Best non slip flooring
The Safest Non-Slip Bathroom Flooring Options
- August 07, 2018
- Blog
- Legal Eagle Contractors
Choosing a non-slip bathroom floor makes sense. With the water and moisture present in the bathroom, falls here are common. When choosing a bathroom flooring material, safety should be one of several factors you consider. Safety is also an important consideration for other standing areas in the bathroom such as the shower base floor. Of course, safety isn’t the only issue – you’ll also want to consider your style preference and your budget.
The good news is, you have a number of options to consider for the floor in your bathroom. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best options in anti-slip floors for bathrooms.
Safe Flooring for Who?
It is essential to have the right type of floor for your situation. Some people should pay a bit more attention to the importance of slip resistance. For example, an elderly person is more likely to suffer significant injury if he or she slips on a wet floor. A person who is disabled also benefits from a non-slip floor. To minimize risks, simply focus on the options available.
But, others can benefit from this type of safe flooring as well. For example, families with children will see benefits. Children, who are less likely to dry off before running across the bathroom floor or who are more prone to creating a wet floor just by brushing their teeth, can benefit from this type of flooring. All family members do.
Ceramic/Porcelain Tile
One of the best overall options is the use of tile. Both ceramic and porcelain tile can be a good option. This type of flooring has limitations, though. Ceramic and porcelain tile create a very smooth and durable surface. You are unlikely to trip on it. But, it is also one of the more slippery options available.
If you want the look and feel of these types of tile, but you want to reduce the risk of falls, there is a solution. Several manufacturers offer a slip-resistant option. Some feature certification from the ADA for this specific purpose. If you want to choose this type of flooring and you want to increase the slip resistance of your bathroom floor, be sure the product you buy meets this standard.
Another option is to add a mat or a carpet to the flooring. Some will have enough of a backing on them to adhere very lightly to the tile. This can help to give you less risk of a fall on a wet surface. It may not be the perfect solution, but it is one that works for those who want to stick with porcelain or ceramic tile in the bathroom.
Glass Flooring
A trendy and upscale option for your home’s bathroom floors is the use of glass. Glass offers some nice benefits. It is durable and beautiful. You can create a variety of designs using it to really capture your tastes.
And, there’s almost no limit to colors, patterns, and textures.
When it comes to slip resistance, glass is not the route to take. It tends to be one of the worst options for this when the floor gets wet. Additionally, water is not always necessary. A simple pair of cotton socks on a glass floor can create a dangerous situation for someone who is disabled or elderly. Some inferior products can also shatter, creating a risk of injury.
Like with tile, if you really want to have glass tile, consider adding a mat or carpet over the top of it. This gives you enough protection if it allows you to avoid walking on the glass or tripping on it.
Non-Slip Vinyl Flooring
Perhaps one of the best options for slip resistance is vinyl flooring. Some products are specifically designed to provide slip resistance. Vinyl flooring is also very easy to maintain. It does not stain and does not damage from water (if the product is designed to be waterproof.) It is also very durable, meaning you are unlikely to damage it using a wheelchair.
No floor is perfectly slip resistant. However, some vinyl flooring products are less likely to cause you to slip. But, if you do slide or fall, vinyl has built-in padding. This helps to minimize the amount of shock to your body if you take a tumble. When having it installed, be sure to pick a product with a bit more underlayment to offer this type of padding.
Vinyl offers other benefits, too. It is a more affordable option in bathroom flooring options. While it is not necessarily an eco-friendly choice, newer products are less damaging. And, it is also versatile. You can choose vinyl flooring that looks like wood, ceramic tile, or other types of floors. This will give you more options for matching the space and creating a trendy look in your bathroom.
Cork or Bamboo Flooring
A cork or bamboo flooring product can work well in some bathroom settings. Both products offer some nice features in terms of looks and trendy designs. They are a good option for those who want to minimize sound traveling through the space.
And, they tend to be a warmer option than using any type of tile. When choosing bamboo or cork flooring, really learn about the product details. Manufacturer options range widely.
Cork and bamboo flooring can absorb moisture. This is both good and bad. First, it will reduce the risk of a slip or fall. The water is absorbed more into the material, leaving less water on the surface. Again, this varies by product. Some are designed to be more waterproof than others. However, the drawback here is they can build up mildew and even mold if the moisture cannot dry properly and quickly. In a humid area, especially during the hot summer, this can pose a risk.
