If you’ve been trying to improve the appearance of your dog’s crate, protect your floors, and ensure your dog’s comfort, read this guide on best dog kennel flooring.
Ideally, flooring for your dog’s kennel should be comfortable, durable, well-insulated, easy to maintain, and sanitary. I have included five different flooring options in this review, and they’re all different in style and appearance. Read on to learn everything you need to know about their pros, cons, and overall features.
If this is your first experience with this flooring type, you should go over the buyer’s guide below. It will help you learn more about the different factors that can influence your decision and help you make a more educated purchase.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: PET GROW Pet Pad Artificial Grass Turf
- Best Budget: Peepeego Non-Slip Dog Pads
- Best for Easy Maintenance: Drymate Whelping Box Liner Mat
- Best Waterproof: Foghorn Construction Interlocking Gray Rubber Floor Tiles
- Best Appearance: Kennel Deck Single Pack
Dog Kennel Flooring Buying Advice
Best Overall: PET GROW Pet Pad Artificial Grass Turf
Key Features:
- Variable speed: 150-4,200 RPM
- Power: 1.5 horsepower
- 20-inch swing
- Chuck size: ¾”
Pros:
- This device has a powerful motor with 12 speeds varying from 150 to 4,200 RPM
- It has a work light included for better visibility
- This is a professional product you can use on various floor types depending on the speed
- It has a 20-inch swing
- Large work table can tilt +/- 45°
- Has a telescoping safety spindle guard
Cons:
- It’s an expensive purchase
- It’s heavy
While looking for a great floor-mounted drill press, our team stumbled upon this device. If you’re looking for a professional-level drill press with a wide range of options, various speeds, and high performance, this is it!
We agreed that this is the best drill press we tested because it can be used on a wide range of materials, it has a large work table that can tilt, it’s high-speed, and it comes with a work light.
This might be the most expensive drill press on the list, but it’s a professional device. This drill press has 12 different speeds. Our team tested it out on various flooring materials, and it performed flawlessly. We also tested it on plastic and metal, and it worked perfectly on those materials, too.
If you are obsessed with details, you’ll be happy to hear that this machine has a built-in work light that you can use at night. The JET JDP-20MF Drill Press can drill into 20-inch material. The chuck size of the device is ¾”, and it comes with a chuck key.
As you probably expected, this is a heavy machine. If you decide to buy it, you will need to find a spacious spot to store it in. Moving it around is not an option unless you do it with several friends or a moving crew.
This is the best overall product because it’s a professional-grade machine that is stable and can be used for various materials. It has a 20-inch swing, a wide work table, and many other features.
Best Budget: Peepeego Non-Slip Dog Pads
Key Features:
- Variable speed: 580-3,200 RPM
- Power: 1.5 horsepower
- 12-inch swing
- Chuck size: ⅝”
Pros:
- Incredible value
- Comes with a two-year warranty
- It has quite a large work table
- You can tilt the worktable in both directions up to 45°
- Comes with a built-in work light you can use when it gets dark
- The device has a precision laser
Cons:
- It’s heavy
- The lasers might take you some time to figure out
The WEN 4214T Standing Drill Press is another great purchase that is not as professional-grade as our previous pick, but it’s definitely a high-quality machine that was by far the cheapest of our top picks. If you’re looking for a machine to use for floors, but you don’t want to pay a high price, this one will serve a great purpose.
The WEN 4214T 5-Amp Variable Speed Drill Press comes with a two-year warranty, so if anything happens to it, you should get in touch with their customer service.
If you want to work with different materials, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, this is an excellent purchase.
The JET JDP-20MF featured above is a heavy-duty device that works great for metals, but if you want a machine to only use on floors, the WEN 4214T will do a great job.
The chuck size of this drill press is ⅝”, and it also comes with a chuck key with a special storage spot on the machine. The variable speeds go from 580 up to 3,200 RPM, and between 580 and 1,000, you can change the speed using a lever. From 1,000 to 3,200, you’ll need to change belts to change speeds.
This is a much less expensive option than the JET DP-20MF drill press, but it has a similar quality. If you’re looking to spend less on a machine with variable speeds that you can use on vinyl floors, hardwood, tile, and laminate, we highly recommend this one.
