture or using appliances in the same room. Furthermore, vinyl can be challenging to repair if it becomes scratched or damaged.

• Price Range: $1.49 – $9.99 per Square Foot
• Installation Method: Floating (Locking)
• Scratch Resistance: 3 / 5
• Water Resistance: 5 / 5

Compare the Best Flooring Types for Dogs

How We Decided

The main factors which decided why we chose the above flooring types as best for dog owners are scratch resistance, water resistance, and value for money.

When it comes to flooring for dogs, scratch resistance is one of the essential factors to consider. Dogs can be rough on floors, often due to the sharpness of their nails. If the flooring isn’t scratch resistant, it will quickly scratch. This can lead to costly repairs or even replacement of the flooring.

Water resistance is important for the durability of your floor because it prevents moisture damage. In laminate and engineered hardwood floors, water can seep into the cracks and connections of the flooring and cause it to warp, buckle or even rot.

Here, at HomeFloorExpert, we always take into consideration and compare the price per square foot of our flooring recommendation so that you know what good value for money is and what isn’t. However, we also value quality and durability over price, so we avoid recommending the cheapest floors on the market.

Flooring Types to Avoid if you’re a Dog Owner

There at two flooring types it would be best to avoid as a homeowner with dogs or cats; solid hardwood and carpet flooring. Keep reading below to find out why.

Carpet

Carpet, known for its coziness and inviting softness, is a popular choice in the US. However, it can pose significant challenges for homeowners with dogs. First and foremost, dogs are known for bringing in dirt and mud from the outdoors, which can easily stain carpet as it’s not moisture resistant. In addition, shedding is another common issue among dog owners; our furry friends tend to leave behind a trail of hair wherever they go in warmer months. These factors can make it challenging to keep carpeting clean, even with regular vacuuming. In addition, carpet flooring is prone to staining from spillages, and those stains can be tough to remove. 

Solid Hardwood

Solid Hardwood is loved by many homeowners for its timeless natural looks and longevity. However, that’s not the case if you’re a dog owner. Solid Hardwood is susceptible to scratching; even the nails of a small dog can cause noticeable damage. In addition, hardwood floors have poor water resistance, and any accidents your dog has will likely leave behind unwanted stains. If you must have hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider using engineered Hardwood instead. Engineered Hardwood is more resistant to scratches and moisture damage, making it a better choice for homes with dogs.

Our Top Product Picks for Scratch Resistance

• Mohawk UltraWood Plus (Engineered Hardwood)
• Pergo Outlast + (Laminate)
• Mohawk RevWood (Laminate)
• Mannington Adura Max (Vinyl Plank)
• Coretec Pro Plus (Vinyl Plank)

Above is a quick rundown of the five flooring products we found to be most scratch resistant, which is essential if you have dogs in your home. Keep reading below for an extensive description of each product and a pricing comparison of all our choices.

Mohawk UltraWood Plus (Engineered Hardwood)

UltraWood is a high-performance laminate flooring product, perfect for busy families with dogs or commercial spaces with lots of foot traffic.

Mohawk UltraWood is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime residential / 5-year commercial warranty, so you can rest assured that it’s a quality product. Furthermore, it features Mohawk’s signature WetProtect finish with full-coverage waterproof protection. You can even install it in bathrooms and kitchens.

Besides that, Mohawk UltraWood Plus is one of the most durable, reputable, and scratch-resistant laminate products on the market, able to withstand contact with dog nails easily.

With prices starting at around $3.99 to $5.99 per square foot, Mohawk Ultrawood is not the cheapest of scratch-resistant options. However, look no further if you want the timeless looks of genuine hardwood combined with the scratch and water resistance of laminate and vinyl plank.

Key Features:

• Engineered Wood
• $3.99 – $5.99 per square foot
• Multi-Layered Core
• Made in the US
• Plank Sizes up to 9″ x 81″
• 9.5 mm Thick
• WetProtect with Full-Coverage Waterproof Protection
• Easy to Clean
• Enhanced Styling

Pergo Outlast + (Laminate)

If you’re looking for a new laminate floor that looks great and is built to last, Pergo Outlast+ can give you the best of both worlds. This premium laminate flooring was designed to withstand heavy traffic with a robust 5-layer structure, an AC4 rating, and a scratch-resistant top layer. Plus, it’s easy to install with pre-attached underlayment. 

But it’s not just durable; it’s also beautiful. Pergo Outlast+ comes in various charming designs that will complement any home décor. Furthermore, with the waterproof SpillProtect finish, you don’t have to worry about liquid spills. However, Pergo Outlast is not exactly waterproof; it’s water resilient, but it’s not ideal for bathrooms where it would be exposed to constant moisture.

Furthermore, Outlast + pricing starts at around $2.99 per square foot, making it suitable if you’re on a limited budget and cheaper than Mohawk UltraWood. All in all, it ticks all the right boxes, including scratch-resistance, water-resistant, and style. Definitely, a great choice for homeowners with dogs.

Key Features:

• Laminate
• $2.99 – $3.09 per Square Foot
• 5-Layer Structure
• 12 mm Thickness
• HDF Core
• Pre-Attached Underlayment
• AC4 Rated
• Charming Designs
• Waterproof SpillProtect Finish

Mohawk RevWood (Laminate)

Mohawk RevWood is another premium, high-performance laminate product similar to Pergo Outlast+. This top-of-the-line laminate is available in over 30 colors, so you are sure to find the perfect match for your home décor. The 7.5″ x 54″ plank size provides a sleek, modern look, while the 12 mm thickness ensures that your floors stand up to heavy traffic.

High performance in flooring requires good scratch resistance, especially if you have a large dog. Mohawk RevWood is one of the most scratch-resistant laminates on the market, widely considered the most durable laminate product by many flooring experts.

Best of all, RevWood is fully waterproof; you can install it in bathrooms and kitchens without worrying about spillages. Rated AC4 for durability, this flooring is perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a stylish, low-maintenance, and relatively affordable floor.

Key Features:

• Laminate
• $2.99 – $3.99 per Square Foot
• Very Scratch-Resistant
• 12 mm Thick
• Available in over 30 Colors
• 7.5″ x 54″ Plank Size
• Fully Waterproof (10 Years Protection)
• AC4 Rated

Mannington Adura Max (Vinyl Plank)

Vinyl Plank flooring is another suitable option if you have dogs. Some particular luxury vinyl lines are very scratch-resistant. One that will not disappoint is Mannington Adura Max. This rigid core vinyl plank is available in over 25 stunning styles, making it easy to find the perfect look for your home.

Adura Max is Manningtons elite vinyl plank range. Built for scratch resistance, it has a respectable 20mil protective wear layer. In addition, planks are 8mm thick overall, providing the stability needed to stand up to heavy traffic.

Besides that, Adura Max has a HydroLoc waterproof core, which is suitable for bathroom installation. Mannington Adura max also comes with a pre-attached underlayment making installation a breeze.

If you’re looking for a high-quality vinyl floor built to withstand frequent dog traffic, Mannington Adura Max is a worthy contender. However, it’s a little more expansive than laminate options, with prices starting at around $5.49 per square foot.

Key Features:

• Rigid Core Vinyl Plank
• $5.50 – $6 per Square Foot
• ScratchResist 20 mil Wear Layer
• 6″ by 48″ Plank Size
• HydroLoc Waterproof Core
• Pre-Attached Underlayment
• 8 mm Plank Thickness
• Available in Over 25 Styles

Coretec Pro Plus (Vinyl Plank)

Coretec is a highly-rated vinyl plank brand known for its durability. Pro Plus is one of their most scratch-resistant lines while also being relatively affordable, with options starting at $4.29 per square foot.

Pro Plus has a 20mil scratch-protection wear layer and an SPC composite core, making it waterproof and durable. Additionally, the flooring comes with a pre-attached cork underlayment pad for insulation. Homeowners can choose from over 20 unique styles, most of which have stylish hardwood visuals, including wood graining.

Coretec Pro Plus is a good choice for homeowners with dogs; however, if you’re after something thicker, check out our review of Coretec Grande, the brand’s toughest but most expensive vinyl plank range.

Key Features:

• Premium Rigid Core Vinyl Plank
• $4.29 – $4.69 per Square Foot
• Fully Waterproof
• 20mil Scratch-Protection Wear Layer
• SPC Composite Core
• Pre-Attached Cork Underlayment
• 5 mm Overall Plank Thickness

What to Consider When Choosing Flooring for Dogs

When picking out the best flooring for dogs, you need to consider a few crucial factors.