If you invest in cork or bamboo because of the extra padding it offers, be sure there is proper ventilation in the space. You want to ensure it can dry out the space quickly to avoid this type of build up of moisture.
Carpet Flooring
Carpeting is an option for the bathroom. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was more common to find carpeting extending from the bedroom into the bathroom.
Of course, it offers a few key benefits. You can choose from a wide range of colors, material types, and patterns. You also get to choose a product that offers the piling you enjoy. And, carpets absorb moisture. This creates one of the best barriers to falling. You are less likely to fall when carpet is present.
There are a few drawbacks to consider as well. Carpet flooring will absorb moisture. And, like bamboo or cork, needs to fully dry out in order to prevent the buildup of mold or mildew in the space. Carpet can also be a bit harder to clean for some. You will need to ensure it is properly cleaned to remove any type of debris, dust, or dander that builds in the piling.
Rubber Flooring
A less commonly thought of product is rubber flooring. It may not be the most ideal in terms of the way it looks or feels under your feet. However, it can be a good option for seniors and those who need slip resistance. When wet, this type of flooring does not become slick.
You can count on it being a better option overall for this reason. If you do fall in the bathroom, rubber has a nice cushion to it. This can help to absorb some of the shock and protect your body from injury.
There are a few limitations, though. New products are becoming available today, but rubber tends to be a very expensive type of flooring investment. It is not one of the most common options for bathrooms. You’ll need to compare it carefully to other products with more design features and benefits.
Flooring Accessories for Additional Safety
Sometimes, the best option to minimize the slip risks of any of these surfaces is a few accessories. The best are designed to be slip resistant themselves. Anti-fatigue mats, which are typically used in a commercial setting, can create a non-slip area for you to stand in front of the mirror or next to the shower. You can also invest in anti-slip strips, which adhere to the surface and help to minimize slips and falls.
Any anti-slip product is only as good as its construction, material, and installation, though.
If you are considering other types of flooring, such as concrete, hardwood, or natural stone, it becomes nearly essential to invest in some type of anti-slip floor accessory to improve safety. A simple mat or carpet addition can help to reduce at least some of the slipperiness of these floors.
Legal Eagle Contractors is a leading full-service remodeling and building company with decades of experience designing and remodeling bathrooms in Houston, TX.
The Best Flooring Options for Aging Adults
By
Joseph Lewitin
Joseph Lewitin
Joseph Lewitin is a flooring expert who grew up in the industry. In his youth, he began working in his family's tile import business, learning every aspect of the flooring industry, from design and fabrication to maintenance and repair. He also owned a flooring materials store specializing in natural stone floors.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 07/23/22
Reviewed by
Johnathan Brewer
Reviewed by Johnathan Brewer
Johnathan Brewer is a home improvement expert with over two decades of professional experience as a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen and bath. He has been featured on HGTV’s “Super Scapes,” “Curb Appeal the Block,” “Elbow Room,” DIY Network's “House Crashers,” "This Old House," and OWN Network's Emmy award winning show, “Home Made Simple.” Jonathan is also a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects.
In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Choosing a flooring material for older homeowners who want to age in place in their homes doesn't need to be complicated. The trick is to consider five main factors and to prioritize those factors for each type of flooring and how and where you will use it. The five factors are:
- Slip-resistance: Does the flooring material offer a non-slip surface even when wet?
- Ease of travel: Is the flooring material easy to move over for a person using a cane, walker, or wheelchair?
- Cleaning and maintenance: How much work does it require to maintain the flooring?
- Comfort: How does the flooring material feel underfoot?
- Cushion: Does the flooring offer some shock absorption in the event of a fall?
The importance of these qualities may vary depending on the location.
For example, if you're looking for bathroom flooring, it's most important to choose a non-slip material that's easy to walk on and is easy to clean and maintain. In a hallway, ease of travel may be most important, while in a living room, comfort may be the top consideration.
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The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Benefits
- Soft: Carpet is a very cushiony material that is comfortable underfoot and provides some protection against injury from falls. A high-quality carpet pad beneath the carpeting can greatly improve both the comfort and safety of the flooring.
- Warm: Carpet is relatively neutral when it comes to temperature: it doesn't retain heat or cold like many hard flooring materials.
While it doesn't insulate against cold, it's much more pleasant to the feet on a cold morning than ceramic tile, for example. - Quiet: Carpet absorbs sound and is virtually silent to walk on.
