7 Types of Scratch-Resistant Flooring for Pets and Kids
If you have a busy household with pets and kids, you'll need scratch-resistant flooring. Here are some of the best options available.
When it comes to choosing flooring for households with pets and kids, durability and scratch resistance are two key factors to consider. Pets and children can be quite active, and their playful nature often leads to accidental scratches and scuffs on the floor. Fortunately, there are several types of flooring that are specifically designed to withstand the demands of a busy household.
Are you looking for scratch-resistant flooring that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life? If so, keep reading this post! In this article, we will explore seven types of flooring that are ideal for homes with pets and kids.
1. Hardwood with Aluminum Oxide Finish
Hardwood flooring is a classic and elegant choice, but it can be prone to scratches. However, hardwood with an aluminum oxide finish offers excellent scratch resistance.
The aluminum oxide coating forms a protective barrier on the hardwood, making it highly resistant to scratches caused by pets' nails and kids' toys. Still, it is important to choose harder wood species like oak or hickory for enhanced durability.
2. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood that provides exceptional scratch resistance. It consists of three different layers, including:
- Core Layer: Made of plywood or fiberboard, this layer is the one that gives the flooring its strength.
- Design Layer: This layer gives the flooring its design using a realistic image of wood, stone, or another material.
- Top Layer: The tough, transparent melamine resin finish serves as a protective layer and makes it scratch-resistant.
Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of designs, including wood, stone, and tile patterns, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your home. Best of all, it will likely save you a lot of money to opt for laminate over hardwood or tile.
3. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank flooring has gained popularity in recent years due to its remarkable durability and scratch resistance. LVP consists of multiple layers, including a tough wear layer that guards against scratches, stains, and scuffs.
It is excellent pet-friendly flooring that's also ideal in households with kids as it can withstand their playful activities without showing signs of wear. LVP also comes in various styles, mimicking the look of natural materials like hardwood and stone.
4. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a versatile flooring option known for its exceptional strength and resistance to scratches. The reason for its strength lies in the high temperatures at which porcelain is baked. Keep in mind that although porcelain is water-resistant, it is also more slippery than other types of flooring.
Still, it is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. It can endure the constant movement of kids and pets without sustaining visible damage.
Porcelain tile comes in a wide array of colors, textures, and sizes, allowing you to create unique and appealing designs in your home. Additionally, it is highly resistant to allergens, stains, and moisture, making it a hygienic choice for households.
5. Natural Stone
Natural stone flooring, such as granite, travertine, or slate, offers a timeless and elegant option that is highly resistant to scratches. While some stones may require sealing to enhance scratch resistance, they generally provide excellent durability.
Natural stone is not only visually appealing but also easy to clean, making it a suitable choice for busy households with pets and kids.
It is worth noting that certain types of stone, like marble, may be more prone to scratches and require regular maintenance. Before settling on a specific type of stone flooring, ask a flooring expert to help you pick one that can withstand damage from kids and pets.
6. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice that also boasts impressive scratch resistance. It is harder than many hardwood species and can withstand the wear and tear caused by pets and children.
If you're in the market for kid-friendly floors, you'll want to choose strand-woven bamboo. This flooring is composed of shredded bamboo fibers and durable resin. Combined, these materials are much more durable than most hardwoods!
Bamboo is also less susceptible to moisture and stains, making it suitable for areas prone to spills. With its natural beauty and durability, bamboo flooring offers a unique option for pet and kid-friendly homes.
7. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is an often-overlooked choice. Yet, it has excellent scratch resistance and many other benefits for households with pets and children. Cork is a natural and sustainable material that possesses a resilient and cushioned surface.
It absorbs impacts, making it comfortable for kids to play on, and it resists scratches caused by pets' nails. Furthermore, cork flooring is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and sound-absorbent, creating a peaceful and safe environment for the whole family.
It's also an extremely sustainable option because it's made from whatever is leftover after the cork harvest. Producers mix it with resin to make it sturdy and create a unique and durable flooring material.
Plenty of Scratch-Resistant Flooring Options for Your Home!
Choosing the right flooring for homes with pets and kids requires careful consideration of durability and scratch resistance. The seven types of scratch-resistant flooring in this article are excellent options. Best of all, they allow you to create a beautiful, pet-friendly, and kid-friendly environment.
If you still aren't sure which of these options is right for your new floor, visit us in Phoenix, Arizona! Eagle Flooring West experts can guide you through the various flooring options so you can pick one you love.
