Riverton at a Glance
Riverton is the definition of an established Utah suburb. Over 47,000 residents, most homes built between the late 1990s and 2010. Old enough that original flooring is due for replacement, new enough that the bones are solid.
If you’re in Midas Creek, Old Farms, River Crest, or along 12600 South, your home probably came with carpet throughout. That carpet has seen a lot of life, kids growing up, dogs wearing paths through the hallway, two decades of wear. Most Riverton homeowners we talk to are past ready for something new.
Riverton is also one of the most pet-heavy communities we work in. That changes the flooring conversation.
Best Flooring Options
LVP: The Family and Pet Standard
If you have a dog, and statistically, you probably do, LVP should be at the top of your list.
Scratch resistance. A 20 mil wear layer (tested to ASTM abrasion standards) handles dog nails without showing damage. We’ve seen beautiful hardwood floors destroyed in 18 months by a large breed dog. LVP shrugs it off.
Waterproof. Accidents happen, especially with puppies or older dogs. LVP won’t absorb moisture the way carpet or hardwood will. No lingering odor, no stain, no structural damage.
Easy to clean. Pet hair, muddy paws, drool, LVP wipes clean with a damp mop. If you’ve ever pulled up carpet in a home with dogs, you know what’s underneath.
For a deeper dive, we put together a full guide on the best flooring for dogs and pets.
Engineered Hardwood: The Main Floor Upgrade
Riverton homes in the $450K–$700K range benefit from hardwood on the main living floor. Replacing carpet that’s been down since 2003 with engineered white oak or hickory is a transformation that modernizes the entire home.
The key with pets: keep hardwood in the living and dining rooms where traffic is moderate. Run LVP in the kitchen, hallways, and the path to the back door. those zones take the hardest hit from pet traffic.
Engineered over solid is the right call. Utah’s dry climate causes solid hardwood to gap seasonally (here’s why), and engineered construction handles it significantly better.
Carpet: Limited, But Not Dead
We’re not anti-carpet. In bedrooms, especially kids’ rooms and upstairs bonus rooms, carpet still makes sense. It’s warm, quiet, and comfortable. The mistake is putting it in high-traffic areas or anywhere pets spend significant time.
Smart play: hard-surface flooring on the main floor and basement, carpet reserved for upstairs bedrooms only. Our neighbors in South Jordan and Herriman follow the same approach.
Riverton-Specific Considerations
The Basement Question
Riverton homes almost universally have basements, many finished. If yours still has the original carpet, it’s time. Basement carpet in a 20-year-old home has absorbed two decades of moisture vapor from the concrete slab beneath it. Even if it looks okay on the surface, the pad underneath is holding moisture.
LVP is the only flooring we recommend below grade. It’s waterproof, it doesn’t trap moisture against the slab, and it makes the basement feel like a real living space. Our flooring cost guide breaks down what to expect for materials and installation.
1990s–2000s Homes
This era of construction is generally straightforward for flooring. Subfloors are typically in good shape, layouts are open enough for modern flooring to flow, and ceiling heights accommodate transitions without issues.
One thing to watch: homes from this era often have tile in the kitchen and entryway. We usually recommend removing it for a cleaner result, but if the tile is flat and well-adhered, floating LVP over it saves on demo costs.
Pet Damage Patterns
The damage is predictable: the path from the back door to the living space, around food and water bowls, and wherever the dog sleeps. Hardwood in the formal dining room is fine. Hardwood in the hallway where the golden retriever sprints to the back door ten times a day is asking for trouble.
What Homeowners Are Choosing
The most popular project in Riverton right now is the whole-home refresh: rip out all carpet on the main floor and in the basement, install LVP throughout, keep carpet in upstairs bedrooms. It gives the home a cohesive, modern look from front door to basement rec room.
Second most common: main-floor hardwood paired with LVP in the kitchen and basement. This is the move if you’re planning to sell in three to five years, hardwood photographs well and signals an updated, well-maintained home.
Color-wise, warm medium oak tones are trending (part of a broader shift we cover in our 2026 flooring trends guide. The cool gray floors from a few years ago are giving way to more natural, timeless looks. Wire-brushed textures are popular) they add depth and hide minor imperfections from kids and pets.
One tip we give a lot in Riverton: match your new flooring to existing cabinetry. Most homes here have medium-toned oak or maple cabinets. Leaning into complementary warm tones creates a cohesive look without requiring a full kitchen remodel.
See the Options in Your Home
Choosing flooring from a two-inch sample at a big-box store is a recipe for disappointment. Colors shift in different lighting, textures read differently against your walls, and if you have pets, you want to see how the surface actually performs.
We bring the showroom to your Riverton home. Full-size samples, honest recommendations, measurements, and a firm quote, all in one visit. No pressure, no obligation.