7 Pet-Resistant Flooring Types

Pros: easy to clean, scratch-resistant, affordable

Cons: needs to be replaced when the top layer wears off; may be slippery for older dogs (look for slip-resistant options)

Laminate flooring is an affordable, practical option for pet owners seeking the appearance of wood, stone or tile. Laminate flooring has four layers: melamine backing, a fiberboard core, a design layer printed with an image of wood and melamine wear layer. Pet owners should opt for a water-resistant or waterproof plastic option, as regular laminate flooring and engineered wood may be damaged by liquids if they’re not cleaned up quickly. Those looking for the best flooring for pets should pick laminate flooring rated for durability; look for an abrasion class (AC) of 4 or 5, which is flooring that’ll resist scratches and scuffs.

Pros: easy to clean, stain- and scratch-resistant, waterproof, slow to fade

Cons: may be slippery for older dogs (look for slip-resistant options), vulnerable to cracks if heavy items fall on it, may be cold to pets and human feet

Tile offers beautiful designs and allows for easy cleanup of accidents, food and mud, making it one of the most durable kinds of flooring for pets. When properly installed with a solid underlayment and quality grout, ceramic or porcelain tile is sturdy, durable and long lasting. However, dogs may find tile slippery, so look for slip-resistant varieties and consider using wider grout to allow pets to gain traction. Tile may be best in warmer climates, where a cool floor will be comforting for both you and your furry friend in the hot summer months. For cooler climates, tile flooring can be uncomfortable in winter; although it can work well with radiant heating, which can be good for cats and dogs.

Pros: waterproof, easy to clean, can be slip-resistant

Cons: can be damaged by long claws or repeated scratching

Vinyl flooring is an excellent option since it’s a durable, easy-to-clean flooring type that’s comfortable for both pets and humans. It’s usually made of four layers: foam or cork backing, waterproof plastic, a design layer printed with an image of wood or stone, and a wear layer to protect the surface. Some vinyl flooring also mimics the texture of other materials, such as wood or stone, which can help prevent pets from slipping. Sheet vinyl is easy to install, and it’s a great choice in smaller rooms, which will have fewer seams. (Keep in mind that some liquid may be able to seep in between seams.)

Pros: classic appearance, maintained with sanding, adds to resale value, easy to clean

Cons: prone to scratches, more expensive, isn’t waterproof, vulnerable to staining if liquid isn’t cleaned up, may be slippery for older dogs

Wood is a classic flooring choice. It adds to a home’s value with its warm appearance and can be rejuvenated by sanding. Choose hardwood — like oak, hickory, maple or tauari — which will stand up to pet claws and human use better than softer woods. Check a wood’s durability by referring to the Janka scale, which rates hardness. Wood can be slippery, so older dogs may not fare well on it, though area rugs can both add style and make the floor more comfortable for pets. Wood floors are best for house-trained dogs, as liquids can penetrate and stain wood.

Pros: more water-resistant than other hardwoods, scratch- and dent-resistant

Cons: darker colors often less durable than lighter colors

Though it’s often considered a hardwood, bamboo is actually a type of grass that’s among the most durable flooring, making it great for homes with pets. Bamboo flooring is made from strips of bamboo compressed or glued into planks or bonded to plywood (for engineered bamboo), and it usually has the appearance of wood. It’s more resistant to scratching from pet claws and dents than other types of wood, though be sure to select bamboo with a high Janka rating to get these benefits. When choosing bamboo flooring, keep in mind that lighter bamboo is usually harder than darker bamboo, since the process of darkening bamboo softens it.

Pros: warm and soft underfoot, insulates acoustics, comfortable for animals to lie on, good for animals with mobility issues

Cons: vulnerable to stains, holds smells, high maintenance

Carpet is a go-to flooring option because of the comfort and warmth it provides, especially in cooler climates. This may be the best flooring for pets with mobility issues and those who would benefit from a soft floor to lie down on. However, it isn’t a good choice for those whose pets are prone to accidents because it stains easily and holds on to odors. Also, it’s higher maintenance than some other types of flooring, as it requires regular vacuuming, especially with shedding pets. When choosing carpet, look for stain- and water-resistant options that prevent spills and accidents from soaking through to the subfloor.

Pros: durable, water-resistant, mimics the look of stone or wood and low maintenance.

Cons: it can’t be sanded or refinished, more expensive than laminate or basic vinyl posed and vulnerable to discoloration if exposed to sunlight for too long

Hybrid resilient flooring, a hybrid of vinyl and laminate, is a perfect choice for homes with pets because it can withstand the daily wear and tear home flooring receives, even pet scratches and claws. With a waterproof core, water bowl spills, and pet accidents are easy to clean. Hybrid resilient flooring is an affordable flooring option that’s easily installed over existing flooring. It comes in a variety of patterns, colors and designs, giving you the option to make stylish, personalized choices.

For DIYers, Lowes has everything you need to get started on your floor installation project. If you’d rather have someone else do the work, we understand. Lowe’s can deliver it and install it for you.

For more on installation How-Tos, check out the following:

• How to Install a Laminate Floor
• How to Install Sheet Vinyl
• How to Install Hardwood Flooring