Drawbacks
- Air quality: The fibers of carpeting tend to collect dirt and dust that floats through the air, and it is difficult to remove all dirt with a vacuum. This can be problematic for people with severe allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Some carpeting may off-gas chemicals such as formaldehyde, especially when they are new. For people with chemical sensitivities, this can be a problem.
- Cleaning: Carpeting doesn't do well in wet areas, like bathrooms, or in wet and dirty areas, such as kitchens. It stains very easily and is difficult to deep-clean, which usually requires a professional carpet cleaner.
- Travel: Wheelchairs don't roll as well over the carpet as over hard flooring.
Long-pile carpet, in particular, can present a trip hazard. Because of this, carpet for senior citizens should have pile no more than 1/2 inch thick, and the underlying padding should be firm and not too thick. Quality high-density foam or felt padding can a good choice.
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The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Benefits
- Softness: Cork is a medium choice in the hard-soft continuum. It has a smooth, washable surface but still offers some cushion underfoot. It's also not as loud as very hard materials and offers some thermal and sound insulation properties.
- Smooth travel: Cork is hard enough for efficient wheelchair travel, and it won't catch feet as carpeting can.
- Cleaning: As long as a cork floor is properly maintained, it is relatively easy to clean and care for. The sealant over the surface protects the porous material from stains, and all that is necessary is to do is sweep or vacuum regularly to keep it looking its best.
Drawbacks
- Water and damage: Because cork is so soft, it can be damaged relatively easily by punctures from furniture legs, pointy heels, or any sharp object poking or scraping its surface. It's only moderately resistant to water: Spills should be wiped up immediately, as standing water can get into the seams of the flooring tiles or planks and damage the material's core.
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The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Linoleum is the original resilient flooring material, made primarily from natural plant materials. Although it was largely replaced by vinyl flooring for many years, linoleum has made a comeback due to its natural qualities and other virtues.
Benefits
- Cleanliness: Linoleum is easy to clean and maintain. It doesn't hold onto dust, pollen, and other air contaminants as does carpeting.
- Durability: Linoleum is water- and stain-resistant enough to work well in kitchens and bathrooms, but standing water can get into the seams of linoleum tiles and planks.
Sheet linoleum is more water-resistant. - Smooth and hard: Linoleum has a flat, smooth surface and is installed directly over subflooring or wood underlayment, so it is good for wheelchairs and walkers.
- Natural: Many homeowners like the fact that linoleum is made with natural materials, such as linseed oil, pine rosin, and cork or jute. This makes it a natural alternative to its closest cousin, vinyl flooring.
Drawbacks
- Cost: Linoleum can be a relatively expensive flooring material, starting at around $3 to $4 per square foot for the material itself, not including installation.
- Hardness: While not as hard or cold as tile, linoleum offers very little cushion and can be relatively cold underfoot.
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Benefits
- Cleaning and durability: Vinyl offers the same hard-wearing and low-maintenance benefits as linoleum.
- Water-resistance: Vinyl is a highly water-resistant material, and high-quality luxury vinyl is virtually waterproof. However, the seams in vinyl tile and planks can let water through to the subfloor, so standing water can be a problem. In bathrooms and kitchens, sheet vinyl is ideal because it has few (or sometimes no) seams.
- Cost: Vinyl covers a wide price range but is generally one of the most affordable flooring options, and it lends itself to DIY installation.
- Hardness: Vinyl is relatively hard and smooth, making for easy travel, but it's not as hard or as cold as tile.
Drawbacks
- Look and feel: Vinyl is plastic, and it looks and feels like plastic. That's probably why it's primarily used in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry areas, and entryways, but not in living rooms and other areas where comfort and appearance are critical.
However, newer forms of luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) are considerably more attractive than standard vinyl, and it can be manufactured to convincingly mimic wood grains or stone.
- Cleaning and durability: Vinyl offers the same hard-wearing and low-maintenance benefits as linoleum.
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The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Benefits
- Safe: Rubber flooring is traditionally used in gyms and exercise rooms where it's important to have a surface that's safe for vigorous physical activity. It is both shock- and slip-resistant.
- Durable: Rubber flooring is very resistant to damage from furniture, equipment, or water. However, the seams are vulnerable to letting water through to the subfloor. It can be laid over concrete, adding comfort and safety to outdoor areas and basements.
Drawbacks
- Cost: Rubber flooring can be pricey. Basic snap-together tiles can be relatively affordable, and they're very easy to install yourself, saving the cost of professional installation.
- Look and feel: Rubber is anything but cozy. It also comes in very limited styles, colors, and textures.
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Benefits
- Hard but natural: Wood, bamboo, and laminate flooring is a hard surface with a soft, natural look. It's generally easy to clean and maintain and doesn't get as dirty as carpet.
- Beauty: You can't beat the look of real hardwood or bamboo flooring. Laminate looks pretty good, too, and at a fraction of the cost of real hardwood or bamboo.
- Cost (laminate): Laminate can cost less than $1 per square foot, but you should spend a bit more to get decent-quality material. Bamboo and hardwood are considerably more expensive.
Drawbacks
- Moisture and care: Hardwood flooring can last for many years if it's properly cared for, but it's not water-resistant enough for the bathroom and can be a maintenance issue in the kitchen.
It should regularly be vacuumed to remove grit that can damage its finish. Standing water can cause permanent staining and damage. - Noise: All wood and bamboo floors are pretty loud and offer no sound absorption. Laminate is particularly noisy under hard shoes and when something is dropped onto the floor.
- Hard and unforgiving: These flooring materials are nearly as hard as ceramic tile, and offer no protection against injury from falls.
- Cost and Installation: Solid hardwood and bamboo are relatively expensive and usually require professional installation. Click-together flooring—available with engineered hardwood and bamboo and all laminate flooring—is less expensive and good for DIY installation.
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Flooring Materials For Seniors To Avoid
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Natural stone: A very hard and unyielding material, natural stone also requires regular maintenance to keep the material clean.
Polished stone flooring is extremely slippery when wet. Like ceramic or porcelain tile, stone floors can be very cold—unless installed with a radiant heating system below the surface flooring. Ceramic or porcelain tile: Tile is extremely hard-wearing and highly water-resistant, but it's a very hard material and is cold underfoot. Tiles with wide grout joints or uneven surfaces can be a trip hazard. Standard tile is very slippery when wet. If the tile is used anywhere, it should have a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.6 or higher for slip-resistance. Honed tiles are typically less slippery than standard tiles and may be a safer alternative.
Area rugs and transitions: Area rugs can be slippery on hard floors and can easily bunch up to create a serious trip hazard. With any flooring material, you should avoid tall transitions between rooms or transitions between different materials; floors should be as flush as possible, for both ease of travel and to prevent tripping accidents.
Article Sources
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Formaldehyde in Flooring and Other Home Products. Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU).
El mejor suelo para una casa
Keys to choosing the best flooring for your home
Good weather is the perfect time to give your home a new look, and in this sense, replacing your flooring is a fundamental decision to achieve a completely new look. But how to choose the best floor for each room and for each specific case? Here we give you various keys that will be very helpful to make sure you get it right by installing the best floor for your home.
When choosing the perfect flooring, you need to think beyond aesthetics and price.
Criteria such as installation, maintenance and durability are of paramount importance. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the material, finishes, tones and different formats.
Ceramic flooring is an excellent choice due to its durability, variety of colors and finishes, and ease of cleaning and maintenance
✎ Types of flooring for your home
There are various types of flooring for modern homes on the market today, such as:
- Laminate flooring, which is not very resistant to moisture.
- Parquet floors, which are usually expensive and are also sensitive to moisture and sun (therefore not suitable for high traffic areas).
- Vinyl or PVC floors which have the disadvantage of being a plastic material and therefore not biodegradable.
- Porcelain floors suitable for any reform.
- Ceramic floors that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Natural stone floors, which are usually difficult to install as they are heavy materials and may require a sealant to maintain.
- Polished concrete floors that can be slippery when wet.
- Wood floors: at a higher price than other materials, they require periodic maintenance. In addition, due to their high absorbency, they are more fragile and do not tolerate temperature changes.
Porcelain stoneware is the best floor for your home
When it comes to material, porcelain flooring is always a reliable option.
But what exactly is porcelain stoneware? Porcelain stoneware is a ceramic material with very low water absorption (less than 0.5%), which gives it the property of being resistant to frost, making it the most recommended outdoor installation material. In addition, it has the characteristics of hardness and strength, which make it superior to other types of products.
✎ Main advantages of porcelain stoneware
- This is a very stable type of soil.
- It is maintenance-free and very easy to clean (simply with water and/or common detergents).
