The Best Flooring for Pets: 4 Top Picks

Greetings, pet lovers! Isn't it just the best having furry friends around the house? They fill our lives with joy, hilarity, and endless cuddle therapy. And, luckily for them, they’re usually cute enough for us to forgive them when those adorable paws and antics get a bit rough on our floors. Between the surprise scratches, the occasional "oops" moments, and never-ending fur tumbleweeds, finding the right flooring is a game-changer. You want to strike just the right balance between creating a welcoming, attractive home and also maintaining a safe, comfy playground for your pet.

Read on to discover the top recommendations for the best flooring for pets and find the most appropriate fit for your home.

What Is the Most Pet-Friendly Flooring?

When it comes to choosing the most pet-friendly flooring, several factors come into play:

1. Durability: Can the floor withstand scratches and dents from claws?
2. Water Resistance: How well does it handle spills and accidents?
3. Comfort: Is it comfortable for pets to walk and rest on?
4. Maintenance: How easy is it to clean and maintain?
5. Safety: Is the floor free from toxic chemicals?

Pet-Friendly Flooring for Healthy Homes  

Regarding that safety factor noted above, it’s good to know that all CALI floors are FloorScore certified, low-VOC, and made with high-quality materials to maintain healthy indoor air quality. This is especially important for any occupants (pets or otherwise) who spend a lot of time on the floor or have chemical sensitivities. Learn more about what to look for in healthy home flooring here.

Considering the factors above, here are some top pet-friendly flooring options:

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring 

View CALI Alderwood Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring, particularly Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), has gained popularity among pet owners for several reasons:

• 100% Waterproof: Vinyl's rise in popularity among pet owners isn't coincidental. Its waterproof construction means those unexpected spills or puppy accidents are less of a concern.
• Scratch Resistance: A high-quality LVP offers a durable wear layer that resists claw scratches. Opt for a scratch resistant vinyl plank that’s shielded by a wear layer at least 20mil thick like a Longboards floor to ensure extra protection.
• Design Versatility: Whether you're aiming for a rustic farmhouse feel or a modern, sleek look, luxury vinyl plank flooring offers an array of design options. This way you can have a pet-friendly home that still feels stylish and welcoming to its human inhabitants.
• Easy Cleaning: A simple wipe or sweep takes care of most messes on a luxury vinyl floor, making LVP a low-maintenance choice for busy pet owners & cleaning pet hair. Get more maintenance tips here.
  

Recommendation: Any CALI Vinyl collection will make for great pet-friendly flooring. These planks are tough as they come and offer both realistic hardwood style and boosted waterproof durability – a perfect fit for pets of any size.

Luxury Laminate Flooring

View CALI Shorebreak Laminate Flooring

Luxury laminate is another pet-friendly flooring option that offers advanced durability along with natural style at a great value.

• Water Resistance: While the traditional laminate floors of yesteryear weren’t known for being waterproof, modern luxury laminate options have elevated the game with many (including all CALI Laminate collections) now offering a 100% waterproof construction. This feature is a great defense against any pet-related incidents.
• Scratch Resistance: A high-quality laminate floor can stand up against most scratches, ensuring that playtime doesn't leave permanent marks. All CALI laminate floors offer AC4 scratch resistance and are NALFA certified for construction and performance quality. This means they boast just as much scratch resistance as a top-of-the-line luxury vinyl floor, if not more!
• Design Versatility: Luxury laminate has the ability to assume the color, patterns, and texture of a whole range of natural surfaces including hardwood and stone. CALI’s Mavericks, Santa Cruz, and Pacifica collections all capture various timbers, while the Shorebreak collection offers realistic marble and slate-look tiles.
• Easy Cleaning: An effortless sweep or vacuum (without the beater bar) and a gentle dry mop keeps luxury laminate looking brand-new. Get more maintenance tips here.
  

Recommendation: CALI Laminate has been certified by NALFA as a fully waterproof product and is designed with extra scratch resistance – a perfect option for pet-friendly homes.

Can’t decide between luxury vinyl or laminate? Learn more about the comparison between the two pet-friendly flooring types here.

Hardwood Flooring 

View CALI Hardwood Flooring

For those who love the look and feel of real wood, engineered hardwood flooring can be a great way to go in a home with pets. These floors are strengthened by a layered construction which makes them more sustainable than solid planks. Although wood is a natural product and therefore cannot be dubbed waterproof, with proper maintenance these floors can still provide a solid option for homeowners looking for pet-friendly flooring.

• Durability: Engineered hardwood planks are more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood.
• Scratch Resistance: There’s a wide range of quality when you’re shopping hardwood flooring, so it’s important to know what to look for and order some samples you can test at home before making a big purchase. CALI hardwood floors are all shielded by a premium aluminum oxide finish which helps to protect the floors from everyday wear and tear.
• Natural Beauty: There’s no denying the appeal of real wood. These planks have the ability to make rooms truly unique by bringing a touch of the natural world indoors. Check out CALI’s Meritage and Cellar collections for premium cuts of European white oak. The Barrel collection offers oak planks in beautiful colors at a great value, and the Varietals collection offers a range of wood species including ash, maple, acacia, and hickory.
• Easy Cleaning: Although hardwood flooring is not waterproof, with a high-quality finish, maintenance should not be too demanding. A light spray and damp mop with proper cleaning solutions should work for most messes. Find more hardwood floor cleaning tips here.

