Can dogs scratch laminate floors? By its very nature and construction, laminate flooring products are durable and able to withstand scratches from even the biggest dogs. Sometimes scratches happen, however, so if and when they do happen you'll want to use a laminate floor repair kit.
Laminate is another sensible choice for pet owners because of its water-resistant, easy-to-clean properties. Muddy paws and the shaking of rain-sodden fur don't have to leave you scrubbing the floor for half an hour; try two or three minutes of effortless wiping when you've got laminate flooring.
Unless you are a quick draw on the mop; dog urine will damage laminate flooring, real wood flooring, engineered wood and tile grout. Unfortunately with a lot of flooring the pee will be absorbed into the floor itself or underneath and this is what can make the issue very difficult and expensive.
Now, remember, nothing is ever truly scratch-proof. If you gouge at your laminate, you'll eventually see marks. Dog nails, however, are not going to scratch laminate flooring like they would on natural hardwood. The worst thing you'll have to worry about is the muddy pawprints they leave on the floor.
Laminate flooring consists of a durable print layer glued to a particleboard. Due to the strength of this top layer, laminate flooring is an ideal pet-friendly flooring as it can withstand almost any scratches and dents caused by your 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.
Encourage your sweating dog to cool down on a mat rather than on the laminate floor (possibly easier said than done). Add a continuous bead of PVA Type II glue to the edges of any laminate planks likely to be exposed to moisture. Glue will keep any fluids from getting in between the planks.
Textured laminate is almost always a better choice for dog owners, although even textured laminate doesn't offer as much traction as vinyl. If you can find laminate flooring with enough texture to keep your dog's paws from slipping, it's a good low-cost, medium-maintenance option.
Dogs remember past experiences of slipping
In many cases, fear of slipping from a prior bad experience is the “why” behind your dog's fear of hardwood floors and other slick surfaces. So, how can you help your dog in a way that supports his natural reflexes and abilities?
Laminate flooring's tough wear layer is very resistant to scratches and scrapes. There's no need to worry about daily wear and tear or little feet stomping about. If you do manage to scratch it (which is usually from dragging heavy furniture or wearing high heels) you may need a laminate repair kit.
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. Vinyl is also soft underfoot, making it a comfortable surface for dogs to relax or walk on.
The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products made especially for them. If you don't have laminate floor cleaner, you can use a teaspoon of unscented clear dish soap in a gallon of water. A teaspoon of baby shampoo in a gallon of water will also work.
Most unfortunately, the answer is no, laminate floors are not waterproof (although certain brands falsely claim to be waterproof). However the vast majority of laminate floorboards are very water resistant, meaning they can last a significant time with water without absorbing moisture.
Not moisture-proof
Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.
Avoid excessive water when mopping, which can seep into the seams between boards, causing swelling. Laminate flooring will not tolerate standing pools of water, which often appear in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. For areas with heavy moisture, you need an impervious surface, such as vinyl or porcelain tile.
Laminate flooring should become the winner when selecting the finest flooring for dogs because it's hard, resilient, and stain-resistant. While laminate is ideal for pet owners, it can be highly slippery for their pets. Scraped or textured laminate flooring is the best for dogs, especially if they're active or older.
Most dog owners forgo hardwood flooring because it can be easily damaged by dogs' nails. If you're set on hardwood, consider a hard wood variety or engineered hardwood planks, which tend to hold up better. Laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet have excellent scratch resistance to hold up to the click-clack of claws.
Vinyl flooring is durable and cost-effective, making it a good choice of material for homeowners with pets. A range of different options, from commercial grade vinyl to antimicrobial vinyl, are available. This gives you more options when choosing the best flooring for your dog.
Pet Friendly Flooring at Floor & Decor
Flooring like treated hardwood, ceramic floor tile, porcelain flooring, vinyl, and laminate are perfect for pets—their texture keeps paws from slipping, they are water resistant to prevent damage from accidents, and they protect against scratches and dents from long nails.
Don't install your laminate on any floor with a drain. Don't install laminate on any uneven subfloor or outdoors. Don't install your laminate over residential carpet. Don't install a second layer of laminate underlayment.
If your laminate flooring is glossy, you need to clean it frequently, using a microfiber dust mop, along with warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Highly glossy laminate flooring often shows prints and the chances increase if you have a dog or pet in house.
Cover the Top Coat With Polyurethane
One of the best materials to use as coating floors is polyurethane. Aside from protecting floors from water damage, polyurethane provides your floor with a glossy, smooth finish. This is great for laminate floors that mimic the look of hardwood floors.
Laminate flooring is much cheaper than vinyl, even though it has a higher ROI when it comes to home value. Laminate flooring costs about $0.70 to $2 per square foot, with installation costing about the same as vinyl flooring.
“Laminate floors are easy to care for,” Meska assures. Arm yourself with a microfiber mop instead of a traditional mop head with strings, since excess water absorbed into the material can seep into the floor seams and cause damage (like swelling or floor bubbling).
Laminate flooring lasts between 15 to 25 years on average. The exact lifespan will vary depending on the product quality of your floor, how well you maintain and care for it and the overall wear-and-tear it receives. In some cases, laminate floors can last over 25 years.