These Are the Best Types of Flooring for Dogs — And the Worst One
When it comes to my 4-year-old pug, Daphne, nothing is off-limits in my home — she’s allowed to sleep in my bed, play and chew bones on my furniture, and rub her face into my rugs when she has an itch. Despite her free rein, I still try to keep my space as clean as possible, and I believe that always starts with addressing the best pet-friendly flooring.
Daphne and I have lived in a few places, including one with mostly tile, another that was predominantly hardwood, and now one with mostly carpet, plus some vinyl planking in the kitchen area. What’s actually considered the best flooring for dogs, though? I spoke with a few experts, who weighed in on a few easy-to-clean floor options for your home that can withstand furry friends — and, spoiler: Carpet is not it.
The Best Flooring for 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. However, he’s also a fan of hardwood flooring because it’s easy to clean, looks high-end, and comes in different finishes that are suitable for dogs. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Tile
Of all the flooring options out there, tile is the best of the best for homes with dogs. According to Wells, it’s ideal for pets with long nails that like to run around corners or play with toys, since this kind of wear and tear won’t impact the longevity of the flooring. The only concern with tile is the grout, so Wells says to avoid stark white or pure black colors because these require much more maintenance. “Most contractors and designers are leaning toward the closest color match to the tile,” he notes.
Since it’s a hard surface, tile’s fairly low-maintenance. For the best cleaning method, Austen Bietenbeck, owner of EcoClean Carpet Care, suggests first using a broom or vacuum with a soft bristle attachment, then cleaning the surface with warm water. “It’s always great if you can find a natural, all-purpose cleaner to top it off and make sure your furry friends are safe,” he adds. If your dog has an accident or is a messy eater, you can also easily wipe down tiled flooring with a paper towel or rag, and then apply a pet-friendly all-purpose floor spray like the Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner.
Vinyl Plank
According to Wells, vinyl plank is another top choice for homes with dogs — and some of the more high-end options have excellent printing technology that looks just like hardwood. Because cheaper laminate alternatives often have more limited patterns and colors, Wells recommends luxury vinyl plank (LVP) as an “elevated and durable” material. “This flooring is often used in malls and grocery stores and tends to be a family and pet fan favorite because it’s basically indestructible,” he adds.
Similar to tile, vinyl plank is super durable with minimal upkeep. Bietenbeck says you just need to vacuum regularly and wet clean once or twice per week. Finish off with a natural all-purpose cleaner, and you’re good to go.
Hardwood
If you have pets — especially dogs — you might think that hardwood is out of the question, but Wells still considers it a great flooring contender, even in his own home. “We chose this for our house with a large dog, kids, and cats,” he notes. “What I appreciate about hardwood is that it’s a natural, classic choice — it feels softer on your feet and more natural.”
The good news is there are so many different finishing options out there that can disguise damage, but Wells says to avoid flooring with a satin or semigloss finish, since these are more prone to showing imperfections, scratches, and dents. It’s also worth noting that hardwood isn’t waterproof, but if you’re quick to clean up small spills and pet accidents, it won’t deteriorate.
As far as maintenance is concerned, Bietenbeck says to always clean with a broom and wet mop, like a Swiffer or something equivalent, plus warm water. “When pet accidents happen, clean as much as you can first and then finish with disinfectant and warm water,” he adds. “Finish with a natural all-purpose cleaner to keep your pets healthy and safe, too.”
The Worst Flooring for Dogs
Ask anyone — experts and pet owners alike — and they’ll agree that carpet is risky with pets. Their nails might tug on the tufting, fur can get matted down, and this type of flooring stains easily. Sometimes there’s no way around carpeting, though, so here’s what to know about maintaining it with dogs.
Carpet
Carpet isn’t the ideal choice for pet homes because it’s prone to show stains and dirt. However, if you live in a rental or aren’t able to rip it up, you can still make it work. “Regular vacuuming is key to keeping it clean and free of pet hair,” says Jeff Manning, CEO and founder at ABG Builders. He recommends shopping for a high-quality vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet hair to help address fur and dandruff buildup. “Regular carpet cleaning by a professional carpet cleaning vendor is a great idea, as well, so you avoid any issues with damaged carpet,” Manning adds.
I also swear by the BISSELL Little Green Machine for my own carpeted apartment. Using this (plus removing our shoes at the front door) has helped keep my light tan carpet in tip-top shape, but I did layer an area rug over the top in my living room for added protection.
From a maintenance perspective, Robin Murphy, founder of the residential cleaning service ChirpChirp, also says it’s worth cleaning and deodorizing carpets at least twice a year. “There are protectants that can be applied that help repel pet stains and can extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking and smelling fresh,” she notes.
If your dog has an accident on a carpeted floor, address it right away by using a pet-friendly carpet cleaner with stain-removing and odor-eliminating benefits, like the Rocco & Roxie Enzymatic Cleaner for Pet Urine Stain and Odor Eliminator. The brand carries a carpet shampoo that comes in handy when using a small carpet-cleaning appliance, as well.
Keeping Your Dogs Safe on Hard Floors
When discussing flooring, Manning notes that it’s also worth keeping in mind the best types for dogs’ safety, especially surfaces that your pet might land on. “I’d caution dog owners to be mindful of their dogs jumping off furniture onto hard floors like tile or concrete, especially smaller breeds,” he notes. “If a dog is 12 inches tall at the shoulder and jumps off a couch, it is a high-impact jump and hard on their joints.”