A 12-mil wear layer is more than enough for moderately busy areas and provides sufficient protection against wear and scratches. However, at a 22-mil wear layer, LVP offers significantly more durability and becomes suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial use.
For residential spaces, 4-6mm vinyl planks are ideal for balancing comfort and durability. These are perfect for living rooms and kitchens where you spend most of your time. In commercial settings, go for 6-12mm to handle the heavy foot traffic of places like restaurants or retail stores.
The result is a durable yet flexible vinyl plank with urethane wear layer that comes in three variations based on thickness: 2mm Builder Grade that with a 12mil wear layer, 3mm Premium grade with a 20mil wear Layer, and Mission Point Plus at 5mm with a 20mil wear layer.
Quality of vinyl planks is determined by thickness of the wear layer, and thickness of the plank. Thicker = better. Wear layer is the priority for measuring quality. Higher traffic spaces need higher quality vinyl.
Our recommendations for wear layer are that you should choose 12mil for normal residential applications. In particularly high traffic residential and commercial applications we recommend 20 or 22mil wear layer. In our experience anything over 22mil only makes sense for high volume commercial projects.
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.
Are you looking for a better way to care for luxury vinyl? EPIC High-Performance Floor Finish, a water-based urethane, serves as an ideal solution for all of your vinyl floor care needs. Simply put, there is no better sealer for LVT(Luxury Vinyl Tile), LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank), and Sheet Vinyl!
LVP floors often look dull due to dirt buildup, residue from harsh cleaners, or excessive moisture. Regular dusting, light mopping, and using gentle products can help restore shine.
For some homeowners, the choice between luxury vinyl and genuine hardwood comes down to a variety of factors including budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. High-end homes may still opt for the timeless appeal of real hardwood in main living areas, while using LVP or LVT in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
A thick wear layer significantly improves the durability of your LVT flooring. With dogs around, floors can get scratched and damaged quickly. A 12 mil wear layer offers decent protection, helping the floor last longer even with pets.
If you're laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, you won't need to use an underlayment. However, you'll want to use one in every other application, including covering existing hardwood floors, uncushioned vinyl flooring, and concrete floors.
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.
The 20-22 mil thickness can actually withstand commercial environments. Choose flooring with a middle or higher wear layer if it will be in a high-traffic area of your home. A thinner thickness will be fine if the room in issue is unlikely to have substantial foot traffic. 12 mil works just fine in residential homes.
Our Swiffer Wet cloths are designed with a pH close to neutral. As well, these cloths have been tested to be safe for use on vinyl plank flooring.
Yes, you can use vinegar as a natural and effective cleaner for vinyl plank flooring. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Vinegar helps to dissolve dirt and grime without leaving behind residue.
Berber Carpet
Berber carpet's low profile and dense construction make it the best carpet type for all-around resistance to stains, wear, and footprints. Because its fibers are short, thick, and tightly packed, it resists matting and compacting better than high-pile carpets.
Both products have great reviews, great features, and a hefty price tag. So which is better: COREtec or Shaw Floorté? The winner's probably going to depend on your needs, but COREtec is really hard to beat here—especially because Shaw shares so few details about Floorté's actual specifications.
Do builders use luxury vinyl in high end homes? Hardwood flooring is typically the most popular choice for high end homes. However, some extremely discerning customers request vinyl, particularly if they have children, due to its increased durability.