HARDWOOD FLOORING
Though hardwood flooring is easy on the eyes when you first have it placed, it can be a pain to keep track of when your pets have made an accident. Liquids absorb wood, and the moisture can create problems for you if you do not mop up the mess immediately. Hardwood does not look as pretty when it is stained, and warped. Also, hardwood is easily scratched. If your dog’s nails are not trimmed regularly, they can easily leave scratch marks on your hardwood floor. The best hardwood flooring for pets has said to be solid, or engineered hardwood flooring that has a tough finish. Hardwood floors are easy to clean, and if you are home most of the day, it would be no problem to keep the floor nice, and attractive.
VINYL FLOORING
Vinyl flooring is the typical choice for the average pet owner, as it has the most benefits, and has proven to be the most durable. Vinyl flooring has numerously been referred to as “resilient flooring,” as it bends back into its original shape, and is not affected by scratches or scuffs. Vinyl flooring is also water resistant, so it can take a spill or two. If installed correctly, vinyl flooring will wear well for a good time. The texture of the flooring is relatively soft, compared with wood or tile flooring. As your pets walk around at night, you would not hear that loud clicking sound if you had vinyl flooring.
LAMINATE FLOORING
Laminate floors have an incredibly tough, clear, melamine wear layer — making the floor practically indestructible when it comes to your dog’s claws. The flooring is also water and stain resistant. Laminate flooring might have some advantages, but it is known for its hollow sound, and lack of traction for your animals. If your animals are older, this lack of traction could be a health hazard. Perhaps you should get some rugs and/or pet beds if you so choose to go with laminate flooring.
TILE AND STONE FLOORING
Some people have argued that tile and stone flooring is the absolute best for a household with cats or dogs. Both floorings are tough, stain-resistant, water-resistant, and fairly easy to clean. Your dogs might find tile or stone flooring uncomfortable or hard to lay on, and their footsteps may also be amplified under the flooring. The floors could possibly be an undesirable temperature if you do not have radiant under-floor heating. A rug or a pet bed could easily fix those minor problems if you choose to go with tile or stone flooring.