Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Laminate Flooring & Dogs

Has any one had problems with dogs on laminate flooring? I am concerned about scratches and urinary accidents.

Has any one had problems with dogs on laminate flooring? I am concerned about scratches and urinary accidents.

Don't know about dogs (yet), but the Pergo we have in our house has withstood my 2 year old's 'playing', which includes running/slamming all his toys on the floor, pushing his trucks, etc. Not one scratch.

As comparison, my brother has new bamboo flooring, and also has a two year old. His floor is trashed, with what I'm assuming is the same type of abuse.

Can't speak to urinary accidents on the floor, but with any liquid, it needs to be cleaned up asap. We have Pergo in our kitchen and spill frequency, and just make sure to clean it up quick and there's no problem.

I also think that dogs slide around a lot on laminate because it's so slick.

get a sample of the laminate you're considering & go at it with a screwdriver or whatever & get a good idea of IF it will scratch and/or how easily it scratches. i think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

liquids won't damage the top surface of laminate. it's when it seeps down in between the seams that it will cause the product to swell & then those planks are ruined. wiping up spills ASAP is critical. that said, the good thing about laminate is that you can disassemble it back to the damaged area & replace damaged planks, so be sure to buy an extra case or 2 for future repairs.

there is one laminate made for wet areas called iCore. it's solid plastic.

get a sample of the laminate you're considering & go at it with a screwdriver or whatever & get a good idea of IF it will scratch and/or how easily it scratches. i think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

liquids won't damage the top surface of laminate. it's when it seeps down in between the seams that it will cause the product to swell & then those planks are ruined. wiping up spills ASAP is critical. that said, the good thing about laminate is that you can disassemble it back to the damaged area & replace damaged planks, so be sure to buy an extra case or 2 for future repairs.

there is one laminate made for wet areas called iCore. it's solid plastic.

That's a great idea about the sample Annette.:thumbup: I did the same thing before I put mine in as well.

Read the attached article/link for ratings on laminate, it's good. I have Shaw "Highlands Collection" laminate throughout my house. We have three large dogs, and they have yet to scratch it. Our oldest dog does have occassional urinary accidents, but, she always goes on a throw rug. We just clean/dry the floor and wash the throw rug. The flooring has been down for almost two years, and we are very pleased. The dogs do find the flooring to be very slippery, hence the throw rugs. I have a friend who's dog hates to walk on their bare laminate. Hope this helps.
Joe E

http://www.ifloor.com/articles/lam/lamwars2.html