Pets truly make a house a home, but they can also do a lot of damage to a home’s floor. With so many options in flooring, it is possible for pets and your home’s design to exist peaceably. There are many opinions on the best flooring for homes with pets. Many people recommend laminate flooring for it’s hard, scratch resistant surface. Laminate floors are durable and easy to clean. With its good price point, laminate can be an attractive option over stone, ceramic tile or hardwood – especially if you have other, larger goals for your home improvement projects. But is it the best choice? Are there any downsides? And how can you decide if it really is the best option for you and your furry friends?

Laminate flooring is made from high density fiber or wood particles with a laminate overlay so it is very hard and durable. It resists scratches fairly well and cleans without expensive waxes or chemical treatments. Having pets puts your everyday floor squarely in the category of high-traffic and a good laminate is designed to stand up extremely well in high traffic areas.

The downside of laminate being so rigid and tough is that because it is so hard, it is not very comfortable to lie on. Not only that, but usually the finish on laminate is slick. That slick finish is great for the scratch resistant factor, but not so great for Fido’s traction. One further drawback of laminate floors is that they do not provide much sound insulation. Clipping your pet’s nails and putting down area rugs is always an option but this can somewhat defeat the purpose and diminish the visual impact of a nice laminate floor.

Laminates are low maintenance and hold up well under high-traffic situations, but they are more susceptible to damage from moisture and it’s more important to stay on top of keeping them clean because they can warp. This means that you will need some type of barrier or protection if you are keeping your pets water dishes on the floor, for instance.

Cost can be another double edged sword for laminate flooring. Laminate is certainly easier to install than hardwood and can be installed right over most existing floors, excluding carpets. Prices can range from $1.25 to $3.50 per square foot, but some wholesalers and dealers may offer better deals. You are, however, more limited in your choices for look and feel. Laminate choices cannot be customized so you are usually stuck with whatever the manufacturer offers.

All in all, laminate may not the best choice for homes with pets. They are durable, but very hard. They don’t insulate well against sound, and they can warp easy with moisture. Most professionals will more likely steer you towards a ceramic tile or good durable vinyl.