What is the best flooring for high traffic and dogs?

Author: Prof. Domingo Towne  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

Engineered hardwood flooring provides a special mix of durability and style few other materials can offer. If you love the look of hardwood, engineered hardwood may be the best flooring for dogs in busy, high-traffic spaces.

What is the best flooring for high traffic areas and pets?

Ceramic flooring is the best as it's easy to clean up and won't deteriorate the same way other floors will. As there are cement joints there is no where for the mess to go and it sits on the top of the flooring so ceramic is nearly indestructible as far as pet messes go.

What is the best flooring for dogs that have accidents?

Jordan Wells, a flooring and fine carpentry expert and owner of Wells Made, says tile and vinyl plank are the most durable flooring materials for pets. ``These products are mostly waterproof and ideal for pet spills and accidents, and have a hard surface to prevent scratches and dents,'' he explains.

What flooring is best for heavy traffic?

What Is the Best Flooring for High Foot Traffic Areas?
  • Hardwood Floors: Scratch-Resistant Finishes. ...
  • Laminate Flooring: Affordable and Resilient. ...
  • Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP): Reliability and Style Combined. ...
  • Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles: Sturdy and Low Maintenance. ...
  • Concrete Flooring: Industrial Chic.

What is the best flooring to get if you have dogs?

Jordan Wells, a flooring and fine carpentry expert and owner of Wells Made, says tile and vinyl plank are the most durable flooring materials for pets. ``These products are mostly waterproof and ideal for pet spills and accidents, and have a hard surface to prevent scratches and dents,'' he explains.

Best floors if you have pets

Is LVP or laminate better for dogs?

LVP is completely waterproof, making it the superior choice for pet-resistant flooring.

What is the best scratch resistant flooring?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the best waterproof and scratch-proof flooring options. It gives a natural hardwood look and offers great durability and resistance to water and scratches. Luxury Vinyl Plank is made up of multiple layers, including a tough top layer that protects against scratches and dents.

What is the toughest type of flooring?

“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.

Is vinyl or laminate better for high traffic areas?

For high-traffic areas, vinyl flooring has historically emerged as the superior choice due to its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. However, advancements in technology have made both vinyl and laminate flooring ideal for entryways, kitchens, and family rooms.

What classic flooring never goes out of style?

Wooden flooring is a type of flooring that never goes out of style. After all, the planks bring nature's beauty to the inside of your home. That being said, thousands of wood species can be used to create hardwood floors.

Will dog pee ruin vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl flooring can be resistant to stains and spills, including pet urine, but it is not completely pee-proof. If pet urine is left on vinyl flooring for an extended period, it can potentially stain or discolor the flooring.

What flooring can dogs not scratch?

Table of Contents
  • Water-Resistant Laminate.
  • Tile.
  • Vinyl.
  • Hardwood.
  • Bamboo.
  • Concrete.
  • Carpet.
  • Cork.

Is LVP cheaper to install than tile?

Luxury vinyl tile is much more budget-friendly than ceramic tile. Depending on the type of tile you are choosing, ceramics can cost as much as hardwood or high-quality carpet. Materials aside, it costs 40% less to install luxury vinyl tile than it does to install ceramic tile.

What flooring is dog proof?

Durable and truly timeless, porcelain tile, ceramic tile and stone tile have long been go-to options for pet owners. Here's why it's some of the best flooring for dogs: Benefits: Tile is a durable, long-life material.

How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of hardwood floors?

Installing hardwood floors in a 1000 sq ft area typically costs between $7,000 and $25,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $16,000.

What is the best flooring for the money?

Affordable Flooring Options
  • Vinyl Tiles. Vinyl is one of the most popular and versatile cheap flooring options. ...
  • Sheet Vinyl. Sheet vinyl is a cut-to-length option that has seen many design, texture, and quality advancements. ...
  • Plank Vinyl. ...
  • Carpet. ...
  • Laminate. ...
  • Tile. ...
  • Cork. ...
  • Refinishing Existing Floors.

Which flooring is best for heavy traffic?

Vinyl flooring is a very versatile option for high traffic areas, as it is available in a variety of styles, such as wood, stone and tile, in either plank or tile format.

Which is better, luxury vinyl plank or laminate?

We look at durability from the perspective of scratch & dent resistance. Laminate flooring, even the first generation from 1998, is one the most scratch resistant materials ever produced. Luxury Vinyl Plank, although not as resistant to scratches as Laminate, does a better than average job at resisting scratches.

What is the most popular flooring in new homes?

Top 6 Most Popular Flooring in New Homes 2025. The most popular flooring in new homes is wood floors, including prefinished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, and engineered wood followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl planks.

What flooring has the longest lifespan?

By far, the longest-lasting surfacing material is natural wood flooring. As a hard, natural material, wood can last a very long time with the proper maintenance and care. This means adjusting the lay of the wood every so often, sanding it down every, and ensuring that the wood doesn't get damp during the winter.

What type of flooring is easiest to maintain?

Popular low-maintenance flooring options include ceramic and porcelain tiles , luxury vinyl tile, engineered hardwood , stone, concrete and carpet tiles .

What is the best flooring that doesn't show dirt?

Ceramic tile with matte finish is an affordable option that works well for keeping dirt out of sight. This finish will also make your tile much less slippery when wet. Be sure to keep your tile sealed to keep moisture, stains and maintenance to a minimum.

What is the least expensive durable flooring?

What is the cheapest and most durable flooring? Sheet vinyl is among the most affordable flooring options, and it's very durable, too. You can buy sheet vinyl for as low as $0.50 per square foot, and it can last you 10 to 20 years.

Does luxury vinyl plank scratch easily?

Whether you choose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), you? ll find that both offer outstanding scratch resistance. This comes as a result of the wear layer that sits on the very top of your flooring.

What are the pros and cons of cork flooring?

Cork flooring's natural insect repellency, insulative qualities, and soft underfoot feel make it a great option throughout the home. It's also an eco-friendly choice. However, it isn't as durable as other flooring materials and can be damaged easily.

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