Will Dogs Scratch Laminate Flooring?

Choosing flooring is tough. You want a budget-friendly material that provides the right look and feel that covers the practical considerations. If you have dogs, the decision is further complicated by other concerns, including potty accidents, water bowl spills, odor retention, shed hair and scratch resistance. Like anything, laminate flooring has pros and cons.

Laminate flooring is durable and scratch-resistant. However, these floors aren't scratch-proof. If you have a large or heavy dog, she may scratch the flooring surface, just as you can scratch it by dragging furniture or other heavy objects across it. And although laminate flooring can be affected by water over time, it's fairly safe from damage from urine and spills and from dents. It's also easy to clean and requires no polish or wax.

Despite its reliable resistance to scratching, laminate flooring isn't necessarily the best option for dog owners. This surface is slippery and difficult to run or even walk across for many dogs. Frequent slipping can cause unnatural hip movements that can take a toll on your pet's comfort and mobility over time. It's also not particularly comfortable to lie down on. Decent floor coverage with area rugs may be helpful.