Best Pet-Friendly Flooring Options for Toronto Homes
Pets are family — but let’s face it, they can be tough on floors. Between muddy paws, scratching nails, and the occasional accident, your flooring needs to be as durable as it is stylish.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice design for durability. In this blog, we’ll explore the best pet-friendly flooring options for Toronto homes that are easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and built to handle life with furry friends.
1. Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl is one of the most popular choices for pet owners — and for good reason. It's durable, waterproof, and scratch-resistant, making it perfect for dogs and cats alike.
Vinyl is also soft underfoot and quieter than harder surfaces, which helps reduce noise from paws. With a wide range of styles that mimic wood or stone, it’s a win for both function and style.
Tip: Choose a textured finish to provide more grip for pets, especially senior dogs.
2. Tile Flooring
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are tough, water-resistant, and nearly scratch-proof — ideal for homes with pets. They're also easy to clean and come in endless styles and colors.
However, tiles can be cold and hard on your pet’s joints, especially in winter. Use rugs or pet beds to create cozy spots where your dog can relax.
Bonus: Heated tile flooring can make a big difference in comfort during Toronto's colder months.
3. Engineered Hardwood
Love the look of hardwood but worried about scratches? Engineered hardwood offers the same aesthetic with better durability. It's made with a hardwood veneer on top of a stronger core, making it more resistant to wear and moisture.
While it’s not completely scratch-proof, choosing a harder wood species and a matte finish can help disguise pet wear over time.
Tip: Keep your pet’s nails trimmed and place rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the finish.
4. Cork Flooring
Cork is an eco-friendly and pet-friendly flooring option that offers natural warmth, softness, and noise reduction. It’s also hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew — great for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.
While cork is scratch-resistant, it's not invincible. A good-quality sealant and regular maintenance can help extend its lifespan in pet-friendly households.
Note: Avoid dragging heavy pet crates or furniture across cork to prevent dents.
5. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a sustainable and durable flooring material that stands up well to pet traffic. Strand-woven bamboo, in particular, is extremely hard and more scratch-resistant than many traditional hardwoods.
It’s easy to clean, moisture-resistant, and gives a sleek, modern look to any room — perfect for style-conscious pet owners.
Bonus Tip: Carpet Tiles for Flexibility
While traditional wall-to-wall carpet can trap fur and stains, carpet tiles offer a pet-friendly alternative. If one section gets damaged or stained, you can simply replace the individual tile. Choose low-pile or looped carpet to avoid snags and make cleaning easier.
Create a Pet-Friendly Home with Balance Flooring Toronto
At Balance Flooring, we help Toronto homeowners find flooring that fits their style — and their pets. From waterproof luxury vinyl to allergy-friendly cork, we carry a range of pet-proof options that combine comfort, durability, and design.
Visit our Toronto showroom or explore our pet-friendly flooring collection to find the perfect solution for your home and your furry family members.