Best LVP for Pets? (6 Brands Tested!)
I’m a flooring contractor, and I know the struggle of keeping a beautiful home with furry friends.
Choosing the right flooring can be a nightmare, especially when you want something that looks good, lasts long, and doesn’t break the bank.
That’s where luxury vinyl plank (LVP) comes in.
It’s been a game-changer for many of my clients. It offers a fantastic blend of aesthetics, durability, and affordability.
With pet ownership on the rise, we need solutions that can handle the daily challenges of scratches, spills, and accidents.
So, I decided to put some of the top LVP brands to the test to find out which ones truly deliver on their promises. Let’s dive in!
Section 1: Understanding Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring
What is LVP Flooring?
LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Plank.
It’s a type of flooring made from multiple layers of synthetic materials designed to mimic the look of natural wood or stone.
Typically, it includes:
- A backing layer: Provides stability.
- A core layer: Often waterproof.
- A decorative layer: The printed design.
- A wear layer: Protects against wear and tear.
Why LVP is Great for Pets
As a contractor, I’ve seen firsthand how LVP can transform a home with pets.
Here’s why it’s a top choice:
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Water Resistance: Accidents happen. LVP’s water-resistant properties prevent liquids from seeping into the subfloor, reducing the risk of mold and odors.
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Scratch Resistance: Those playful paws can do a number on traditional flooring. LVP’s durable wear layer helps resist scratches and scuffs.
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Easy Cleaning: Pet hair, muddy paw prints, and the occasional spill are easy to clean with a quick sweep or mop.
Styles and Designs
One of the best things about LVP is its versatility.
You can find it in various styles and designs that mimic hardwood, stone, and tile.
This makes it easy to match your home’s aesthetic, whether you’re going for a rustic, modern, or classic look.
Section 2: Key Features to Look for in Pet-Friendly LVP
Durability: The Wear Layer
The wear layer is the top surface of the LVP that protects against scratches, stains, and wear.
The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the flooring.
I usually recommend a wear layer of at least 20 mil (0.5 mm) for homes with pets.
Anything less, and you might start seeing scratches and wear marks sooner than you’d like.
Water Resistance: Preventing Accidents
Water resistance is non-negotiable when you have pets.
Look for LVP that is 100% waterproof. This means it won’t absorb water, preventing damage to the flooring and subfloor.
Many LVP options come with a waterproof core, which is a huge plus.
Scratch Resistance: Protecting Against Paws
While no flooring is entirely scratch-proof, some LVP options offer better scratch resistance than others.
Textured surfaces can help hide minor scratches. Also, look for products with enhanced finishes designed to resist scratches and scuffs.
Comfort: For You and Your Pets
Comfort is often overlooked, but it’s important, especially if you and your pets spend a lot of time on the floor.
LVP can be cooler and harder than carpet, but some options come with an attached underlayment that provides extra cushioning.
This can make a big difference in comfort, especially for older pets with joint issues.
Section 3: Brand Testing Methodology
Testing Criteria
To give you the best recommendations, I put six popular LVP brands through a series of tests.
Here are the key criteria I used:
- Durability: Resistance to scratches, dents, and wear from pet traffic.
- Water Resistance: Ability to withstand spills and accidents without damage.
- Ease of Installation: How easy it is to install the flooring, considering DIY-friendliness.
- Maintenance: How easy it is to clean and maintain the flooring on a daily basis.
- Pet Performance: Overall performance with pets, including scratch resistance and ease of cleaning up after messes.
Testing Environment
I set up a controlled testing environment to simulate real-life conditions in a home with pets.
This included:
- Pet Behavior: Simulating normal pet activities like walking, running, playing, and scratching.
- Types of Pets: Using both dogs and cats to test the flooring with different types of pet behavior.
- Simulated Scenarios: Creating scenarios like spills, accidents, and muddy paw prints to test water resistance and ease of cleaning.
Section 4: Brand Reviews
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here are the results from my tests of six popular LVP brands.
1. Brand A: Armstrong Flooring
Brand Overview
Armstrong Flooring has been a trusted name in the flooring industry for over a century.
They offer a wide range of flooring solutions, known for their quality and durability.
Product Specifications
- Product Tested: Armstrong Vivero Best LVP
- Thickness: 8 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil (0.5 mm)
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty
Testing Results
The Armstrong Vivero Best LVP performed well in most tests. It showed good resistance to scratches from dog nails and stood up well to simulated spills.
Installation was straightforward, thanks to the easy-to-use locking system.
However, I noticed that it wasn’t as resistant to cat scratches compared to some other brands.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Durable, water-resistant, easy to install, lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Not as scratch-resistant to cat nails, slightly pricier than other options.
Value for Money Assessment
Armstrong Vivero Best LVP offers good value for money, especially if you have dogs.
The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind, but cat owners might want to consider other options with better scratch resistance.
2. Brand B: Shaw Floors
Brand Overview
Shaw Floors is another leading flooring manufacturer known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
They offer a wide range of LVP options suitable for various needs and budgets.
Product Specifications
- Product Tested: Shaw Floorté Pro Series
- Thickness: 6.5 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil (0.5 mm)
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty
Testing Results
The Shaw Floorté Pro Series impressed me with its excellent scratch resistance.
It held up well against both dog and cat nails, showing minimal signs of wear after repeated testing.
It’s also 100% waterproof, making it ideal for homes with accident-prone pets.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Excellent scratch resistance, 100% waterproof, easy to clean, lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Slightly less comfortable underfoot compared to options with attached underlayment.