Recommendation: CALI Hardwoods collections are all designed with protective aluminum oxide finishes, boosting scratch resistance and making them easier to clean. While not as waterproof as LVP or laminate, choosing a harder wood species and a robust finish can enhance its suitability as a pet-friendly floor.

Can’t decide between hardwood or luxury laminate? Get more tips and recommendations here.

Bamboo Flooring 

View CALI Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a fantastic eco-friendly option that offers similar pet-friendly flooring benefits and characteristics as hardwood. CALI’s bamboo floors undergo a proprietary Fossilizing process which makes them especially hard and dense – perfect for homes with pets who like to run and play rough.

• Durability: Bamboo's natural hardness gives it a durability that often surpasses many traditional hardwoods. It may surprise you, but this tough, woody grass makes for great pet friendly flooring. Watch a video testimonial from a dog-loving bamboo customer here.
• Versatile Beauty: Bamboo flooring has the ability to take on a variety of stains and texturizing treatments to create a variety of looks from light, airy tans to deep mochas and from modern, smooth textures to rustic finishes. This means you can enjoy the strength and eco benefits of bamboo flooring in a color that is perfectly suited to your home style.
• Easy Cleaning: Bamboo flooring requires the same upkeep as a hardwood floor and can be easily maintained with simple sweeping and occasional damp mopping. CALI bamboo flooring is protected by 10-coats of aluminum oxide finish, boosting its scratch resistance and easy clean up. Get more maintenance tips here.

Recommendation: CALI Bamboo! We’ve been in the bamboo business for 20 years and have fine-tuned our floors to be extra durable and pet-friendly, not to mention beautiful!

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Pet-Friendly Flooring 

1. Pet size and activity level: Larger breeds or more active pets may require more robust flooring solutions.
2. Allergies and health concerns: Opt for materials that don't harbor allergens and are easy to clean. All CALI floors are FloorScore certified, ensuring they’re free from harmful chemicals and safe for families and pets.
3. Budget considerations: It is absolutely possible to find a floor that balances value, looks, and quality. If budget is a major concern, a luxury vinyl or laminate may be a good option. CALI even has budget-friendly hardwood options in the Barrel and Varietals collections.
4. Ease of cleaning: Opt for floors with a robust finish or wear layer that doesn't stain easily. If you find yourself cleaning up frequent spills or messes, a waterproof option like luxury vinyl or laminate may be a good fit.
5. Colors that help conceal fur: Neutral or multi-toned floors can be a lifesaver for pet owners, camouflaging fur and reducing the "need to clean" urgency.

What Is the Best Floor for Dog Pee? 

Accidents are inevitable, especially with young or elderly pets. Choosing a flooring that can handle moisture is crucial. Waterproof flooring options like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and high-quality luxury laminate flooring are excellent choices. They prevent liquids from seeping in, making clean-up straightforward and protecting against stains and odors.

CALI’s luxury vinyl and laminate floors are designed with pet owners in mind. Their waterproof properties ensure that unexpected accidents don't lead to lasting damage, keeping your floors looking pristine.

Is There Any Vinyl Flooring That Is Not Toxic? 

Ensuring your flooring is safe for all household members, including pets, is essential. Unfortunately, there are plenty of budget flooring options that cut corners and use materials that can cause off-gassing in homes, leading to less-than-ideal indoor air quality. Make sure the flooring you choose to install meets the following standards when it comes to indoor health:

• Low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Low-VOC flooring emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing indoor air pollution and creating a safer, healthier environment for pets and humans.
• Free from Hazardous Chemicals: Such as phthalates and heavy metals, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose potential health risks to pets and humans over time.
• FloorScore Certified: This ensures it meets stringent indoor air quality standards and is free from harmful substances, making it a safe choice for your family and pets.

Tips for Maintaining Pet-Friendly Flooring 

Beyond selecting the right flooring material, pet owners should consider the following to maintain beautiful and pet-friendly floors:

• Regular cleaning routines: Even with pet-friendly flooring, regular cleaning keeps your home fresh and allergen-free. Get tips for every type of flooring here.
• Proper nail care for pets: Monthly nail trims can greatly reduce potential floor damage.
• Using area rugs and pet-friendly furniture: These not only protect floors but also provide comfy lounging spots for pets.

Our homes are reflections of our lifestyles and personalities. For those of us with pets, this includes considering their needs alongside ours. From the charming chaos of kittens to the boundless energy of puppies, the flooring we choose plays a pivotal role in our cohabiting happiness. With the options above for the best flooring for pets, you can create a space that's both stylish and pet-accommodating. Here's to many more years of belly rubs, purrs, and wagging tails on your family pet friendly floors!