Why McMillan Floors Outperforms Brands Like CoreTec, Pergo, and Bruce

When shopping for new floors, most homeowners run into the same names: CoreTec in vinyl plank, Pergo in laminate, and Bruce, Mohawk, or Shaw in engineered hardwood. These brands are widely available and cover everything from entry-level to premium lines.
But here’s the problem: their ranges vary dramatically in quality. A CoreTec floor at $4.29 per sq. ft. is very different from one at $12.99. Pergo’s budget laminate may look appealing, but at only $2 per sq. ft. it lacks the durability of their top-end products. With Bruce engineered hardwood, a 1.5 mm veneer may look like a deal—until you realize it can’t be refinished.
McMillan Floors takes a different approach. Every product is premium by design—no diluted ranges, no entry-level shortcuts. And the specs prove it.
Vinyl Plank: McMillan vs. CoreTec
McMillan
• 27 mil wear layer (true 0.7 mm — the same as CoreTec’s “30 mil,” just measured precisely instead of rounded up)
• 6.5 mm total thickness (with 1.5 mm underlayment)
• SPC core tested at 2000+ PSI
• Shore D 73 hardness (exceptional scratch resistance)
• Price: ~$4.99 per sq. ft.
CoreTec
• Entry lines at 12–20 mil wear layers
• Premium “Originals” at 30 mil (actually the same 0.7 mm as McMillan’s 27 mil) and 12 mm thickness
• Price range: $4.29 – $12.99 per sq. ft.
✅ Verdict: McMillan delivers CoreTec Premium-level performance at mid-range pricing—with the added transparency of giving you the real measurement.
Laminate: McMillan vs. Pergo
McMillan
• 15 mm board + 3 mm underlayment
• AC4 wear rating (heavy residential/light commercial)
• Fiber board floors also available at AC5 (heavy commercial grade, same price point)
• 300-hour waterproof protection
• Price: ~$4.99 per sq. ft.
Pergo
• Budget lines at 7–10 mm, AC3 rating
• Premium lines at 12 mm, AC4–AC5, WetProtect technology
• Price range: $2 – $6 per sq. ft.
✅ Verdict: While Pergo forces you to upgrade for durability, McMillan makes premium the standard.
Engineered Hardwood: McMillan vs. Bruce, Mohawk, and Shaw
McMillan
• 5/8” (15 mm) overall thickness → thicker, more stable core
• 4 mm wood wear layer → refinishable twice
• UV-cured, scratch-resistant finish for daily durability
• Price: ~$13.99 per sq. ft.
Bruce / Mohawk / Shaw
• Bruce & Shaw: typically 3/8”–1/2” (9–12 mm) overall thickness → thinner, less stable cores
• Mohawk: ranges from 3/8”–9/16” in most lines, with select products reaching 5/8” (15 mm)
• Entry veneers: 1.5–2 mm (not refinishable)
• Premium veneers: 3–4 mm (refinishable once)
• Price range: $3 – $12 per sq. ft.
✅ Verdict: McMillan makes a 15 mm thick core and 4 mm wear layer the standard, while Bruce and Shaw stay thinner, and Mohawk offers 15 mm only in its premium lines.
Why McMillan’s “Premium-Only” Model Wins
• No Confusion – Shoppers don’t need to decode “good-better-best.” Every McMillan product is built for longevity.
• Stronger Specs Across the Board – From 27 mil wear layers on vinyl to 4 mm wear layers on engineered hardwood, McMillan starts where competitors’ top lines finish.
• Certified Safe – All McMillan products are FloorScore® and GREENGUARD Gold® certified.
• Truly Accessible Luxury – At ~$5 per sq. ft. for LVP and laminate, McMillan sits in the sweet spot: premium quality without excessive luxury markups.
Final Word
If you’re comparing CoreTec vs. McMillan vinyl, Pergo vs. McMillan laminate, or Bruce/Mohawk/Shaw vs. McMillan engineered hardwood, the difference is clear:
• Competitors spread themselves across every price tier.
• McMillan makes premium the only tier—so you always get industry-leading durability, beauty, and value.
When every floor in your home matters, McMillan ensures you’ll never compromise.
Disclaimer: All product specifications, features, and prices referenced in this article are based on information available from manufacturer websites and retailers as of Aug 2025. Comparisons are provided for general informational purposes only. McMillan Floors does not claim endorsement or affiliation with any competitor brands mentioned. Customers should verify specifications directly with manufacturers before making a purchase decision.
For more information on our latest offerings, visit McMillan Floors.