Summer – and the school vacation that comes with it – is just around the corner. Among other things, that means kids (and maybe pets) tromping in and out of the house and wreaking havoc on floors in the process.

Based on our years of work repairing and replacing floors, here are our recommendations for the best flooring options for homes with kids and pets as well as what you should consider in making your choice.

Our Top Choices

LVP – In case you’ve missed this growing phenomenon, Luxury Vinyl Planking (LVP) has become a go-to for busy homes with a lot of mixed foot traffic. Durable, easy to clean, scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and versatile, LVP is probably our top recommendation for these kinds of environments.

Tile – Porcelain or ceramic tiles are the most durable – short or dropping a (big) hammer on them, these floors will last a lifetime (and beyond). Tile is also easy to clean and attractive. Because tile can be cold and hard, we always recommend some throw rugs to softer and warm up things.

Laminate – Lightweight, easy to clean, and (mostly) scratch- and water-resistant, laminate flooring can be an ideal ch0ice for families on a budget. Because laminate it’s quite as water-resistant as LVP, it’s important that spills get mopped up quickly. Similarly, laminate can be slippery, so choose one with a textured finish. Lastly, note that many laminates actually use an top-layer image to create an appealing look, which means over time, that image can be worn away (but hey, by then the kids are grown and you can go with something new).

Second Tier Options

Engineered Hardwood – Much like LVP, engineered hardwood is increasingly popular for families hungry for that genuine hardwood look without the big price tag and susceptibility to scratches. Engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture (aka humidity) that traditional hardwoods, but is also more likely to be scratched than LVP and tile.

Bamboo – Ecologically-friendly, attractive, and durable, bamboo is reasonably scratch- and dent-resistant and most brands repel moisture. That said, be aware that bamboo, like laminate, CAN scratch and liquid spills should be cleaned up quickly.

Not Recommended

Again, because these are recommendations for families with kids, pets, and the foot (and claw) traffic that come with them, there are some materials that just don’t make sense – at least not until the kids are older.

Genuine Hardwood – We love hardwood. It’s organic, easy to clean, durable, and beautiful. But unless you’re going to have throw rugs everywhere, be prepared for scratches. Yes, hardwoods can be refinished, but at a cost of $3 – $8 per square foot (and assuming it’s a big area like a main floor, you’ll need to vacate the home while it’s being done). So to refinish a 1,000 sqft floor run you $3,000 – $8,000.

Carpet – We have kids, we love pets, and carpet is pretty much not on our list of a home’s must-haves, at least while the kids are young and messy. (Cats and carpets? Uh-uh.) Carpet is warm, cozy, and soft, but at least during those early family years, they’re best reserved for mom and dad’s room.

Flooring Checklist

OK, we’ve said our piece. As always, we recommend doing your own homework. After all, no two families are exactly the same.

The items to consider when making your flooring choice:

Durability – How well will it stand up to the kids and pets? It is scratch- and dent-resistant? What about spills (think of all the liquids your kids consume? Picture the dog slobbering all over the floor after a big drink of water.

Ease of Cleaning – It is easy to clean and how long will it take?

Safety – This is a biggie given how many accidents (falls) occur at home. Choose a material that isn’t going to be slippery.

Comfort – In the same way you should pick the right shoe given how much time we spend on our feet, pick a flooring that is comfortable on your feet.

Cost – Flooring is one of the best and most obvious choices you can make to improve the look of your home (and its value). But every flooring type comes with a cost (and a return on investment). If you’re going to be in place for several years, carpet is not going to hold up well and real hardwood is going to take a beating. Conversely, if you may be moving soon (another child prompts the move to a bigger home), hardwood will add a lot of bang for the buck and carpet is a relatively inexpensive upgrade.

A final note: regardless of which flooring you choose, think maintenance, cleaning, and car. A good steam cleaner for carpet can do wonders for extending the look and life of your carpet; throw rugs will reduce wear on harder flooring types; and other materials like LVP can withstand pretty much anything the kids or pets throw at it.