- This is a high strength material. What's more, properly installed, it can last for years and years and still look the same as the first day, withstanding stains, discoloration, scratches, and more.
- Due to its durability, porcelain stoneware is recommended for rooms subject to wear and tear and for cold climates. Moreover, it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Due to its density, low porosity and impermeability, porcelain stoneware floor tiles are less likely to absorb moisture or stains.
- Porcelain stoneware can also be used as a covering (on the walls), it is fireproof, anti-allergenic and hygienic, it has the ability to electrically insulate.
- Porcelain stoneware floor tiles come in an endless number of designs and formats, allowing you to tailor them to the needs of every interior design project.
LAVIK GRAY
These are just some of the benefits of choosing porcelain stoneware to renovate your home's floors.
If you want more information about why you should choose it, click here
Where can you install porcelain stoneware?
Thanks to its technical characteristics, porcelain stoneware is the most versatile type of material and can therefore be installed on walls and floors, indoors and outdoors, always following the appropriate installation recommendations.
Can porcelain stoneware be installed over underfloor heating?
Ceramic floors are ideal for use with floor heating. Their thermal mass and high conductivity result in the floor dissipating radiant heat quickly and retaining heat well, making the system highly reactive and efficient.
The choice of underfloor heating provides gentle and even heating of the room, turning the ceramic floor into a cozy and comfortable surface.
Underfloor heating radiant heat does not dry out the air like many traditional systems and does not move dust that can contribute to allergic reactions.
DELICE ALMOND
After selecting the flooring material, the characteristics of the place where it will be installed must be taken into account: whether it is indoors or outdoors (terrace, patio...), high or low traffic, direct contact with moisture or dust, the possibility of changing the temperature ...
Residential refurbishment projects are increasingly opting for the same design throughout the home, but we can also tailor the installation to each room and thus enjoy a more personalized result, both decorative and functional.
Bathroom flooring
Porcelain stoneware flooring is ideal for the bathroom as its technical features help prevent slips and falls. For this room, as well as for other interiors, it is not recommended to use non-slip products (class 3), as they, as a rule, are materials with a specific texture that can make regular maintenance and cleaning difficult.
Porcelain floors for kitchens
The kitchen is also a room with a certain degree of moisture, but it is not recommended to choose a non-slip floor, as in this case grease and stains stick more easily.
Wood effect porcelain stoneware is a good alternative because, in addition to being easy to maintain and clean, this finish adds warmth to a room that, especially in recent times, has become a meeting and entertainment place for the whole family. In addition, there are other effects that imitate natural materials such as marble or stone, which will greatly enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen.
Porcelain stoneware floors for living rooms and other areas
Porcelain stoneware is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, but of course it is also ideal for floors in living rooms and bedrooms, as it guarantees complete thermal comfort, is odorless, does not emit toxic or harmful substances, is hygienic and always looks like new.
Outdoor flooring
0005
- As far as the product is concerned, porcelain stoneware should always be chosen due to its low water absorption. In addition, it must have sufficient slip resistance.
- Thin-layer installation using a suitable adhesive.
- It is very important to use suitable expansion joints and grout, preferably with high waterproofing properties.
- Note that slopes are suitable for water drainage.
VILLAGE ANTISLIP
If you need more information on which outdoor flooring is best for terraces, click here and discover the latest non-slip porcelain stoneware designs
Color trends for home flooring
In terms of colors For choosing the best cover for your home renovation, there are options to suit every taste, although as a general rule, if you're looking for more coverage, it's best to opt for soft and light colors.
Since there are so many options, we recommend that you take a look at this article on best interior color trends in 2021 .
We also recommend that you watch this video of with various ideas for decorating your home in line with the trend of warm minimalism.
Which flooring to choose for dogs
Flooring can sometimes be hard on dogs, but sometimes it can be harsh on pets, especially those with disabilities.
The right choice of flooring should take into account not only your needs, but also the needs of your dog. Finding the right floor can seem like a daunting task, but there are excellent options on the market to meet the most demanding needs of pet owners and their pets.
How to choose flooring materials for dogs and the most suitable hardwood floors - further in the article.
The Best Dog Floors: Multiple Choices
The choice of flooring will depend on your priorities. Style certainly matters, but durability and ease of cleaning are also important. If your dog is shedding, you can choose a floor color or pattern to mask the pet's shedding hair so you don't have to constantly sweep. If your pet has special needs, they may take precedence over any other preferences. Cost is also an important factor when choosing a floor. Luckily, there are many stylish and affordable flooring options on the market that will suit your and your dog's requirements.
