Minimum MIL Layer on Vinyl Planks in home with a large dog?

7 years ago

What is the minimum MIL/wear layer I should get for my home with a large dog?

From all the research I've done, it seems SPC or Rigid Core is the best route to go becuase of areas where there could be high sun, however finding a rigid core product with a 20 MIL layer seems to be quite difficult.

Is 12 MIL enough to help with normal wear and tear (read: potential screates from nails) from the pup?

Featured Answer

SJ McCarthy

7 years ago

In the flooring industry we would say that a "Good vinyl" comes with a minimum 20mil wear layer. That's where the category starts. Anything less than 20mil would be a "price conscious" purchase (entry level may also be a nice way of saying "cheap").

Large dogs aren't always the one's who do the damage. The HIGH ENERGY mid-sized dogs (like a border collie) will do the MOST DAMAGE. Some large dog species are low-energy (great danes are notorious for being sofa speed bumps). A low-energy dog won't do much damage because, well, they don't go anywhere. A heavy pit bull-X with energy shooting out of his/her ears will create massive amounts of damage no matter what floor you put down. Why? Because they are heavy, they are STRONG (those toes dig in so they can corner effectively) and they are constantly on the move (constantly digging in to get a firm grip on the floor).

If you have the notorious "Marmaduke" sofa-lump (aka. Great Dane) then you can probably get away with 12mil. If you have a medium sized dog with plenty of energy you can START with 20mil wear layer. If you have the "death to floors" dog that is heavy, muscular and energetic then you really need to get the thickest wear layer you can find (forget "afford"...you really need to get the toughest stuff you can FIND).

And just a reminder: all floors will eventually show scratches and wear. The lighter the floor (in natural wood tones) the less likely they will show scratches.

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Comments (10)

Kitty Lanier
7 years ago
There are a number of 20 mil wear layer products out there. SuperCore SPC at WeShipFloors.com comes in a 12 mil, 20 mil, and a 30 mil wear layer. republicfloors.com has SPC with a 20 mil wear layer, Flooret.com has a flooring with a 40 mil wear layer.
Cara Reinhart thanked Kitty Lanier
Cara Reinhart
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Kitty! But what is the minimum recommendation of MIL layer with a large dog?
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Kitty Lanier
7 years ago
I have no idea that there is a minimum specified for large dogs. I would say 20-30 mil. A 30 mil is good for light commercial. I would think it would depend on how active a dog you have. You would need to keep your dogs nails trimmed just as you would with any flooring except maybe porcelain tile. If you’re really worried about scratching, porcelain tile might be the best thing for you to put down.
Alexandra Nickson
7 years ago
We have republic flooring and it’s a 20mil wear. We just had it installed and I have two dogs. That said they are going in for a nail trim this weekend! :)
Kitty Lanier
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Alexandra, your floors are gorgeous. That plank really looks like the SuperCore flooring we have chosen. Our planks are 7”X60” with a 20 mil wear layer. The SuperCore Extreme has a 30 mil wear layer.

I think keeping your dogs nails trimmed as needed is key to not having scratches on your floor.
suseyb
7 years ago
All vinyl floors are going to scratch. It's unlikely that anyone in a residential application will wear through a 12mil wear layer. That said, we put a 20 mil wear layer in our home because we have a bunch of kids, and we are home all the time. So far, so good.

We installed SuperCORE oak natural. Here are a few pictures. It's hard to photograph the color.
Vance
7 years ago
We were told today by a Coretec supplier that a 30 mil layer can haze over time. He recommended staying with 20 mil. Anybody else ever heard of issues with hazing on 30 mil layer?

Just found Supercore today, and it looks very promising. We're looking at the Tennessee River Hickory which has a 30 mil layer. Thanks!
Heather P
5 years ago
@suseyb I'm looking at the Supercore Oak Natural. In the pictures you posted, which one do you feel is closer to the real life color? I love the looks of the flooring with your dining room table, but am worried about it turning too golden.
suseyb
5 years ago
In sunlight, it is more of a golden color. In shade, it is more like the top picture. It is definitely more of a yellow/gold color.