Kitchen floor experiences with multiple pets

5 years ago

I know there's been many posts covering the different types of flooring, but I still find the vast number of options to be overwhelming. Along with my kitchen cabinets, I'm replacing the kitchen, back hallway, and laundry room flooring. The existing hardwood has been completely trashed by pet nails and various spills (but mostly the nails, and that time my dog decided to inspect a container of black oil based paint by pushing it off the counter)

Ideally I'd like something water and scratch resistant. I've investigated LVP and porcelain tile (style TBD). So far there are only three things I'm clear on: no wood, no travertine, and professional installation for sure.

It's also a 110 year old house where there's ~1.5" ceiling height difference between opposite ends of the kitchen. To put it a different way, all spills run in the same direction.

I'm interested to hear the experience of others with similar challenges, especially those with multiple large dogs. Any feedback is appreciated though.

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Comments (5)

SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
I'm assuming you mean there is 1.5" FLOORING height difference (which you measured by measuring floor-ceiling).

OK...110 year old house...shall we assume this is on wood joists??

First things first: the entire area needs to be levelled. Not just the floor area but the entire kitchen needs to come to level. Without that you will have a hard time putting down anything but sheet vinyl.

If you want scratch resistance then tile or stone are your go to. If you want water proof then work with sheet vinyl.

Yes...I said it...sheet vinyl. Remember: anything with a seam will have water intrusion issues. A click together vinyl is going to have issues at the seams (minor issues...but still the possibility is there). Sheet products are the ONLY things that are truly water proof (think of a pool liner).

As for scratch resistance the LVP stuff has good days and bad days. Some people are SCREAMING MAD because their 'super tough' finish scratches by looking at it. While others are totally fine with the IDENTICAL PRODUCT.

Remember: the material is the material is the material. The HOMEOWNER'S REACTION to the material is what is different.

You will need to figure out what is the MOST important to you and work with the product that GIVES you that ONE item.

If you want water proof then sheet goods are your answer. If you want scratch resistance then stone or porcelain tiles are your answer. If you want easy to stand on, then wood or cork is the answer.

Pick your poison...and then guard against it. What are YOUR expectations for a floor???
Mel thanked SJ McCarthy
shivece
5 years ago
We have big dogs and slate look porcelain tile with dark grout in the mud room and kitchen. Four years and so far so good.
Mel thanked shivece
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porkchop_z5b_MI
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Tile or stone would be impervious to dog nails. But I have to ask -- don't you keep their nails trimmed down? I have hardwood through pretty much the entire house, and as long as I keep those nails short scratches on the floor isn't an issue. If you hear those nails clicking on the floor --> they're too long.
Mel thanked porkchop_z5b_MI
delray33483
5 years ago
I agree with above. Tile is the best choice. There are many to choose from including some very good looking "wood plank" varieties that would fit into most houses

LVT is pretty good to look at but you would be replacing it in short order with dogs. Laminate is the same as LVT for longevity

also - it has to be level and even. Slope is one thing, but any kind of wave will be a problem
Mel thanked delray33483
pamghatten
5 years ago
Look at Marmoleum for sheet vinyl, had it at my last house with multiple pets and it was great.
Mel thanked pamghatten