9 Best Flooring For Outdoor Dog Kennel (With Buyer's Guide)

If you are a dog owner who keeps your pup in a kennel, you might wonder if it is necessary to have kennel floors if your pet lives in one. Even though a floor may seem unnecessary, it has several benefits for you and your dog.

Having a kennel floor gives your dog a level surface to stand on and walk on as part of their living space. Moreover, it protects your dog from the damp or cold ground, which can cause joint pain and respiratory problems.

In addition to making your dog’s living space easier to clean, kennel floors also make it easier to maintain. A solid floor allows for easy waste removal and more effective sanitization, reducing the risk of bacteria and other harmful substances accumulating in the kennel.

Therefore, kennel floors can ultimately save you time and money in the long run since they maintain a clean and healthy environment for your pet. In this article, we will explore different kennel flooring options and discuss factors to consider when choosing the best flooring for outdoor dog kennel.

You Might Also Like:

How to Clean Pet Urine from Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Best Way!)

Table of Contents

How do I Choose the Best Dog Flooring Type for My Needs?

To make the most suitable choice for your pet, you should consider several factors when choosing dog flooring. The following are some things to consider.

Durability: Material selection is important for dog flooring because it can impact its durability, ease of cleaning, and overall comfort. Various popular options include concrete, gravel, wood, and synthetic turf. While concrete is durable and easy to clean, synthetic turf is comfortable and closely resembles natural grass. Choosing a material that meets the needs and preferences of your dog.
Easy Maintenance: Think about how much time and effort you will put into maintaining your dog’s flooring. Maintenance is required for some materials, such as wood flooring, which may need to be sealed periodically.

Comfort: Consider soft flooring materials for your dog, such as turf, foam mats, or rubber tiles. These materials provide cushioning and shock absorption for joints. Choose a material that is not too hard, slippery, or abrasive to prevent injuries or discomfort. Before making a final decision, observe your dog’s behavior and reaction to different materials to see if they have preferences for certain textures and surfaces.
Weather-proof: Choose flooring that can withstand harsh weather conditions if you live in a region with extreme weather conditions. For instance, if it rains frequently, you may want a material that drains well and doesn’t muddy up. During the winter, you may want flooring that provides heat and insulation.
Size and weight of your dog: Your dog’s size and weight will also influence the type of flooring you choose. The material should be durable and sturdy enough to handle the weight and roughhousing of larger dogs. Softer and more cushioned materials may be more comfortable for smaller dogs.

Drainage holes/openings: Dogs can be messy and have accidents, so choose a water-resistant flooring material that is easy to clean. Many materials can be used for this, including tile and vinyl.
Budget: Finally, cost needs to be considered when choosing dog flooring. Select a material that will fit your budget while providing your dog safety and comfort.

When choosing dog flooring, it is important to consider these factors to provide your dog with a comfortable and safe living environment.

Best Outdoor Dog Kennel Flooring Options

1. Vinyl Sheets

Vinyl sheets make excellent outdoor dog kennel flooring due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and pet-friendliness. These mats provide a comfortable, slip-resistant surface for dogs, are resistant to water, stains, and wear, and are practical and long-lasting.

These sheets come in various colors and patterns, allowing you to choose one that complements your outdoor space.

Furthermore, vinyl sheets can withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, heavy rain, and direct sunlight, keeping your dog’s kennel safe and comfortable.

Overall, vinyl sheets are a great outdoor flooring option for pet kennels, offering numerous benefits to both pets and owners.

2. Synthetic Grass

Synthetic grass, also called artificial turf, is an ideal flooring option for outdoor dog kennels due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and pet-friendliness. Besides looking and feeling like real grass, this synthetic flooring provides a soft and comfortable surface for dogs to walk on and play on.

The benefits of synthetic grass include easy maintenance, odor resistance, and no need to water or mow, making it a practical and long-lasting choice for outdoor dog runs.

Additionally, synthetic grass ensures your dog’s kennel remains dry and comfortable in any weather due to its excellent drainage and ability to withstand heavy rain or extreme temperatures.

3. Wooden Platforms

Its versatility, durability, and natural appearance make wooden platforms great for outdoor dog kennels. Platforms like these are easily constructed and customized to fit the size and shape of your dog kennel, allowing dogs to walk and play on a raised, level surface.

Furthermore, wooden platforms provide a slip-resistant surface that promotes proper drainage and air circulation, keeping kennels dry and comfortable.

Sealants and coatings can be applied to protect wooden platforms from moisture, decay, and pests. Providing your furry friend with a safe and comfortable environment is easy with wooden platforms because of their versatility, durability, and natural appearance.

4. Gravel, Sand And Stone

Gravel, sand, and stone are popular for outdoor dog kennel flooring because they are affordable, low maintenance, and natural-looking. These materials’ natural and rustic appearance complements the surrounding outdoor environment while also providing dogs with a level surface to play and walk on.

As gravel, sand, and stone promote proper drainage and air circulation, they keep kennels comfortable and dry. Additionally, they are resistant to staining and odors, making them easy to clean.

Natural appearance, efficient drainage, and low maintenance are benefits these materials can offer your furry friend.

5. Concrete Plus

Concrete is a popular outdoor dog kennel flooring option because it’s durable, low maintenance, and pet-friendly. This material provides a level, sturdy surface that can withstand heavy use and harsh outdoor elements, making it a practical, long-lasting choice for dog kennels.