Value for Money Assessment
Shaw Floorté Pro Series offers excellent value for money, especially if you’re looking for a highly scratch-resistant and waterproof option.
The lifetime warranty adds to its appeal.
3. Brand C: COREtec
Brand Overview
COREtec is known for pioneering waterproof flooring with its innovative COREtec core structure.
Their products are designed to be durable, stylish, and easy to install.
Product Specifications
- Product Tested: COREtec Plus HD
- Thickness: 8 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil (0.5 mm)
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty
Testing Results
The COREtec Plus HD stood out for its exceptional waterproof capabilities.
It showed no signs of water damage even after prolonged exposure to spills and accidents.
The attached cork underlayment provided added comfort and sound insulation, making it a great choice for multi-story homes.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Excellent waterproof performance, attached underlayment for added comfort, good scratch resistance, lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than other options, limited style options compared to some brands.
Value for Money Assessment
COREtec Plus HD is a premium option that offers excellent value if you prioritize waterproof performance and comfort.
The attached underlayment is a significant advantage, especially for those looking to reduce noise.
4. Brand D: LifeProof
Brand Overview
LifeProof is a popular brand available exclusively at Home Depot.
It’s known for its affordability and durability, making it a great option for budget-conscious homeowners.
Product Specifications
- Product Tested: LifeProof Rigid Core LVP
- Thickness: 6.5 mm
- Wear Layer: 6 mil (0.15 mm)
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty
Testing Results
The LifeProof Rigid Core LVP performed surprisingly well given its lower price point.
It’s 100% waterproof and showed decent scratch resistance.
However, the thinner wear layer means it might not hold up as well as some other brands over the long term, especially with heavy pet traffic.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Affordable, 100% waterproof, easy to install, lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Thinner wear layer, less scratch-resistant than premium options, limited style options.
Value for Money Assessment
LifeProof Rigid Core LVP is a great option for those on a budget.
It offers good performance for the price, but you might need to replace it sooner than a higher-end option if you have very active pets.
5. Brand E: Pergo
Brand Overview
Pergo is a well-known brand that pioneered laminate flooring.
They’ve since expanded into LVP, offering durable and stylish options for modern homes.
Product Specifications
- Product Tested: Pergo Extreme Preferred
- Thickness: 7 mm
- Wear Layer: 22 mil (0.55 mm)
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty
Testing Results
The Pergo Extreme Preferred impressed me with its superior scratch resistance, thanks to its thick wear layer.
It held up incredibly well against both dog and cat nails, showing virtually no signs of wear.
It’s also 100% waterproof and easy to clean.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Excellent scratch resistance, 100% waterproof, easy to clean, lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Can be slightly more expensive than other options, limited style options in some areas.
Value for Money Assessment
Pergo Extreme Preferred offers excellent value for money if you’re looking for top-notch scratch resistance.
It’s a great investment for homes with multiple pets or very active animals.
6. Brand F: Mannington
Brand Overview
Mannington is a family-owned flooring company that has been in business for over 100 years.
They’re known for their commitment to quality and innovation, offering a wide range of stylish and durable flooring options.
Product Specifications
- Product Tested: Mannington Adura Max
- Thickness: 8 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil (0.5 mm)
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty
Testing Results
The Mannington Adura Max performed well across the board.
It’s 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy to install.
The attached underlayment provides added comfort and sound insulation.
However, it didn’t stand out significantly in any one area compared to the other brands tested.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: 100% waterproof, good scratch resistance, easy to install, attached underlayment, lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Doesn’t excel in any one particular area, can be slightly pricier than some alternatives.
Value for Money Assessment
Mannington Adura Max offers good value for money as an all-around solid performer.
It’s a reliable choice if you’re looking for a durable and stylish LVP that will hold up well to pet traffic.
Section 5: Comparison Table
To help you make a more informed decision, here’s a comparison table summarizing the key features, pros, cons, and pricing of the six tested brands:
| Brand | Product | Thickness | Wear Layer | Waterproof | Scratch Resistance | Comfort | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armstrong | Vivero Best | 8 mm | 20 mil | Yes | Good | Moderate | Lifetime | $$$ |
| Shaw | Floorté Pro | 6.5 mm | 20 mil | Yes | Excellent | Moderate | Lifetime | $$$ |
| COREtec | Plus HD | 8 mm | 20 mil | Yes | Good | High (Cork) | Lifetime | $$$$ |
| LifeProof | Rigid Core | 6.5 mm | 6 mil | Yes | Decent | Moderate | Lifetime | $$ |
| Pergo | Extreme Preferred | 7 mm | 22 mil | Yes | Excellent | Moderate | Lifetime | $$$ |
| Mannington | Adura Max | 8 mm | 20 mil | Yes | Good | High | Lifetime | $$$ |
- Price Key:
- $: Budget-friendly
- $$: Affordable
- $$$: Mid-range
- $$$$: Premium
Section 6: Conclusion
Choosing the right LVP flooring for your home with pets is all about finding the right balance between durability, aesthetics, and affordability.
I’ve tested six brands to help you narrow down your options.
Remember to consider your specific needs and priorities when making your decision.
For overall best performance, I would recommend Shaw Floorté Pro Series or Pergo Extreme Preferred.
Both offer excellent scratch resistance, are 100% waterproof, and come with a lifetime warranty.
If you’re on a budget, LifeProof Rigid Core LVP is a solid choice that offers good performance for the price.
Ultimately, the best LVP for your home depends on your individual needs and preferences.
I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect pet-friendly flooring!
Happy flooring!
