7 Pet-Friendly Flooring Options

Hardwood
Although hardwood flooring is a go-to flooring choice for its clean, classic look, it is not always the best option for pet owners as hardwoods are more prone to stains and water damage. If you already have hardwood floors or your heart is set on a beautiful style, the best pet-friendly hardwood materials include: oak, cherry, maple, hickory, walnut, mahogany, sycamore, and bamboo. Softwoods, such as pine, chestnut, larch, hemlock, and fir are more prone to dents and scratches and are not ideal for homes with larger breed dogs.
The harder the wood, the more likely it is to resist scratches from a dog's nails.

Reference the Janka Hardness Scale (bottom of this page) to determine the hardness of wood.(The higher the number, the harder the wood). Any rating less than 850 is considered to be softwood. A rating 1250 and above is considered to be a hardwood. You can find this rating on each of the product pages.
One additional consideration when purchasing hardwood flooring as a pet owner is to find an option that is coated with urethane; making your floor more scratch- and stain-resistant.

Hardwood Flooring
Pros
Available in various colors and finishesEasy to vacuum or sweep ​

Cons
ExpensiveProne to water damage and scratches
Can easily stain if not cleaned immediatelySalt crystals in pet urine can cause odor and stain to reappear over time

Carpet or Carpet Tiles

Carpeting offers a cozy landing for our furry friends. Low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms, are ideal locations for carpet in a home with pets. Also, look for carpet varieties without loops, as your pet's nails may snag on the loops.
Though traditional carpet can be tricky with pets,STAINMASTER® PetProtect® carpetand cushion system reduces odors, releases pet hair, and resists stains. You can use hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners on PetProtect® carpet when pet accidents occur. STAINMASTER® PetProtect® cushion features a breathable moisture barrier that helps prevent stains from penetrating the padding and subfloor, which can help reduce odors when stains are not found right away. STAINMASTER® PetProtect® also uses proprietary technologies and chemistries that reduce the force of attraction between pet

hair and the carpet, allowing it to be more easily removed with normal vacuuming.Pet hair on hard surfaces can become a tumbleweed of hairs that are difficult to clean up, butPetProtect® carpetmakes it easier to get rid of pet hair.

Carpeted Flooring
Pros
Comfortable underfoot and a soft landing for petsAvailable in various colors and stylesCarpet tiles are easily replaced ​

Cons
Difficult to cleanProne to wear and tear

Bamboo
Out of all wood flooring options, bamboo is the best and one of the most popular flooring for dogs and pet-friendly homes. Its natural hardness makes it more stain- and scratch-resistant than traditional hardwood floors. A customer favorite for sustainability and durablity, bamboo is an excellent choice for someone trying to decide between vinyl and hardwood flooring.

Bamboo Flooring
Pros
Can withstand high trafficResistant to wear and tearStain-resistantEco-friendly

Cons
Darker finishes are sometimes more susceptible to water damage and scratchesCan be more expensive depending on the brand and type

Cork
Similar to bamboo flooring, cork flooring is eco-friendly and a naturally antimicrobial material that will reduce the growth of mold and other allergens. This is a perk that benefits both you and your pet! Additionally, cork flooring is warm and pliant making it comfortable to walk upon and can withstand foot traffic very well.

Cork Flooring

Pros
Water-resistantAnti-microbialRequires little maintenance​​​​Quiet underfoot and sound absorbing

Cons
​Discolors overtime from exposure to sunlightSurface can get scratched from sharp nailsNot suitable in rooms where heavy furniture will be placed as it can indent the flooring permanently

Laminate
Although laminate flooring looks similar to hardwood flooring, it provides a much easier clean up after your pet. Despite its hardness and durability, laminate flooring can also be quite slippery. If you're interested in a smooth, high gloss laminate floor, it will reduce your pet's traction even more. It's best to select an option that has a textured or embossed finish to reduce slipping, or layer an area rug and rug pad over the flooring to provide extra traction for your pet.

​Laminate Flooring
Pros
Easy to cleanWater-resistantScratches typically less noticeable

Cons
Slippery surface causing pets to be less stable on their feetNot as long-lasting and timeless as hardwood

Stone Tile
Tile is a great option for pet owners as it is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Tile also makes for easy clean up of accidents and spills. Most tile materials are scratch-resistant, but some softer, more porous stones (like marble) may require more maintenance and treatment. The one downside to tile is that the cold and hard surface provides little to no comfort underfoot. For added comfort and warmth, consider radiant heating and using area rugs throughout the space. A pet bed is a must to give your furry pal a cozy place to relax.

Stone Tile Flooring
Pros
Scratch-resistantEasy to clean

Cons
Cold and hard surfaceCan be slippery for pets

Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is the ideal choice for most pet owners. Compared to other flooring materials, it is an extremely affordable option and can be installed almost anywhere in the home. Vinyl also provides great traction for your pet. Available in a wide variety of designs, such as natural-looking luxury vinyl, it is a durable option that does not compromise on style.

Vinyl Flooring
Pros
Scratch- and stain-resistantEasy-to-cleanPromotes low levels of allergensQuiet underfoot​

Cons
Dulls easily​Water spills can cause mildew or lifting