Dogs are awesome. That’s a fact! But know that with dogs come wear-and-tear to your floors. From
Great Danes to Teacup Yorkies, you can be sure that scratches and pet accidents will inevitably occur.
While our ultimate goal as homeowners and dog owners is to love our pups, while living on floors we
love, with the peace of mind to not stress about either, it’s easier said than done!
Thankfully, flooring technology has evolved to where that ultimate goal can be achieved. Gorgeous
laminate styles can handle the play (abuse!) that dogs will put the floors through while still remaining
attractive and easy to take care of. Add in the favorable price tag and ease of installation, and it’s clear
why laminate flooring is such a hit in active homes with furry canines. When choosing the best
laminate flooring for dogs, take note of these key considerations.
TEXTURE
Love the look and feel of a hand-scraped, textured wood floor? Not only do today’s
laminates emulate the beautiful visual of true hardwood, they also feature realistic texture
and character. This is great for active dogs as the texture will add traction for playing and
running and help as dogs get older. If those furry claws should accidently scratch the
flooring, the texture and character will better disguise the marks. Who knew that in-demand
wood looks would also be the best fit for dogs? Now that’s a win-win.
FINISH
The first line of protection in laminate flooring is the finish, and some are a better fit for dogs
than others. For instance, a high gloss finish will not hide scratches very successfully and
will be more vulnerable to damage. The BEST LAMINATE finish for dogs will be a product
with aluminum oxide added for ultimate anti-scratch resistance. A key sign when shopping
for laminate with a strong finish is the manufacturer’s warranty. If a laminate manufacturer
backs the finish for at least 20 years, there’s a good chance you are choosing a superior
product that will withstand your pups!
HARDNESS
When it comes to measuring the hardness rating of laminate product, the AC (Abrasion
Classification) Ratings reflect the laminate’s performance through many wear tests of
extreme conditions. The higher the AC Rating, the more likely your laminate can handle
playful dogs and still remain durable. When shopping for laminate, avoid any product that is
unrated because it won’t be tough enough. Starting at AC1 and up to AC5, laminates that are
either AC4 or AC5 rated will be better suited against critter claws.
It's estimated that 78 million dogs are owned in the United States alone and that equates to
approximately 44% of all US households. Not only do these numbers show how much we
love our doggies but also that they will factor in our purchasing decisions. With some
thoughtful investigating and planning, we can design homes that are ready to be lived in
and loved by all members of the family. NOW BRING ON THE LAMINATES!