At Sutherlands, we understand that your home is the center of your family’s life. The right flooring can make all the difference, providing a durable, safe, and beautiful foundation for every memory. Our expert team is here to help Northern Colorado families find floors that stand up to real life. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best flooring for homes with kids and pets.
Solid Hardwood
Classic, solid hardwood brings timeless elegance to any home. While its durability is a plus, it can be susceptible to scratches from pet claws and dents from hard falls.
- Is This Family-Friendly?: With care. Choose harder woods like oak and use area rugs in high-traffic zones.
- When to Replace: Look for deep gouges that can’t be sanded out, warped boards or widespread squeaking.

Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood offers the authentic look of real wood with a more stable core, making it better at handling temperature shifts. It’s a great compromise between classic style and modern practicality for any family home.
- Is This Family-Friendly?: Engineered hardwood is a great option for families. It’s more resilient than solid wood, but the top layer can still scratch.
- When to Replace: When the top wood layer wears through or if you see planks peeling apart (delaminating).

Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a top contender for active homes. It’s highly scratch-resistant and budget-friendly, offering realistic wood or stone looks without the worry.
- Is This Family-Friendly?: Laminate flooring stands up well to pet claws and busy foot traffic, making this a reliable choice for your busy lifestyle.
- When to Replace: If you notice planks swelling from moisture, or if the surface layer begins to chip or peel away.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is the champion of family-friendly flooring. Often waterproof and incredibly tough, it handles spills, messes, and high-energy pets with ease. It’s a low-maintenance solution that doesn’t sacrifice style.
- Is This Family-Friendly?: Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is one of the best choices for durability. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- When to Replace: If planks start lifting at the seams or if you have deep tears that penetrate the wear layer.
Carpet
Nothing beats carpet for softness and comfort. It provides a cozy surface for children to play on and helps absorb sound, creating a quieter home environment.
- Is This Family-Friendly?: Carpet is a comfortable option that can be good for families with young children. Opt for stain-resistant varieties in low-traffic areas like bedrooms.
- When to Replace?: When you see permanent stains, significant matting in walkways, or lingering odors that cleaning can’t remove.

Find Your Perfect Fit at Sutherlands
Choosing floors for a home with kids and pets is about balancing beauty with practicality. Our team at Sutherlands is here to help you navigate the options. Whatever flooring type you’re looking into, we have a wide selection of materials to choose from. Let’s find a floor that your whole family will love for years to come.

