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!