Pet owners and parents have shockingly similar considerations when it comes to selecting flooring for their home. Durability, ease of maintenance, safety, and cost. From laminate to ceramic tile, the wide range and range of colors offers a flooring option for everyone. Let's delve into the best pet-friendly and kid-friendly flooring choices to help you make the right decision for your family.
1. Laminate Flooring
Average cost per square foot: $2-$8
- Scratch-resistant surface ideal for pets
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Not as susceptible to water damage as hardwood flooring
- Laminate floors are great for high-traffic areas with kids and pets
2. Engineered Hardwood
Average cost per square foot: $3-$14+
- Consists of multiple layers for enhanced stability and durable options.
- Resistant to warping and moisture damage, making it suitable for areas prone to spills.
- Offers scratch-resistant hardwood options at a fraction of the price of solid hardwood floors.
- Many products are easy to install if you need a DIY solution. Flooret's Silvan is a favorite among DIYers and decorators alike, and it's available in six colors.
- Looks just like classic wood flooring.
3. Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Average cost per square foot: $2-$7
- Highly durable and resistant to scratches and stains
- Wide variety of waterproof options available.
- Super easy to clean and maintain making it a popular flooring option for families.
- Luxury vinyl flooring mimics the look of hardwood flooring or stone, offering a variety of color and aesthetics at a more affordable price point
- Increasingly sustainable. We have our eyes on PureTech, a new planet-friendly waterproof flooring offering. Made in the USA, PureTech is 100% PVC-free resilient flooring made from recycled and renewable materials - 80% renewable organic core and 70% total recycled content. "PureTech is waterproof, durable and scratch resistant while also featuring premium wood visuals, so homeowners don't have to choose between beauty and performance," shares David Moore, Mohawk’s Senior Product Director - Wood/Laminate.
- Flooret's Modin LVP collection comes in 22 colors, and it has a 20-40 mil Wear Layer, which is well above the 7 mil industry standard. Modin also offers true embossed-in-register (EIR) texture and a low sheen level.
4. Carpet Flooring (with Certain Considerations)
Average cost per square foot: $1-$5+
- Provides warmth, comfort, and sound absorption making it especially great for bedrooms and play areas.
- Some materials may be susceptible to stains and odors from pet accidents; opt for options like PETPremier that are both easy to clean and durable (not to mention, sustainable).
- Regular vacuuming is required to combat pet hair from furry friends.
- Consider plush carpets if they have a good warranty or low-pile options for easier maintenance.
5. Cork Flooring
Average cost per square foot: $3-$12+
- Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and insects
- Soft and comfortable underfoot, ideal for kids
- Eco-friendly and renewable material
- Cork floors are susceptible to scratches and dents. While many do use it as a pet-friendly flooring, it may require sealing for added protection under claws and heavy furniture.
6. Porcelain Tile Flooring
Average cost per square foot: $5-$10+
- An excellent choice for durability and moisture resistance.
- Available in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns for unlimited design options.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Suitable for high-traffic areas and homes with pets and kids
7. Bamboo Flooring
Average cost per square foot: $3-$10+
- Sustainable and eco-friendly flooring material
- Bamboo floors are harder and more durable than traditional hardwood
- Resistant to moisture and stains, has made it a popular flooring trend.
- Requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and durability
8. Rubber Flooring
Average cost per square foot: $3-$10+
- Offers excellent shock absorption, slip resistance, and a forgiving surface, making it good option for families.
- Durable and long-lasting floor material, able to withstand heavy foot traffic and pet claws
- Easy to clean and maintain, with water-resistant properties
- Rubber floors come in a variety of colors and textures, suitable for playrooms, kitchens, and basements
Choosing Between Laminate and Hardwood Floors
Laminate Flooring:
- Scratch Resistance: Designed for scratch-resistance making it a top pet-friendly flooring option.
- Moisture Resistance: Better moisture resistance compared to hardwood, which is beneficial in case of spills or accidents.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to clean floor type requiring just sweeping and occasional mopping.
- Affordability: With a range of competitive manufacturers, it's the ultimate choice for a budget-friendly option.
- Durability: Durable and resilient to wear and tear, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
Hardwood Flooring:
- Natural Aesthetics: Genuine hardwood floors offer a timeless, luxurious look that adds value to the home.
- Scratch Vulnerability: More susceptible to scratches from pet claws and children's toys, requiring regular maintenance and potential refinishing.
- Moisture Sensitivity: This floor option is prone to damage from moisture, spills, and accidents, necessitating prompt cleanup to prevent warping or staining.
- Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, hardwood flooring can last for generations, making it a long-term investment.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Often considered more environmentally friendly compared to laminate, especially if sourced from sustainable forests or reclaimed wood.
Do I need a water-resistant floor if I have kids?
Accidents are inevitable in homes with kids, but you may not need waterproof flooring. Not all homes with kids are prone to ignored spills, flooding events, or general major damage. Water-resistant options like luxury vinyl tile may offer added protection against spills and accidents, regular cleaning and prompt maintenance can also mitigate damage on other types of flooring. For peace of mind in a rental, higher resistant floors might be important to you.
Keep in mind that moisture-resistant options should be considered more heavily in particularly humid climates. It's not just about spills, remember that any excessive moisture offers opportunities for mold growth.
Which flooring lasts the longest in a high-traffic space?
In high-traffic areas prone to wear and tear from kids and pets, durable flooring options such as laminate, luxury vinyl, and tile tend to last the longest. Not surprisingly, the 2024 U.S. Houzz Pets & the Home Study highlighted that 48% of pet owners consider their pets when planning upgrades in their home, and choosing the right floor is a big deal. In fact, for homeowners who had recently completed a project, 51% said that flooring was the most popular upgrade. Materials engineered to be resilient against scratches, stains, and moisture are ideal choices for active households seeking long-lasting flooring solutions.
