OT..Hardwood floors or Laminate with Dogs??

[digskat]

We are looking at getting new flooring this year. We have two dogs a goldendoodle and a boston terrier. Our doodle can be skiddish at times. Just wondering which would stand up better with dogs? It is for our livingroom/ hallway. Thanks Kathy

 

[Luhts]

Our dog did quite a scratching job to our hardwood flooring near our front door as he has to run at break-neck speed if the doorbell rings.
So my vote would be laminate.

 

[digskat]

Our dog did quite a scratching job to our hardwood flooring near our front door as he has to run at break-neck speed if the doorbell rings.
So my vote would be laminate.

That is what I have heard is laminate stands up better with their sharp nails. I would just hate to spend all the money to do it only to have it recked in a matter of days.

 

[michelle1]

If it's a high traffic area for your dog than go with the laminate..my friend's hardwood was ruined by the dog's nails!

 

[CanadianPaco]

I wanted linoleum. DH wanted ceramic tile. We agreed to the laminate that looked like ceramic tile. It is so GREAT and we have a black lab! No problem! Whenthe rugs go, it'll be hardwood looking laminate!

 

[disneynuts777]

Laminate all the way. The oak hardwood on our main floor looks horrible now because of the dogs nails.It is eight years old. However the laminate in the basement which is six years old looks like we just bought it!! (And the dogs spend more time down there than on the main floor!)

 

[disneyfreak89]

My BIL installed some hardwood last year and he has no pets BUT it took no time to get marked up with moving furniture, toys etc. and to be quite honest, it looks really bad. So, laminate is the way to go ESPECIALLY if you have pets. The durability is unmatched.

 

[Nicki828]

We are looking at getting new flooring this year. We have two dogs a goldendoodle and a boston terrier. Our doodle can be skiddish at times. Just wondering which would stand up better with dogs? It is for our livingroom/ hallway. Thanks Kathy

My king charles has scratched up my hardwood quite nicely.

 

[Kazzy1548]

We bought our new house just 3 years ago and our black lab destroyed the hared wood floors in the first month.... What a shame

 

[123abc123]

I have a yorkie and hardwood floors...they are fine....I guess it depends on what type of dog you have.

Laminate flooring brings down the value of your home...where Hardwood increases the value.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

As a person who has had both. I will never purchase laminate again. We purchased top of the line laminate and it had the wax seal for the seams and well they still curled up. Waste of money. We have hardwood now and just keep the dogs nails clipped. We have 2 big dogs 80 lbs each. Not a scratch in the hardwood. I would spend the money and get the real stuff. As one other said it will increase the value of your house. Becides they have 15 to 20 year scratch warrantees now.

 

[NikP]

As a person who has had both. I will never purchase laminate again. We purchased top of the line laminate and it had the wax seal for the seams and well they still curled up. Waste of money. We have hardwood now and just keep the dogs nails clipped. We have 2 big dogs 80 lbs each. Not a scratch in the hardwood. I would spend the money and get the real stuff. As one other said it will increase the value of your house. Becides they have 15 to 20 year scratch warrantees now.

I guess it depends on the manufacturer and product. We have top of the line laminate $6.50 /sqft. It was more money than hardwood, but it is way more durable. It has beveled edges and looks like cherry hard wood. Many people assume it is hardwood. We had an appraiser come in, and she even thought it was hardwood. It also comes with a 20 year warranty. Very durable, you can even install it in a bathroom. It wasn't strong enough to stand up to my sons hockey skate dropped from waist height. It took a huge chunk out, but this was easily repaired by replacing the hole plank.

 

[LuvBaloo]

In theory good laminate is more scratch resistant, but it can't handle getting wet. The core of the laminate is water resistant not water-proof. I work in a plant where they make the core material. I would never put laminate flooring in kitchen or bathroom or anywhere its likely to get wet. Its okay if you spill some liquid and wipe it right up, but if its get wet and the liquid stays there for a while it will swell up!

 

[Kyen]

I also think it has to do with the type of wood your floors are. We have had our floors for almost 20yrs and it has survived 2 dogs (both Labs). Yes there are scratches in high traffic areas but you don't really notice them.

 

[ottawamom]

We have three active boys a dog and a cat. I would definitely go with the laminate. We plan on putting hardwood in someday but not until our high traffic family is on their way in the world. My neighbour spent thousands putting in beautiful hardwood and her kids have destroyed it.

 

[pkitty]

Home Depot specialty manager here folks and there are definately pros and cons to both. Hardwood can be refinished over it's lifetime, laminate cannot. When you are having your house appraised hardwood (despite it's condition) get's entered into the plus category (meaning it adds value) laminate does not...can be top of the line or brand new. I have had 3 dogs (2 large, one small) 2 cats, and 2 ferrets and my hardwood has withstood the onslaught. Look for hardwoods with an aluminum oxide finish (very tough) and avoid placing hardwood in areas like your front hall, ceramic or slate/porcelain, are better in those wet areas. Yes I have no carpet, just skatter matts and yes I even have hardwood in my kitchen.....no real problems. Hardwood repair is also relatively easy, even if it means removing a section and replacing it with new wood. Laminate is tougher when it comes to those types of repairs. Go with what you like but as I said there a good points and bad....I love wood on my floors....

 

[tinkerbell*Xo]

My little Buddy has made our beautiful hard wood floor pretty scratched up. Our Laminate Florring looks a lot better!
Enjoy- The laminate flooring at costo is on sale this week!