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melissa_cherek

Best floor for big dogs?

12 years ago
What would be the best flooring for big dogs? Vinyl and carpet are not options.

Comments (26)

  • 12 years ago
    Whatever you go with, keep their nails trimmed. Other than that, I think it's up to you if you want hardwood, laminate or tile.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    For hardwood, oiled hardwood that is wirebrushed, something with character is better and nothing too dark.
  • 12 years ago
    My oak floors became very scratched from my 63 pond Aussie and I kept his nails very short.
  • 12 years ago
    My LVP is holding up much better than my oak hardwood. And the bit of texture to the LVP is an added benefit for the dog's joints as well.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Generally it's the lacquer that gets scratched from puppy nails. Oiled wire brushed hardwood has a lot of texture and is more matte finished. The colour and grade can also help hide wear and tear. That would be if you want hardwood, tile is also another option if you don't want vinyl. If you check out our profile there is a project with the Vintage Remains collection from Du Chateau that is very textured and was a perfect choice for the home as she also had a larger active dog.
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks! That looks good and would fit with our 19th century farmhouse. Someone had suggested bamboo, which has mixed reviews when I did a search. What type of wood is used in those pics?
  • 12 years ago
    We have oak hardwood floors and 3 big dogs, 70lb +. Their nails are very hard on it. Nails Clipped or not, if they run or play or slip, the nails come out for grip.
    More critical (for me), is that the senior dog is more unstable and insecure on wood. So we have added rugs everywhere for her sense of security. If I had to Do it over, I think Id have gone with a textured tile, but then would need rugs for warmth, literally and visually.
    Laminate (at my sons house with a boxer) seems more durable than wood, but is still very slick, slippery. Despite that, Im glad the carpet is gone. Carpeting holds, hides all kinds of yuck. If you plan to stay, and resale isn't an issue, choose what you like and what is best for your dogs comfort. My 8 yr old floors now LOOK like an old farmhouse floor, with character!
  • 12 years ago
    We are also researching flooring and have a large dog. Nails are kept short, using a Dremel to grind the nails. Our previous home was tiled throughout. The oversize tiles had a texture to them, and even wet, were less slick.

    For this home, we are looking at hardwood for the master suite (the rest of the house is tiled). Our consultant recommended "hand scraped" engineered hardwood. The nicks and 'flaws' in the finish would hide any marks from the dog's nails. I'm not sure yet what we will choose, but I do not care for the graining of hickory, which seems to be used quite a lot with different colors.

    We did look at some bamboo flooring. Some types are made by slicing the bamboo and gluing layers together, like a laminate. The grain could be either vertical or horizontal. If the planks are placed side by side, the characteristics of the bamboo are seen: the nodes and knuckles of the bamboo. If the layers are placed next to each other vertically, you would see a "stack" pattern, which tends to be more uniform, smooth surface, but do not show the character of the bamboo as well.

    "Strand woven" bamboo is twice as strong as either of the above. Strand woven bamboo refers to bamboo planks that are made from the remaining strands of the stalk trimmed away from the long bamboo fillets. These are compressed together with an adhesive before being pressurized and finished. Strand-woven bamboo is twice as hard as horizontal and vertical bamboo.

    Sources: talking with a flooring specialist, and also from http://learn.builddirect.com/flooring/bamboo-flooring/types-bamboo-floors/


    Bubbasgma, what is LVP?
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    @ruechardon...
    That was/is the idea behind distressed & or hand-scraped finishes...
    To give the entire floor a uniform look which would normally appear in high abuse or heavy traffic areas. When "boo-boo's" occur, it's not a disaster... simply a matter of touch-up (if that's desired).
  • 12 years ago
    LVP is Luxury Vinyl Plank. Also LVT (luxury vinyl tile).

    The brand and type I am now considering for a below-grade, "has flooded in the past", basement remodel is the Karndean LooseLay. Heavyweight planks, can easily be picked up and dried and relaid.

    http://www.karndean.com/en/floors?link=gm

    Now if only I could find a dog-proof sofa!!!
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Thanks, bubbasgma! Leather is pretty tough and durable.

    Our dog is not as big as yours, and has her own beds or mats around the house. We don't allow her on the furniture, just our choice.
  • 12 years ago
    Mine thinks he's a cat and sleeps in the bow window. Used the back of my leather sofa like a rawhide teething toy.