Best for Easy Maintenance: Drymate Whelping Box Liner Mat
Key Features:
- Variable speed: 50-5,500 RPM
- Power: 1.75/2 horsepower
- 18-inch swing
- Chuck size: ⅝”
Pros:
- This machine doesn’t use belts for speed change; instead, you use the screen and buttons to set it
- Has excellent software that you can control via the digital screen and buttons
- It’s an extremely accurate and precise drill press
Cons:
- It’s expensive
- It’s heavy
The NOVA 58000 Voyager floor standing drill press is a device we’ve wanted to try for a while. This is the most powerful drill press on our list, and it has an impressive range of unique features, including the use of specialty cutters, no belts, advanced software, and more.
The speed of the NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR drill press is variable and goes from 50 to 3,000 RPM, but there’s an option to increase it to 5,500 RPM. This is a mighty machine with a 1.75/2 HP motor. The speed you’ll use depends on the material you’ll work with.
Although it was primarily designed for woodworking and floors, this drill can do various tasks on most material types. You can use it on metal and plastic because it’s pretty powerful and extremely precise.
If you’re looking for the best in terms of power, latest technology, and accuracy, the NOVA 58000 is the machine to get. This is a costly yet worthwhile purchase that can be used on wood, metal, and plastic, and it can easily take on large projects.
Best Waterproof: Foghorn Construction Interlocking Tiles
Key Features:
- Variable speed: 210-3,500 RPM
- Power: 0.75 horsepower
- 16⅞-inch swing
- Chuck size: ⅝”
Pros:
- Comes with a spacious work table and four table slots
- Comes with a depth stop that is ideal for repetitive drilling
- Five-year warranty
Cons:
- The laser pointer sometimes fails to work
The JET JDP-17 17” Drill Press is the perfect machine for repetitive drilling. It’s somewhere in the middle in terms of price range and an excellent purchase for people who need to take upon large projects.
The JET JDP-17 device has 16 speeds that range between 210 and 3,500 RPM. You can make the changes with the machine’s one-hand belt tensioning mechanism.
Thanks to the large work table, you can tackle big projects without taking breaks. The size of the worktable is 14” x 19” and features four table slots.
Also, you can feel safe while working with this device, because it has a large paddle-style off button and includes a safety key. It’s one of the most stable machines thanks to its large cast-iron base.
We loved how large the worktable of this device is and that it allows you to drill with precision without it overheating.
Best Appearance: Kennel Deck
Key Features:
- Variable speed: 250-3,050 RPM
- Power: 0.75 horsepower
- 13¾-inch swing
- Chuck size: 1/64”-⅝”
Pros:
- Allows oscillating movements for even more perfect holes
- It’s perfect for woodworking and floorwork
- You can use it for sanding
- Comes together with a set of sanding drums
- Two-year warranty
- It’s lightweight
Cons:
- Less powerful motor
The Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Drill Press is the most affordable option and is perfect for floors and woodworking. Thanks to its oscillating feature, you can turn this press into a sander and create immaculate holes.
This floor drill press has a less powerful motor compared to the previous three products, but that doesn’t make it a less quality choice. If you’re looking to mainly work with wood and floors and you don’t need a press for metal, this one will do a great job.
The Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Drill Press, as the name suggests, is oscillating. In other words, it doesn’t only rotate, but it also has back and forth movements. You can use these features to make your work smoother and more precise.
If your main goal is to find a standing drill press that you’ll use for wood and floors, this Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Drill Press is the best contender. It’s also the best budget product that won’t break the bank.
Side by Side Comparison
| Product | Our Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
PET GROW Pet Pad Artificial Grass Turf View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best Overall Overall: 4.8 | Available in 18 different sizes to cover small and large surfaces Comes in one color, green Made of a polypropylene material |
Peepeego Non-Slip Dog Pads View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best Budget Overall: 4.7 | Size: 65” x 48” Comes in one color, grey Made of a durable polyester material |
Drymate Whelping Box Liner Mat View on Pet Supplies –> View on Amazon –> | Best for Easy Maintenance Overall: 4.5 | Available in two sizes: 48” x 50”, 48” x 100” Comes in a single color Made of a durable polyester material |
 Foghorn Construction Interlocking Tiles View on Amazon –> View on Sears –> | Best Waterproof Overall: 4.6 | Size: One pack covers 8.26 square feet Available in five colors Made of a rubber material |
Kennel Deck Single Pack View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best Appearance Overall: 4.5 | Size: 48” x 24” x 2” Comes in a single color Made of a high-density plastic resin material |
The Complete Dog Kennel Floor Buyer’s Guide
Material
Various flooring materials can be used for your dog’s kennel. Two of the most popular choices are plastic and rubber because they are affordable, easy to clean, and come in many shapes, sizes, and types. Both rubber and plastic can withstand extreme weather conditions and not show significant changes.