Scratch & Water Resistance

First and foremost, you must ensure the flooring you choose is scratch and water-resistant. Dogs’ nails are sharp and can be tough on floors, so choosing a floor with a finish that can withstand their nails, and any accidents that may occur is critical. We recommend not buying cheap vinyl, laminate, or engineered wood flooring. Instead, go for products specially designed for scratch resistance, such as Mohawk RevWood Plus.

Maintenance

You’ll want to consider how easy the flooring is to maintain. Some floors require more upkeep than others; for example, engineered hardwood and vinyl plank floors must be vacuumed and mopped frequently. Furthermore, be aware that high gloss floors show every little piece of dirt and dust, hence why satin finishes are more popular recently. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into caring for your floors before making your final decision. If you want a low-maintenance floor, choose tile flooring.

Surface Temperature

In the warm summer months, breathing can be difficult for dogs, especially the older ones, due to high pressure and temperatures. It’s best to give your dog a cool surface to rest on these months, such as tile or concrete flooring. If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to avoid carpets. Although it’s comfortable, it’s too warm for dogs in these months. However, you can always install carpet only in bedrooms and have a cooler floor in other areas of your home.

Installation

Installation is another key consideration factor; if you can’t install the floors yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of professional installation. Floating floors such as engineered hardwood, vinyl plank, and laminate have a DIY-friendly installation process. On the other hand, tile, epoxy, and concrete floor installation is much more complex and best left to the professionals.

Warranty

The manufacturer’s warranty is something you should check before making your final decision; some manufacturers offer longer warranties on their products than others. If you have any problems with your floor and it wasn’t your fault or the fault of poor installation, you should be able to make a claim as long as the floor faulted in the warranty-covered period. Simply speaking, the longer the residential and commercial warranty is, the better.

Style

Finally, take style into account; after all, you’ll be living with these floors for a long time. Make sure to pick a floor that complements your home’s existing décor. Engineered wood offers timeless, genuine looks. Vinyl Plank and Laminate floors are designed to mimic hardwood floors, but some cheap options do a bad job at that. Tile floors have always been popular and will be in the coming years. If you want something unique, consider epoxy resin or polished concrete. Whichever floor you choose, ensure to buy samples first before your main order.

Protection Tips for Homeowners with Pets

There are many precautions you can take to protect your floor from pets. Below are some vital protection tips we recommend implementing.

Flooring Protection Tips

• If you have a dog, nail trimming will prevent them from scratching the floor. Most dogs like their nails to be trimmed now and then.
• Maintain a room temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This prevents excessive moisture and mold problems.
• Attach large felt pads to the legs of your furniture so your furniture can glide easily without causing scuffs and scratches.
• Place rugs in high-traffic areas or in areas where your dog tends to lay down for a nap.
• Office chair and other furniture casters are notoriously known for scratching floors. To stop this, invest in a protective chair mat.
• Place walk-off doormats at house entrances to avoid your pets bringing in dirt from outdoors, which can potentially scratch and stain your floor.
• Avoid wearing shoes indoors as they bring in outdoor dirt and can cause permanent scuff marks. It’s best to wear socks.

Final Verdict

In a nutshell, many flooring options are worth considering if you’re a homeowner with dogs. Tile, Laminate, and Concrete are probably the ideal choice as those flooring types have the proper scratch resistance to deal with dog nails. Concrete and Tile, in particular as their also waterproof. Hard-surface product options such as Mohawk RevWood or Coretec Pro Plus are also viable choices to make.

Whichever flooring type you choose, we hope our best flooring for dogs buying guide has helped you decide. On a final note, thank you for reading. Feel free to share your thoughts, comments, and opinions in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

FAQs

What is the most scratch-resistant and water-resistant flooring for dogs?

Tile and concrete are the most scratch and water-resistant flooring types for dogs. They are both fully waterproof and scratchproof. Plus, Polished Concrete can be refinished.

Is vinyl plank flooring a good choice for homeowners with dogs?

Some specialized types of vinyl flooring, such as Coretec Grande or Mannington Adura Max, are scratch-resistant and waterproof, making them a good choice for homeowners with dogs. However, most experts Laminate options such as Mohawk RevWood and certain Pergo lines are much more scratch resistant than vinyl floors.