To directly answer the question, a 12 mil wear layer vinyl plank should last anywhere from 8 to 12 years. They can last even longer if you purchase a quality brand. Remember to consider the other factors mentioned to accurately gauge the overall lifespan of your vinyl plank flooring.
I would focus more on the wear layer. 12 mil is residential recommendation, 20 mil and up is commercial. If you have kids and/or pets, 20 mil is what a lot of people go for as extra security.
6-8 mils: Suitable for low traffic residential spaces like bedrooms or guest rooms. 12-20 mils: Ideal for moderate foot traffic areas. Lliving rooms, kitchens, and connecting hallways work well for this wear layer class. 20+ mils: Recommended for heavy foot traffic.
12 mil is generally accepted as a good residential wear layer. 20 mil is typically a commercial grade.
The most common residential wear layer is 12 mils or 20 mils. A 20 mil wear layer is thicker than a 12 mil wear layer and therefore will provide more durability and resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains.
The quality of the wear layer material, the installation method, the level of foot traffic, the maintenance routine, and the exposure to sunlight all play a role in determining how long it will last. To directly answer the question, a 12 mil wear layer vinyl plank should last anywhere from 8 to 12 years.
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By choosing 20 mil SPC flooring over 12 mil, you'll benefit from increased durability, enhanced longevity, better resistance to stains and scratches, greater value for your investment, and a flooring solution that's well-suited for high-traffic areas.
A wear-layer of 20 mil or higher provides optimal protection and durability, ensuring the flooring can withstand rigorous use. On the other hand, residential spaces with moderate foot traffic typically fare well with a 12 mil wear-layer, striking a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness.
If you want to get the best performance and long-lasting quality from your laminate floor, you need to install it with an underlay.
The system rates a floor between AC 1 and 6, with 6 being the hardest wearing. AC5-6 are often used for demanding residential installations or commercial laminate flooring fit outs.
Its thickness ranges from 0.3mm to 0.7mm. Thinner layers (0.3mm) are expected to last 10 to 15 years, while thicker layers (0.5mm to 0.7mm) can extend the flooring's lifespan beyond 20 years, particularly in residential settings.
Luxury vinyl is more expensive, but for good reason; it is more durable, can last longer, and usually looks nicer.
High-quality vinyl plank flooring, such as that from Vidar Design Flooring, typically features a wear layer thickness of at least 20 mils. This ensures the flooring can withstand heavy traffic and maintain its appearance over time. Thicker wear layers provide better protection and longevity.
For most homes, a 12 mil wear layer works great. This thickness can handle everyday life – kids playing, pets running around, and furniture being moved. Many pet-friendly LVP options start at this wear layer thickness because it provides good protection against scratches and daily wear.
LVT/LVP floors are water-resistant and have a scratch-resistant layer, ensuring messes, nails, or scrapes don't damage your floor.
Durability: The 12mm thickness of laminate flooring makes it highly resistant to denting, scratches, and impacts. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it suitable for high-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, and entryways.
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
If your planks already have a pad-attached underlayment, you most likely won't need an underlayment. However, if your flooring manufacturers installation instructions allow for an extra underlayment, adding an extra underlayment will provide improved sound reduction, insulation, and moisture protection.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are two different types of luxury vinyl flooring. LVT is vinyl flooring designed in a tile shape, whereas LVP is vinyl flooring designed in planks to resemble traditional hardwood floor planks.
While there might be concerns about 5mm Luxury Vinyl Flooring being too thin, its durability depends more on the wear layer than the overall thickness. For example, a 5mm flooring option with a 0.5mm wear layer provides ample durability for most residential applications.
Choosing the Right Thickness for LVP and LVT
For low-traffic areas like bedrooms or home offices, thinner vinyl planks may suffice. But for busy spaces like living rooms or commercial settings, opt for thicker options like 12mm or even 20mm laminate flooring.
For the best product, look for click-lock planks that are made with a thick, premium base layer and feature a 20mil wear layer or greater.
There's no guarantee that a 30-mil liner will last for the full 15 years and a 20-mil one will only last for 5 years, but there is a positive correlation between liner thickness and longevity.