Additionally, concrete is easy to maintain and clean because it is resistant to stains and odors. Similarly, you can seal the kennel to ensure it remains safe and comfortable for your furry friend against moisture, decay, and pests.

Concrete promotes a proper drainage system and air circulation so the kennel can remain dry and comfortable. Furthermore, providing a slip-resistant surface reduces the risk of dogs getting injured on hard or uneven surfaces.

6. Interlocking Foam mats

Interlocking foam mats are a versatile and comfortable option for outdoor dog kennel floors. Designed from soft and durable materials, these mats provide a cushioned surface for dogs to walk and play on, reducing the risk of injuries.

Additionally, interlocking foam mats can be customized to fit the size and shape of your dog kennel. They are convenient and portable for outdoor use since they are easily assembled and disassembled. Additionally, these mats promote proper drainage and air circulation, keeping the kennel dry and comfortable.

Interlocking foam mats make great outdoor kennel flooring options that can benefit pets and their owners in many ways.

7. Perforated Rubber

Perforated rubber is a popular outdoor dog kennel flooring option due to its slip-resistant surface, comfort, and durability. This surface keeps the kennel dry and comfortable by allowing proper drainage and air circulation.

Moreover, perforated rubber absorbs shock and noise, reducing the risk of injuries from uneven or hard surfaces. It promotes better joint health and overall wellness for dogs by providing a cushioned and comfortable surface for them to walk and play on.

Additionally, perforated rubber is easy to clean and maintain since it is resistant to stains and odors.

8. Kennel Deck

Kennel decks are practical and versatile options for dog kennel flooring. They are made from durable materials like plastic and composite, providing a sturdy and elevated surface for dogs to play and walk on.

Kennel decks can promote proper drainage and air circulation, ensuring the kennel remains dry and comfortable. As well as being easy to clean and maintain, they are resistant to stains and odors and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and heat.

A modular kennel deck can also be easily installed and adjusted to fit your dog kennel’s specific size and shape. Their non-slip surfaces prevent dogs from getting injured by hard or uneven surfaces, making them a safe option.

9. Plastic Pallets

An inexpensive and practical option for outdoor dog kennel flooring is plastic pallets. A durable material like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) provides a sturdy and slip-resistant surface for dogs to walk and play on.

Keeping your kennel dry and comfortable is possible with plastic pallets that promote good drainage and air circulation. Aside from being easy to clean and maintain, they can also withstand harsh outdoor elements like rain, snow, and heat.

Pallets made of plastic are lightweight and easy to move, so you can easily install and adjust them to fit your dog’s kennel. As they provide a non-slip surface, they reduce the risk of injuries caused by hard or uneven surfaces, making them a safe option for dogs.

FAQs: Best Flooring for Outdoor Dog Kennel

What is the best way to level outdoor dog kennel flooring?

Leveling kennel flooring outdoors requires removing debris and old flooring, leveling the earth beneath the kennel with a rake or shovel, and then adding a layer of gravel or sand to make it level. To keep the sand or gravel stable and prevent shifting, it is important to compact it. Alternatively, you can use concrete or other paving materials to create a level surface for your dog’s kennel.

Can I use wood chips for outdoor dog kennel flooring?

It is possible to use wood chips as flooring for outdoor dog kennels. There are, however, a few factors to consider. Despite their softness and natural appearance, wood chips can shift and need frequent maintenance to prevent mold and odors.

It is also possible for some dogs to chew or swallow wood chips, which can harm their health. Suppose you want to maintain a clean and safe surface for your dog.

In that case, it’s important to choose a high-quality wood chip material, avoid using chemically treated wood, and replace or replenish the wood chips regularly.

How can I make my outdoor dog kennel flooring non-slip?

You can use textured concrete or rubber tiles as outdoor dog kennel flooring, which has a naturally non-slip surface. Additionally, you can apply a sealer with a non-slip additive or sprinkle sand onto wet concrete to add texture to a slippery surface. Alternatively, you can cover the kennel flooring with non-slip traction mats.

What is the best material for a dog kennel?

A dog kennel’s best material depends on your preferences, needs, and the size and breed of your dog. Concrete, gravel, asphalt, artificial turf, and rubber flooring are commonly used for dog kennels. The material you choose for your dog’s kennel should consider factors such as durability, comfort, safety, and ease of maintenance.

To Conclude

Choosing the right flooring for your outdoor dog kennel is crucial to ensuring your pet’s comfort, safety, and health. Consider factors such as durability, maintenance, weather resistance, and, most importantly, your dog’s comfort when choosing the flooring material.

Ensure the flooring is not too hard, slippery, or abrasive, and consider your dog’s size and weight to avoid injuries.

Keeping these factors in mind, you can provide your dog with a comfortable and safe outdoor living space, allowing them to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while staying protected from the elements.

Check Out More Articles Related to Flooring

Cork vs. Foam Underlayment: Which is Right for Me?

5 Best Ways to Protect Vinyl Flooring From Heavy Furniture (Must-Try!)

9 Best Flooring for Outdoor Dog Kennel (With Buyer’s Guide)

How do I Choose the Best Dog Flooring Type for My Needs?