Tiles
Ceramic, stone and porcelain tiles are easy to keep clean.
To remove dirty paw prints or the effects of early toilet training failures, all you need to do is quickly wipe the floor with a mop. The tile is durable and scratch-resistant material, so it will also withstand the impact of dog claws.
The disadvantage of tiles is that they can be slippery for the dog. And if in warm weather it is quite pleasant to lie on a cool tile, then in winter it can become very cold. However, both of these problems are solved with the help of cozy rugs and beds for pets. Resource The Spruce notes that you can find out the coefficient of friction of the tile and choose less slippery for dog paws. In addition, a thicker layer of grout can help the dog not slip.
Vinyl
Vinyl floors are more affordable than tiles. This is another durable and easy to maintain option. Vinyl generally provides better grip on the floor than tile. In summer, the coating remains cool, and in winter it cools less than tiles. However, it is better for the dog to provide a comfortable surface on which he can relax.
Laminate
Laminate that mimics the look of a wood floor is more durable and scratch resistant. One disadvantage is that laminate flooring can deteriorate from exposure to spilled liquid if it is not quickly removed. If you're just potty training your dog, if you have an older dog with incontinence problems, or if your pet is prone to accidental "incidents", it's best to consider another cover option.
Another potential disadvantage of laminate flooring, according to the American Kennel Club, is that the dog will slip on the laminate. This is due to the texture of the coating used to seal and protect the laminate panels. You can choose a floor with a rougher texture, which will provide better grip for the dog's paws on the floor surface. However, it is worth remembering that the dog clicks on the laminate and does it quite loudly. If you want to sometimes have silence in the house, it is better to pay attention to another coating.
Cork
Cork flooring is another pet-friendly option that will give the desired look of wood flooring.
Cork is durable and absorbs sound, which means that the click of a dog's claws on the floor won't echo throughout the house. In addition, cork is not only more resistant to liquids than laminate, but according to Floor Critics it has natural antimicrobial properties. It is easy to care for and is suitable for owners who often have to clean up after their pets the consequences of "little troubles".
Cork floor provides excellent grip and retains heat well, making it a comfortable surface for both walking and resting your pet.
Bamboo
With properties similar to those of the hardest wood species, bamboo is a stylish and durable option for those looking for a durable floor. Durable and scratch resistant, it provides enough friction to keep the animal's paws from slipping and moving apart. Bamboo is also able to retain heat. It is important to note that bamboo floors can vary in quality. If you're looking for a harder floor that can withstand pet claws, look for interlocking bamboo stalks that have reached maturity, Home Flooring Pros advises.
Carpet tiles
Wall-to-wall carpeting is perhaps the most comfortable type of flooring for both pets and people. But the presence of pets in the house, as a rule, ends very sadly for the carpet material, because stains are poorly washed from it, it accumulates odors and allergens, and it also easily deteriorates from scratching with claws. If you still like carpet, consider installing carpet tiles instead of wall-to-wall flooring. Carpet tiles will provide all the benefits of carpeting, including comfort, warmth and ease of movement for the dog, but if a particular area is damaged, it will be easy to replace.
The Best Hardwood Floors for Dogs
Wood floors are not usually considered the best option for a dog's home because they are easily damaged. However, if you want your floor to be made from real hardwood, your best bet is to choose the strongest material you can afford. The softer the wood, the more scratches from the claws will remain on it.
The best parquet floor options are listed below:
- Brazil Walnut: Hard enough for outdoor use, Brazil Walnut, also called ipe, is one of the hardest wood floors on the market. While this option is expensive, according to The Spruce, the cost has come down in recent years.
- Hard Maple: Hard maple flooring, often used to cover basketball courts and sometimes called sugar maple or rock maple, is slightly more affordable than brazil walnut. It has a certain hardness rating and is able to withstand the onslaught of most pets. But if your dog is especially large and heavy or very active, it will still get scratches.
- Reclaimed wood: is the most affordable option that can give your home a vintage, well maintained look. Since the floor is meant to look scruffy, any scratches or dents left by a dog will blend into its texture and add charm.
How to make your floor more comfortable for your dog
If you don't want to completely change your flooring, there are a few steps you can take to protect your floor from damage and make it more comfortable for your dog:
- Place rugs on hard floors to provide softness and warmth.
