Help choose the right floor for 2 dogs and a new baby

I didn't get a chance to read all the responses in this posting, so I just wanted to make it easier by maybe asking my own question.

I have 2 boxers and am due to have a new baby in April. I would like to get rid of the carpeting in my living room and hallway to cut down on dirt and smell.

I am looking into Vinyl flooring, is this a good idea? Is vinyl better with scratches? I was also thinking about laying down an area rug to cut down on the space available for possible scratches.

[TFP Admin]

I split your topic away from the original thread because the other topic was too old. This new topic should help you better.

TFP Admin

[Kman]

Specifically what type of vinyl are you interested in?

[TFP Admin]

When the OP (original poster) is a guest, I think it's acceptable to make generalizations and assumptions. The guest may not come back or may not find their post again after it has been moved - they don't get the same kind of indicators that registered members do to help them find new posts, etc.

In a case like this, I think answering the questions in terms of what might apply to anyone with dogs and very young children, especially those who find us via their favorite search sites, is the best tact to take. I hope the OP finds us again, but they might not. Perhaps when they do, they might consider registering.

Jim

[Darol Wester]

I used Mannington Aurora vinyl in our rental. It took quite a beating and it came out like a trooper. It's pretty tough stuff for the money. They have some nice looking patterns too.

[Curt Durand]

Ceramic tile - wears like iron, basically spill and soil proof, not difficult but hard work to install - have ceramic in my entry (30 yrs old - looks new) and in out kitchen, dining room and deck entry (10 yrs old - looks new), easy to clean and basically scratch proof.
Sheet vinyl - wears well but can be scratched, scuffed and torn by sharp objects, most of the time there are no seams to fail and if seams are sealed CORRECTLY they will last the life of the flooring, easy to clean, extra care needed to install - have Congoleum inlaid - Esteem (25 yrs old - dulled surface but heavy use in the basement playroom.
Hardwood - scratches, dents, water damage, gaps come and go with seasonal changes, solid woods 3/4" thick seem best, engineered OK if cut strip wearlayer and not roto-peeled.. Looks beautiful but not a maintenance free floor. I have some in the hallways and on the stairs. Older Hartco Pattern Plus acrylic impregnated - that stuff wears like iron.
Carpets - it's a fabric - duh! Soils, traffic grooms, crushes, holds odors from vomit and urine, liquids soak down through unless you use a TRUE moisture barrier pad. We have had really good luck with double glued installs of action-bac carpet over Tredmor pad. Need a good water extraction DIY cleaner with no rotating brushes or with them turned off. Use an enzyme cleaner to neutralize urine and odors. Think nylon - best choice. Not enough experience with the new Sonora which is a polyester (at least for the present). Olefin & polypropylene flatten down and stay there.
Laminate - worst choice you could make. Slippery, noisy, lots of joints which will swell if exposed to excess moisture (number one problem), very sensitive to installation skill (expansion gaps, FLAT subfloor).

[Barry Carlton]

Excellent summation Curt!!!

b