Introduction
Luxury vinyl flooring has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years, with an estimated market size reaching $23 billion in 2022 and expected to grow over 5% annually through 2030 according to Grand View Research (https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/vinyl-flooring-market). With its realistic wood and stone looks, waterproof durability, and pet-friendly features, it’s no wonder luxury vinyl is the fastest growing flooring material today according to Parterre Flooring (https://www.parterreflooring.com/vinyl-flooring-fastest-growing-material/). But with thousands of active dogs in the average home, many homeowners wonder: can dogs scratch luxury vinyl floors? This article will uncover everything you need to know about luxury vinyl flooring and dogs.
What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring, also known as LVT or LVP, is a type of vinyl flooring constructed with multiple layers for added durability and realism. The top vinyl layer is printed with photographic imagery to replicate materials like wood, stone, and tile (https://www.flooringamerica.com/flooring-faq/vinyl/lvp-flooring).
Some key pros of luxury vinyl flooring include (https://homecrestflooring.com/what-is-luxury-vinyl-plank/):
- Durability
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- Easy to install
There are two main types of luxury vinyl flooring (https://www.valleyfloorcoveringct.com/products/flooring-101/luxury-vinyl-101/what-is-luxury-vinyl-flooring):
- Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT)
- Luxury vinyl planks (LVP)
Luxury vinyl flooring costs between $2-7 per square foot installed.
Can Dogs Scratch Luxury Vinyl?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is designed to be durable and scratch resistant. However, no flooring is completely scratch proof, especially against dog nails. The short answer is that yes, dogs can scratch LVP floors, but they are less prone to scratching compared to hardwood or laminate.
A dog’s nails can potentially scratch any flooring material if they are not trimmed regularly. LVP is more scratch resistant than many floors due to the durable vinyl wear layer on top. This clear vinyl layer protects the floor’s image layer underneath. However, while scratch resistant, LVP is not completely scratch proof.
How easily LVP can be scratched depends on the thickness and hardness of the vinyl wear layer. Thicker wear layers of 20 mils or more provide the highest scratch resistance. Denser types of vinyl called stone plastic composite (SPC) also resist scratches better than other vinyl materials. Overall, LVP is a good option for homes with dogs, but scratches can still occur over time with unrestrained pets.
It’s important to note that “scratch resistant” does not mean the same thing as “scratch proof”. While LVP stands up quite well compared to alternatives, deep scratches from dog nails are still possible under the right circumstances. Proper nail trimming and supervision can help minimize scratches.
Tips to Protect Vinyl from Dog Scratches
There are a few simple things you can do to help protect your luxury vinyl flooring from scratches caused by dogs:
Keep Nails Trimmed
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is one of the best ways to prevent scratches and damage to vinyl floors. Long, sharp nails are much more likely to scratch and gouge the floor’s protective top layer. Aim to trim your dog’s nails at least every 2-3 weeks to keep them blunt and short.
Use Rugs in High Traffic Areas
Place rugs down in areas your dogs frequent the most, like at food and water bowls, by doors, and anywhere they like to lay down. Rugs give an extra protective barrier of cushioning to absorb the impact from nails and paws.
Train Dogs Not to Jump or Run
Jumping up, running, and rough play can cause scratches, especially from back paws pushing off. Train your dogs not to jump on people, furniture, or you. Also discourage running in the house and intense play sessions indoors.
Best Luxury Vinyl for Dogs
When choosing luxury vinyl flooring for homes with dogs, look for options with a thick commercial or high wear layer. This top protective layer helps prevent scratches from your pup’s nails.
Opt for stone plastic composite core luxury vinyl over a lower quality foam core. The rigid composite core offers better indentation resistance from repeated paw traffic.
Choose an embossed or textured vinyl surface rather than a smooth one. The texturing helps hide minor scratches. A wood grain texture is ideal for hiding nail marks.
Two great luxury vinyl options for dogs are:
- Shaw Floorte Pro – This commercial grade vinyl has a 20 mil wear layer and composite core.
- Mohawk ArmorMax – Featuring a 22 mil wear layer and textured visuals perfect for hiding scratches.
Going with the most durable luxury vinyl formulated for high traffic commercial spaces gives your floors the best chance of resisting dog scratches.