Rubber is one of the most comfortable flooring types because it’s softer, flexible, and provides excellent insulation. If your dog tends to bite and scratch a lot, this flooring type will not survive long. In this case, you should opt for plastic flooring, which is more durable.
Another option is wooden flooring. Many dog owners fall in love with wood floors because they are aesthetically pleasing. It’s a material that lasts long, but it’s hard to maintain and clean and isn’t water resistant.
Artificial grass is another alternative that may be on your list. It might not last as long as plastic, but it looks great.
Vinyl floors are also excellent because they are incredibly durable, scratch resistant, and low maintenance. Unfortunately, this flooring option gets slippery when it’s wet.
Comfort
Comfort is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when buying floors for your dog’s kennel. Finding a comfortable material that is easy to maintain, provides good insulation, is affordable, and has suitable drainage is ideal.
An important part of comfort is shock absorbency. When your dog moves around or rests in the kennel, the flooring should be able to absorb the shock of those movements. It should be padded enough for the canine to feel cozy, and it shouldn’t constantly move or slide around.
If the material you choose doesn’t look comfortable enough, add some extra padding on top to improve your furry friend’s lifestyle. This is a place where the dog will spend several hours each day, and you want to provide them with the best experience possible.
Insulation
Insulation is important! The material that you opt for should keep your dog warm and protected. If you are going to place the kennel indoors, you don’t necessarily have to go for the warmest material.
However, if the crate is going to be outside, you will need to invest in excellent insulation. You don’t want your beloved pet to freeze because of bad flooring.
Maintenance
Considering your furry friend will spend many hours in the kennel, you have to find an easy-to-clean material. You don’t want to be stuck with flooring that requires a lot of effort, isn’t durable, stains easily, and retains smells.
If there are many holes, nooks, and grooves, the floor will retain dirt and dust and can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. Smooth floors are much easier to take care of, but if you’ll be placing the kennel outside, an even better alternative is flooring with holes for drainage.
It’s also great if you can find a water-resistant or water-wicking material. This will keep the kennel dry and prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew growth.
Drainage
Not all floors will have drainage. If you opt for rubber or plastic tiles, though, you might notice holes meant for drainage. If you are placing the kennel outside, it’s best to find flooring with holes.
The holes shouldn’t be too big because your dog’s paws and nails can get in between them. They also shouldn’t be too small to prevent proper drainage.
Slip Resistance
Some materials tend to be very slippery, making it hard for both the canine and the owner to move around. As I mentioned above, when vinyl gets wet, it becomes slippery. You will need to add extra protection on top to prevent injuries.
Durability
The product that you purchase should be durable. Dogs are active creatures that will bite and scratch. The flooring should be scratch resistant; otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a new one too often.
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on kennel flooring, you should review all of your options well before deciding. Plastic, wood, and vinyl are three great alternatives that last for a long time.
FAQs
Your dog’s well-being and comfort are important, but so is the appearance of your floors. Leaving a kennel on your floors means that you soon might notice scratches and damage. To prevent this, you should line the kennel with a protective material.
All of the floors that I listed above can be used under a dog’s kennel. Another smart idea is to buy foam mats that you would also use for your home gym. These mats will offer suitable padding and prevent direct contact between the crate and the floors. Rubber mats and tiles can also be great at protecting floors.
Both of these alternatives are affordable and available in numerous colors and sizes, so it will be easy for you to find the best choice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for dog kennel flooring ideas, you’re in the right place. My top five picks are all fantastic choices depending on your needs.
Before you purchase, research the flooring type to see if it’s durable, comfortable, provides good insulation, and is easy to maintain. You should also consider the material. All these factors should come into play, especially if you’re going for a more expensive choice.
My top pick for this type of flooring is the PET GROW Pet Pad Artificial Grass Turf. After testing it, I’ve been recommending it to all pet parents because it works wonders both outdoors and indoors. The grass is available in 18 different sizes, highly durable, and waterproof.
If you have any comments or first-hand experiences with dog kennel flooring, please post them below or share your pictures via our social media.
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