Can cats scratch luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Author: Nat Gerlach III  |  Last update: Thursday, September 14, 2023

The outer layer of vinyl flooring is typically scratch-resistant, which means their claws can't scratch it up and their nails won't leave scratches when they get the zoomies. And, scratch-resistant flooring or not, it's always a good idea to trim your pet's nails so they stay comfortable.

Is vinyl plank flooring good for cats?

It's a good option for homes with cats because it is a reliable, durable floor. Luxury vinyl is taking the world by storm with its gorgeous, visually inspiring wood-look planks. This flooring is stain and wear resistant, so you don't have to worry about cats making a mess!

What flooring is best if you have cats?

Affordable and animal-friendly, vinyl flooring often nabs the number one spot for pet-friendly flooring. Not only is it inexpensive and suitable for anywhere in your house, but vinyl flooring is also resistant to scratches and stains caused by mucky pups and playful felines.

Does luxury vinyl plank flooring scratch easily?

So let's answer the above question. Luxury vinyl flooring comes with a strong top layer that resists staining and scratching, not to mention other abrasions as well. It is functional, durable, and attractive to look at. It is also easy on your budget and practically maintenance-free.

Do cats scratch vinyl floors?

Because luxury vinyl is made up of multiple layers and has a thick wear layer, it is waterproof and scratch-resistant. Plus, it comes in so many styles that you can easily find the right design for your home. Another highly durable option that is perfect for your furry friend is tile.

Best floors if you have pets

How do I protect my vinyl from cats?

There's a way to keep your records on display while blocking animals from wreaking havoc over them: plexiglass. Plexi is a fairly simple way to protect your music library while staying on the inexpensive side—all you have to do is attach it to your shelf with velcro.

Is vinyl plank flooring pet proof?

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.

What are the disadvantages of luxury vinyl plank?

Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.

Is luxury vinyl plank good for pets?

Vinyl. Vinyl flooring is a popular flooring option for families with pets. Luxury vinyl tile and vinyl sheet are highly durable, long-lasting, and resistant to moisture, scratches and dents. They are also easy to maintain.

What should you not use on a luxury vinyl floor?

Vinyl Flooring “Don'ts”

Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes. Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions. Ammonia can break down the vinyl and cause it to crack. Don't use a steam cleaner on vinyl plank flooring.

Will cat urine ruin vinyl plank flooring?

If you want a rustic look to your floor, vinyl plank and vinyl tile (known as LVT) will work well and protect from cat urine stains. To expand the natural material aesthetic, try residential vinyl sheet. This type of floor holds up well for the most active households.

What surface do cats hate?

Texture: Sticky paper, aluminum foil, heavy plastic or a plastic carpet runner (knubby side up) can be placed in areas you want to be off limits. Cats hate walking on these surfaces. Smell: Citronella, perfumes, solid air fresheners, citrus, aloe, eucalyptus oil and oil of wintergreen are all aversive smells to cats.

How do I protect my floor from cats?

Use Mats and Rugs to Protect Your Floors

This will help reduce spills and dropped food staining the floor around the bowls. You can also get litter specific mats which pick up the little bits of litter left on cat feet after they leave the litter box.

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

These floors can resist scratches, scuffs, stains, and even a certain amount of gouging in their durability. However, extreme heat can damage the luxury vinyl plank. Some of the culprits through which heat damage can occur include hot pans, curling irons, dropped cigarettes, and more.

What are the concerns with vinyl plank flooring?

While LVP is extremely durable, it isn't totally indestructible. Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it.

Is LVP or hardwood better for pets?

Vinyl is popular for its beautiful look, easy cleanup, and resistance to water, stains, and scratches—all traits to look for in good flooring for dogs. Luxury vinyl planks can look very similar to hardwood or other popular flooring types, but often with a lower cost and less maintenance.

What is the difference between luxury vinyl and luxury vinyl planks?

LVP vs. LVT. LVP comes in a plank shape and often offers the look of real hardwood with realistic scraping or embossing. LVT comes in the traditional tile squares, features more stone and concrete looks, includes surface texture for a lifelike look, and can even be installed with grout.

How do I protect my luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Tips to Protect Your Luxury Vinyl Flooring From Furniture
  1. Purchase Furniture Pads. Furniture legs are the biggest reason why furniture can damage your luxury vinyl flooring. ...
  2. Use Area Rugs. Area rugs are a great one-size fits all solution that prevents many heavy furniture issues at the same time. ...
  3. Use Furniture Glides.

Is LVP or laminate better for pets?

Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are great choices but if the pet is prone to accidents, luxury vinyl is the way to go. No matter which option you select, make sure to look at the specifications of the product and choose the most durable option.

What is the life expectancy of luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Maintenance and Longevity

In general, you can rely on vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. A lot of it comes down to how well you look after the flooring, but there are some other factors.

Does luxury vinyl plank devalue a home?

Its durability and water resistance makes it a great material to increase value in rental properties, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. However, we don't always choose luxury vinyl for our properties. While the material is durable and stands up to water well, it's softer than hardwood and tile.

Does luxury vinyl plank hurt resale value?

While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs. hardwood, the ROI may be less.

Will dog pee ruin vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl is a favorite flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms and also makes great flooring for dogs that pee, as it's very resistant to liquids and easy to clean.

What is the best flooring for pets?

Scratch-resistant flooring is an ideal option for pet owners. Laminate, tile, and vinyl floors are all great options that can withstand scratching and denting. Laminate floors are a great choice, as they offer the look of hardwood but with added protection against claw marks.

Will my dog scratch my vinyl floor?

An overview of pets and vinyl floors

It should resist scratching, tearing and other types of damage, unless you try very hard to damage it. In addition, luxury vinyl flooring holds up well against accidents, such as food or water bowl spills or dog urine.

Previous article
Do blinds make a difference?
Next article
Do shutters increase property value?