[SOURCE: https://www.carpetone.com/best-flooring-for-dogs]
How to Repair Scratches
There are a few methods to repair scratches on luxury vinyl flooring depending on the severity:
For minor scratches: Lightly sand the scratched area using fine grit sandpaper like 220-grit. Be careful not to sand too aggressively which can damage the vinyl. Then buff the sanded area using a terry cloth or microfiber towel to restore the gloss and shine. It is ideal to buff using straight strokes along the grain of the vinyl plank (Source: https://www.1877floorguy.com/how-to-fix-scratches-on-luxury-vinyl-floors.html)
For deeper scratches: Use a touch up kit or scratch concealer specifically designed for vinyl floors. These are available at home improvement stores and contain colored fillers you can apply into the scratch, blending it to hide the imperfection. Follow package instructions for best results.
For severe damage: Planks that are gouged deeply or extensively scratched may need replacement. Carefully cut out and remove the damaged plank and replace it with a new one, staggering the seams between old and new planks. Use vinyl flooring adhesive to secure the replacement plank.
With the right techniques and products, even badly scratched luxury vinyl can be repaired or replaced plank-by-plank. Preventing scratches in the first place with vinyl-friendly furniture pads is ideal.
Preventing Scratches During Installation
Proper installation of luxury vinyl flooring is crucial to prevent scratches. Here are some tips:
- Leave expansion gaps – Luxury vinyl expands and contracts with temperature changes. Leave small gaps (around 1/4 inch) between planks and at edges and walls to allow movement without buckling, which can lead to scratches 1.
- Use underlayment – A good underlayment creates a buffer between the subfloor and luxury vinyl to prevent indentations from点pressure. This helps prevent scratches, dents, and damage to the vinyl’s locking system 2.
- Stagger planks – Staggering planks creates a random pattern that helps distribute weight and stress. This prevents scratches from focused pressure on plank seams 1.
- Smooth subfloor – An uneven subfloor can cause planks to buckle or peak, leading to scratches. Make sure the subfloor is flat, level, and smooth before installing luxury vinyl.
Proper installation goes a long way in preventing scratches and damage over time.
Maintaining Floors
Properly maintaining luxury vinyl flooring is essential to keeping it looking pristine and extending its lifespan. Here are some tips for ongoing care and maintenance of vinyl plank flooring:
Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can scratch the surface over time. It’s recommended to sweep daily or every other day. Use a soft bristle broom or vacuum attachment designed for hard floors [1].
Mop vinyl flooring once or twice per week using a vinyl floor cleaner or mild detergent and water. Avoid using wax, oil-based soaps, abrasive cleaners, or steel wool scrubs as these can damage the protective wear layer [2].
Over time, the seams between vinyl planks can come loose. Periodically inspect the floor and reseal any gaps between planks using a seam sealer designed for luxury vinyl flooring to prevent moisture damage.
When to Consider Other Flooring
While luxury vinyl is durable and scratch-resistant, there are some situations where other flooring may be the better option for pet owners:
For Heavy Dog Traffic
If you have multiple large or high-energy dogs that will be constantly running around on the floors, luxury vinyl may not stand up to the wear and tear over time. In high traffic areas, heavier duty flooring like stone, tile or stained concrete may hold up better.
If You Want a Near Indestructible Floor
Some pet owners need a floor that can withstand chewing, digging and other serious pet damage. For these situations, stone, tile or poured concrete floors provide a more chew-proof and scratch-proof option.
Need a Waterproof Option
Luxury vinyl is water-resistant but not 100% waterproof. If you want floors that can withstand pet accidents, flooding or excessive water use, look into waterproof vinyl, ceramic tile or poured seamless floors better suited for wet conditions.
Conclusion
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) can be an excellent flooring choice for homes with dogs. The durable surface is scratch-resistant, although no flooring is entirely scratch-proof. LVT holds up better to claws and roughhousing than many other options. With proper care and maintenance, luxury vinyl can look great for years, even with pets.
There are a few key tips to keep LVT looking its best with dogs. Be sure to trim nails regularly to blunt scratching. Sweep and mop frequently to prevent dirt buildup that can act like sandpaper. Place rugs at entryways and under dog beds to limit direct contact. Select a textured stone-look LVT rather than a smooth glossy finish.
Repair any scratches that do occur promptly. Some vinyl planks can simply be replaced, while scratches in tile may need buffing and re-coating. Take precautions during installation as well. Allow all adhesives to fully cure before letting pets access the flooring.
With some smart preventative measures, LVT can be an attractive, easy-care flooring that withstands normal pet activity. For rambunctious or destructive dogs that will dig, chew or aggressively scratch floors, alternatives like tile, concrete or laminate may be better options.
Overall, luxury vinyl tile deserves its reputation as one of the most durable and pet-friendly flooring choices. With proper care and maintenance, LVT can look great for years, even with active dogs in the home.