I'm thinking about what I want to use on my floors - re-do .

Cheri G
by Cheri G
I don't really like ceramic tile too cold and hard - I don't like laminate - too fake and noisy. Thought about parquet and hardwood - but I have indoor pets and always will. Currently have carpet and linoleum - any thoughts?
  12 answers
  • Teresa D Teresa D on Dec 21, 2011
    How about cork?? By the way, I had hardwood floors put in this year and I have 2 indoor dogs. There are some really hard woods that don't damage as easily as some softer woods out there. Determine what you like (texture, color, etc), the look you want and area/purpose (other than to walk on) and then figure out what products out there fit. There is ceramic tile that looks like hardwood ... vinyl tile too. All kinds of cool stuff out there!
  • Cheri G Cheri G on Dec 21, 2011
    that's a possibility - I have not looked at cork choices - concerned about it being porous - but maybe it's in tile size pieces that can be replaced if damaged
  • 3po3 3po3 on Dec 21, 2011
    Hardwood can't be beat for resale value, and it's relatively easy to get surface scratches out. Also, as Teresa said, some hardwoods are harder than others.
  • Cheri G Cheri G on Dec 21, 2011
    what about if they throw up or pee on those hard wood floors - if you don't catch it and can clean it up immediately
  • 3po3 3po3 on Dec 21, 2011
    It's easier to clean up than with carpet. I think the only really safe options for that type of things are stone or tile options.
  • What areas are you thinking about in the home? Good quality hardwood flooring with good finish should resist the critter accidents for short while, but if its something you deal with a lot, then any wood or laminate product will not fair to well with that type of issue. Also remember if you do have doggies even wood finish becomes a bit slippery for the animal. So lots of throw rugs and area rugs are suggested that can be removed and cleaned or replaced when needed.
  • Bob and RodMan S Bob and RodMan S on Dec 22, 2011
    This might go against the modern grain but we use a paste finishing wax over the cured poly floor finish. We have found it provides an additional impediment to abrasion, enhanced surface "water" proofing, and easier - if more frequent - rejuvination.
  • Cheri G Cheri G on Dec 22, 2011
    excellent - it's not often - but once in a while, I've noticed a little 'corner' pee area in living room
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Dec 22, 2011
    Depending on which "rooms" you plan to do...the flooring surface should be "matched" for the wear. generally any area that could see water should be tile...kitchens, laundry rooms, entries etc. Living rooms Bedrooms etc can be Wood. Cork is not very durable at all and I would avoid it in ALL areas. As far as "hard and cold" tile can be set up with electric radiant underlayments. I have done lots of these...it feels great under foot. The "hard" issue can be addressed with an area rug ( like in front of the kitchen sink ) to limit the perception of fatigue. you can see some pics of an underlayment heater in this project. http://www.hometalk.com/Kevin/project/2181
  • Clay B Clay B on Dec 23, 2011
    Yes, consider checking out Cork.
  • Darla Darla on Jul 20, 2014
    We have snap-together vinyl plank flooring in our powder room in a dark gray barn wood pattern. It looks surprisingly good, was easy to install and if a piece gets damaged, just replace it.