Kids, pets, spills, zoomies, toys flying across the room, muddy paw prints, running, jumping, claw clicks on the floor… if your home sees even half of that in a day, you already know your flooring takes a beating!
Luckily, there is a solution! You can have beautiful floors that survive real life, even with toddlers, teens, dogs and everything in between.
At High Plains Flooring & Blinds, we help families across Colorado Springs find flooring products that balance durability, style and peace of mind. Our guide will help you choose the right flooring, know what to look for and learn how to protect your investment from the busiest members of your home.
What Kids and Pets Really Do to Flooring
Before you commit to new floors, you have to think about your day-to-day. Children and pets can cause a mix of scratches, spills, dents, stains and general wear. Toys get dragged or dropped, claws run along the surface, chairs are dragged, juice gets spilled, food ends up on the floor and pets have accidents or bring in mud and snow from outside.
There are also hidden problems! Odors can linger in carpet, dust and dander can get trapped in fibers and moisture from bathtime splashes or snowy boots can linger under your flooring. Over time, floors start to wear out. That’s why it’s important to make an investment that will last you for years to come.
Best FlooringTypes for Homes with Kids and Pets
We love our little ones and furry friends! Because of this, we have to choose flooring that they’ll love and that lasts. Here are some of our top picks:
Luxury Vinyl Plak (LVP)
If there’s a “family-proof” floor, LVP is it. It’s become the go-to for families in Colorado Springs because it stands up to daily wear, while looking like hardwood. The dense waterproof core keeps moisture out, while the wear layer protects against scratches, scuffs and spills. It also tends to be softer and warmer underfoot than tile, which is comfortable for kids and pets to play on.
LVP has come a long way over the years. These products come equipped with an image layer that resembles hardwood and it’s hard to tell the difference at a glance. That said, you can still benefit from your flooring not swelling or warping when something like the dog’s water bowl spills.
Tile Flooring
Tile is the champion of rooms that see water and heavy use. A staple of bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms and busy entryways, tile has a fully waterproof surface and finish that makes it incredibly resilient. Claws, tracked-in salt and muddy boots aren’t a problem because it’s easy to wipe up.
The main tradeoff is that tile is harder and colder underfoot. Looking for a quick fix? Use rugs in play areas or add radiant heating under your floors. It’s ideal for families looking for something that handles decades of foot traffic.
Engineered Hardwood
Love the look of real wood, but prefer practicality? Engineered hardwood strikes a balance between the two. It has a real wood veneer top that sits on top of a layered high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood core. The layered construction makes it more dimensionally stable than solid wood, which is ideal for Colorado’s dry climate.
With the right finish, engineered hardwood resists scratches and can sometimes be refinished depending on the thickness of the veneer. Although it’s not great for messy areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms, it works elsewhere. Consider installing in living rooms, bedrooms and family rooms where you want warmth and character.
Carpet (in the Right Spots)
Carpet flooring has its place in family homes, specifically in bedrooms, nurseries and playrooms. It’s soft, quiet and forgiving when kids fall or roll around on the floor. Be sure to choose stain-resistant fibers, lower pile styles or carpet tiles in some areas because they are more durable and can be replaced individually.
Some people have allergies and we get that! If that’s the case, pair your carpet with a better-quality underlay and regular vacuuming to keep dust and dander under control. You don’t have to give up that cozy feel!
What to Look For in Kid and Pet-Friendly Flooring
When you compare flooring, don’t think about color or style (right away). Look at performance. In a home with kids and pets, prioritize floors that resist scratching and staining, are easy to wipe or mop and won’t get easily damaged if something spills and doesn’t get cleaned up right away.
Don’t forget about comfort and noise. Harder materials might need rugs to soften sounds and to create warmer, safer play areas. Medium-toned colors and subtle patterns help hide dust, footprints and fur between cleanings, which is a nice bonus on busy weeks.
Is your flooring scratched, stained or stressing you out? Consider an upgrade. Colorado Springs families turn to High Plains Flooring & Blinds for durable, low-maintenance flooring solutions.
Tips to Help your Floors Last With Kids and Pets
Even with the right flooring, a few small habits help everything last longer. A good doormat or runner can catch mud and grit before it hits the main floors. Felt pads under furniture prevent scratch marks from chairs and tables. Cleaning up spills sooner rather than later keeps finishes looking their best for longer.
Have pets? Trim those nails to avoid surface scratches. Additionally, throwing rugs in busy areas can stand up to wear and be a nice spot for your furry friends to rest. Pairing smart product choices with a few simple habits will help your flooring survive the long haul.
Ready for Flooring That Survives Real Family Life?
If your home is full of kids, pets and constant activity, flooring choice matters, especially when you need pet-friendly flooring that can keep up. At High Plains Flooring & Blinds, we offer luxury vinyl plank (LVP), tile, engineered hardwood, carpet and more. We want you to build a home that feels welcoming and looks great without having to worry about scratches and spills.
Ready for flooring that fits your lifestyle? Contact us to explore flooring options for your family or visit our:
