Hardwood Floor or laminate flooring I have a boxer dog?

I just got a dog and ripped off my carpet. Mow im thinking of hardwood floor. Is it smart to do it my self with the snap on flooring or real hardwood. I know real wood is expensive i dont know if the laminate flooring is just as good

Public Comments

1. My daughter has three dogs and a cat. She has tile everywhere except the bedrooms. That seems to work for her. Large dogs would scratch wood flooring with their nails. We had a German shepherd for a few weeks that hated thunderstorms . Boy did she destroy the french doors.
2. hardwood floor defiantly.
3. If you can afford it, go with real hardwood. It is incredibly durable. Laminate is easy to install, but it's thin, won't hold up as well to dog claws, may even make your dog slip and slide. The other problem with laminate is that even the best ones, like Pergo, I think it's called, will only take one sanding if they need to be refinished. They are just too thin. Real hardwood floors hold up to multiple sandings, and can last a lifetime. Good luck whichever you decide!
4. i have laminate flooring and i love it! i have dogs,cats and grand kids,and live on a farm,but the floor hasn't shown any wear in 9 years.it's alot easier to maintain than wood floors too.
5. Hardwood is always preferable to laminate if you can afford it. Scratches can be easily sanded out and/or restained. That can't be done with laminate. I'm a stickler for the real stuff, so if you can afford to have it laid and then stained, as opposed to the pre-finished variety, it'll last a lifetime AND stand up to you pooch. Not only that, it adds to your equity. I'm an interior designer and have worked with many homes built in the '20s and before. In almost every case, the hardwood floors are original and often only require minimal repair.
6. For looks wood is best. If you dog pees on the floor a better quality laminate is best. Look for one with a warranty for water damage. Most do not have water damage warrantys, but some of the best do. Also some of the newest look a lot like wood. Look for the following brands, Mannington, Berry, Columbia.
7. Engineered flooring is great - Go to your local Lowes and they will show you what you need to do. Just let them know your color and price range.
8. Check out bamboo flooring.. It is more durable than hard wood and more affordable in many cases. We have a boxer too... I have heard that laminate flooring is making some nice advances... You might call some contractors and see what they think.