    I've found this forum very useful as we plan our basement repairs.
    http://www.thefloorpro.com/community/vinyl-flooring-q-and-a/
  • 12 years ago
    I have a 99 pound lab, just ordered porcelain tile for our main floor.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hi Melissa, the floor is a white oak by Du Chateau Hardwood from their Vintage Remains collection, Summer Beam is the colour. It has filled knots and cracks and is deep wire brushed. The colour is amazing. Would be perfect for a 19th century farmhouse. Here's the link
    http://duchateaufloors.com/product/summer-beam/

    My two cents on bamboo is to be careful as quality makes a big difference on that product as it's really just grass glued together. For a classic look and better stability, white oak is my choice.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would go with 3/4 solid hardwood flooring with the knowledge I may have to re-sand the floor as needed. There are some very durable finishes your contractor can use to alleviate any future dilemmas.
    Refinishing the floor at a later date would run about $2.00 s/f

    Ralph@waileainteriors.com Phoenix
  • 12 years ago
    We did want porcelain tile, not fussy on it, but thought if we were getting the floor done might as well make it last. Anyone have the strand woven bamboo?
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Melissa... thanks for the "thanks"...
    Should you decide to consider any of the "hardwood floor" options outlined, I think you'd be surprised with the performance & durability, as well as easy maintenance & comfort... (as opposed to the porcelain tile direction).
    Bamboo... as Masterpiece indicated... the real durability factor there isn't the "grass/weed" itself... it's the type of finish used on top... and there are varying qualities between manufacturers.

    Obviously, I have no idea of your location, but if there's an interest in the future please feel to drop me a line at: david@SelectHardwoodFloor.Com

    We'd be happy to discuss the numerous options available in CUSTOM prefinished hardwood flooring... both SOLID & ENGINEERED.
    I've had the pleasure of working with numerous people all over the country we've met through the Houzz network.
  • 12 years ago
    Cork, cork, cork! We have a 90lbs Weimaraner, and that does not scratch at all. We put in our walkout basement; it's fabulous. Repels water, easy clean, and warm (even in a basement). Well worth the expense....we shopped around and got it for $3.70/square foot.
  • 11 years ago
    Did you know? Most broadloom installers can loose lay carpet and bind the edges. This method works well with a good quality carpet (doesn't bunch-up) and the carpet can be rolled-up and sent out for cleaning. I've done this in several homes and have been through 4 puppies. Last carpet was a nice Couristan. Hi, Bubba...good to "see you" again! Still waiting for the new puppy.
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I think Bamboo flooring, which is an excellent choice for homes with pets, for many different reasons. It’s harder than the hardest hardwoods, meaning it will stand up to more traffic. It is stain resistant, so people don’t have to worry about accidents or spills. Due to bamboo’s hardness it will save money compared to repairing other types of flooring as well.

  • 10 years ago

    I have 2 weimaraners, one 2 yr old around 65 lbs and a 4 yr old around 90 lbs. I need to pick out a flooring good for them. They rough house a lot and they slip on our current wood floor and the laminate. I am mainly concerned with them scratching the flooring. What is good without breaking the bank in our new home?

  • 10 years ago

    Installed Karndean, Loose Lay LVP back in August. Hasn't been scratched yet. Although it's not overly slippery, I use rugs throughout the house. The "hang out" room where they chew bones and I work on computer has an indoor/outdoor rug. Just hose it off if gets dirty. We do like playing fetch in house but they use the antique rug and runners for speed! Wouldn't trade this flooring as it's perfect for us. Two Bernese Mountain dogs 125 lbs and 85 lbs.


  • 10 years ago
    We have three little dogs, and our hardwoods are in terrible, terrible shape. We just bought a bunch of LVP which we are going to float over the hardwoods. If you can't have vinyl, LVP isn't for you then. @Bubbasgma, here's our low-tech solution for the couch (2 opened moving boxes). Cost about six bucks, and works like a charm! Folds up and slides under the couch when we come home. :) The things we do to save our homes from the wild beasts we live with!
  • 3 years ago

    When it comes to flooring for big dogs, the best options are those that are durable and easy to clean. Here are some options to consider:

    1. Hardwood: Hardwood floors are durable and can withstand the weight of big dogs. They are also easy to clean and maintain. However, they can scratch and dent easily, so it's important to choose a harder wood like oak or maple.
    2. Laminate: Laminate flooring is a great option for pet owners because it's scratch-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Plus, it's less expensive than hardwood.
    3. Tile: Tile is another durable option for big dogs. It's easy to clean and doesn't scratch easily. However, it can be slippery, so it's important to choose a tile with a non-slip surface.
    4. Concrete: Concrete floors are extremely durable and can withstand the weight of big dogs. They are also easy to clean and maintain. However, they can be hard and uncomfortable for dogs to lie on, so it's important to provide plenty of soft bedding.
    5. Cork: Cork flooring is a softer option than hardwood or tile, which can be more comfortable for dogs to lie on. It's also scratch-resistant and easy to clean. However, it can be more expensive than other options.

    Ultimately, the best flooring for your big dog will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

  • 3 years ago

    I'm sure your advice is helpful, but i also suspect that the author came to a decision sometime in the intervening *eight years*. Please check dates before resurrecting ancient threads.