We often say that at Stine, we’re a “Family-First” business. And for most of our neighbors in Pineville and DeRidder, “family” includes the four-legged members. We love our big dogs, but their paws can be the ultimate test for any floor. If you’ve been shopping for vinyl flooring, you’ve likely seen the term “mil” thrown around. Understanding this number is the difference between a floor that lasts a lifetime and one that shows scratches in six months.
What is a “Mil,” anyway?
It’s a common mistake to confuse “mil” with millimeters (mm). While the millimeter tells you how thick the whole plank is, the mil tells you how thick the wear layer is. The wear layer is the clear, tough-as-nails coating on top of the design. Think of it as the “Integrity Layer”—it’s what stands between your dog’s claws and the beautiful wood-look pattern underneath.
Why 20-Mil is the Stine Gold Standard
In the flooring industry, you’ll see wear layers ranging from 6-mil to 12-mil. These are fine for a guest bedroom that rarely sees traffic. But for a bustling Louisiana household, we recommend the 20-mil standard.
- Commercial Grade Protection: 20-mil is considered “commercial-grade.” It’s designed to handle the heavy foot traffic of a retail store, which means it can easily handle a 70-pound Lab “zooming” across the living room.
- Resisting the “Heavy Lift”: It isn’t just pets. 20-mil layers protect against the daily movement of heavy dining chairs and the accidental drops of a cast-iron skillet.
Our 70-year history has taught us that quality is the best investment. By choosing a 20-mil wear layer, you are practicing Accountability for your home’s future value. It’s a “Safety First” approach for your floors. Visit a Stine location today, and let our experts help you find a pet-proof floor that is as beautiful as it is resilient.
