If you have a large family or furry family members, you’ll want to choose the best flooring for high traffic areas and pets. With so many flooring options out there, this may be an overwhelming task. So we’ve shared our top recommendations for the best flooring for high traffic areas and pets, as well as our honorable mentions, below. 

What is the Best Flooring for High Traffic Areas? 

The verdict is in and the people find tile, particularly ceramic or porcelain tile, to be the best flooring option for high traffic areas. Surprised? Tile has been used for over 5,000 years because of its durability. Tile’s hardness is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, and if you’re laying tile in a high-traffic area, we recommend laying tile that is rated as a 4 or a 5. 

Tile isn’t just durable. It’s also stain-resistant, water-resistant, and one of the easiest types of flooring to maintain. Many tiles are also eco-friendly and hypoallergenic (which is important if you or someone in your family has allergies). But maybe tile isn’t the vibe you wanted for your house. Don’t be disappointed – many companies now make tile that looks like wood. 

While tile is one of the best flooring options for high traffic areas, comfort is not a main selling point. Not to mention, tile can feel extra cold during the winter months and can be loud if you have furry family members. 

What is the Best Flooring for Dogs? 

For many of us, our pets are members of our family. And just like us, dogs can make messes that can leave our floors stained and scratched. So when it comes to picking out flooring, it’s important to keep your furry friends in mind, especially if they are older or have special needs. Luckily, there are many flooring options that are pet-resistant and can make cleaning up a breeze when they shed or have accidents. With that said, vinyl is the most popular pet-friendly flooring choice. 

What makes vinyl flooring the winner for families with furry members? It’s budget-friendly, durable, and comes in options that mimic wood and natural stone. Other benefits of this pet-friendly flooring are that it comes in mark-resistant and stain-resistant options. There are also skid-resistant options, which is not only a plus for senior pets but may be a plus for you too. 

While vinyl flooring may be the best flooring for dogs, there are some aspects of vinyl flooring to consider. If the vinyl you choose has a thin protective layer, it can dull easily. It’s also less eco-friendly and less desirable for resale.

Other Flooring for High Traffic Areas and Pets

So what if you’re not loving the flooring recommendations we’ve made for high traffic areas and pets? That’s okay. We’ve got more recommendations for you that are still durable and pet-friendly options.

  • Laminate Flooring 

Laminate flooring is a cost-effective, pet-friendly flooring option, no matter the size of your space. It’s tough, durable, and resistant to both scratches and stains. And it’s easy to clean and can be heated for cozy paws and feet during the winter months. 

When purchasing laminate flooring for pets, remember to invest in water resistant laminate. If the click-clack of your dog’s nails grates your nerves, be aware that laminate may be a louder flooring if you opt against noise resistant laminate. 

  • Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is perfect for loved ones with allergies as it is naturally antimicrobial and mold and mildew resistant. It also absorbs sounds, which is a plus for large families or families with pets. Cork flooring is an eco-friendly flooring option and requires little upkeep. 

While cork flooring is relatively low maintenance, it doesn’t handle moisture well, so spills and accidents need to be cleaned up ASAP. It’s also sensitive to scratches, but lighter shades can camouflage scratches. 

  • Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are not the most pet-friendly flooring option, but if you love the look of hardwood floors, you may want to consider engineered hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood floors give you the stylish look you want while still offering some scratch and water protection. And while it’s expensive compared to some flooring materials, it’s more affordable when compared to solid hardwood. 

Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring

Okay, you’ve narrowed it down to vinyl vs laminate flooring as the best flooring options for high traffic areas and pets, but you’re still not sure about differences between these two types of pet-friendly flooring. Let’s take a minute to compare. 

When it comes to their level of waterproofing, vinyl is usually more waterproof. Both vinyl and laminate hold up well to high traffic areas and pets, as they are durable and stain resistant. With proper care, vinyl and laminate flooring can last from 20-25 years. 

So what’s the difference? Vinyl is made of plastic while laminate is made of wood finished with a photographic layer. This means laminate is going to look more like hardwood floors in style and appearance. Vinyl is relatively low maintenance, needing only a mild cleanser and mop to maintain its appearance. Laminate must be cleaned with soap-free cleansers and products designed for laminate flooring.  

The differences aren’t as stark as you might have thought, so it may come down to which design fits the style of your home better. If you’re in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area, to start the process of choosing vinyl vs laminate flooring, schedule a free in-home measurement so our flooring experts can help you decide which flooring option fits your style and budget. 

What Type of Flooring is Most Scratch Resistant? 

Ceramic or porcelain tile is considered the most scratch resistant flooring option. But as we mentioned above, it may not be the best fit for your home. If that’s the case, then most hard surface flooring options are a great second option. Hard surface flooring options include luxury vinyl tile, laminate flooring, and engineered hardwood.

Do I Need Waterproof Flooring for My Pets? 

While it’s not necessary to have waterproof flooring for your pets, choosing waterproof or water-resistant flooring will make your life less stressful. In a perfect world, we would clean up all spills and accidents immediately, but sometimes that isn’t possible. So having waterproof or water-resistant flooring can help prevent water damage. 

Choosing which flooring is the best for high traffic areas and pets can seem like a daunting task, but your floors are a key part of your home you invest in. Taking the time to learn the different flooring options can help keep you and your pets relaxed and in love with your home. Our flooring experts would be happy to show you samples of the best flooring for high traffic areas and pets to help you decide which type of flooring is the perfect fit for your home.

Floor Concepts provides local flooring solutions to greater Pittsburgh, PA and the North Hills, free in-home measurements and estimates, and worry-free installations. Visit our Wexford, PA showroom or contact our team today to start the process of picking out the best flooring for high traffic areas and pets in your home. 

What makes vinyl flooring the winner for families with furry members? It’s budget-friendly, durable, and comes in options that mimic wood and natural stone. Other benefits of this pet-friendly flooring are that it comes in mark-resistant and stain-resistant options. There are also skid-resistant options, which is not only a plus for senior pets but may be a plus for you too. 

While vinyl flooring may be the best flooring for dogs, there are some aspects of vinyl flooring to consider. If the vinyl you choose has a thin protective layer, it can dull easily. It’s also less eco-friendly and less desirable for resale.