What happens when you put your dogs in your bedroom and shut the door?  And they really, really want to get out and play with the team of Destination Imagination kids who are practicing their skit in your living room?

Oh, nothing.

Wait, that’s a lie.  Something big happens.

Welcome to my bedroom, y’all.

Yaaaaayyyy.  Isn’t that awesome?  And honestly, this is not the first time this has happened.  The dog who did this has done this before in the exact same spot, and we had it repaired because he didn’t go all the way down to the pad.  But this time, I don’t think there’s any way that we can fix it.

Thanks, Jack.  It’s a good thing he’s so pretty and sweet.

Our carpet has been used and abused and is almost 9 years old.  So, it’s time to shell out the money and get it replaced.  I’m not excited about spending the money, but I am excited about having new floors.

We currently have carpet in our master bedroom, living room and dining room.  The rest of the first floor is tile.  Upstairs we also have carpet, but it’s in pretty good shape.

So, now we need to look at our flooring options, and I need your help!  I’m not even gong to start looking at colors until I pick a type of flooring.  Here are the options I am considering:

Replace the carpet with more carpet

This is the most cost effective option.  I know that I will have the same problems with the carpet that I have now – like stains and foot traffic – and the opportunity for Jack to rip it up again.  I’d have to match the color pretty close to what I have now, since our carpeted staircase is right next to the living room (and I don’t want to replace the carpet on the stairs and upstairs at this time).  And if I’m being honest, I want something more fun than carpet.

Replace the carpet with wood look tile

I really love all of the wood grain tiles that are on the market right now.  Tile is so easy to maintain, but it is loud.  Our living room is an open to a two story ceiling, so will that be too loud?  And is it okay to have two different types of tile on one floor (the entry way and kitchen/breakfast room has basic 12×12 beige tile) or should we replace all of our tile?

Replace the carpet with laminate

I have never had laminate before, so I really don’t know how “livable” it will be with dogs, kids and lots of DIY projects.  It will be cheaper than wood look tile (I think), and it will feel more like wood.  But does it get scratched up super easily?  And I know there are all sorts of different thicknesses, so what should I look for?

Replace the carpet with hardwood

Let’s be honest.  In a perfect world where money was no option, I would definitely go this route.  Unfortunately, this is not the world I live in!  It’s absolutely gorgeous, but I’m just not sure that it’s the best choice for my house.  If my dog can do that to carpet, imagine what he could do to hardwood!

So really, I need your help.  Which of these options have you gone with, and why did you choose them?  Did you DIY or pay to have it installed?  Is there another option I haven’t considered?

Man, I can talk about paint and the best type to use all day long.  But flooring?  I feel almost paralyzed at the thought.

Signed,

Confused in Austin