Standard residential thickness between (1/4 inch / 6.5mm) and (3/8 inch / 9.5mm) works great in most homes, while the thickest vinyl plank flooring at (5/8 inch / 15mm) provides maximum protection and sound reduction.
A wearlayer is measured in "mils." A mil is one-thousandth of an inch. It is not the metric measurement of a millimeter(mm). Generally, the number of wear layer "mils" is expected to last the same number in years. A 6 mil wear layer can last 6 years and a 20 mil wear layer can last up to 20 years.
Determining the Optimal Thickness for LVP
It is recommended to opt for a thicker wear-layer for high-traffic commercial spaces or heavily frequented areas. A wear-layer of 20 mil or higher provides optimal protection and durability, ensuring the flooring can withstand rigorous use.
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.
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.
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.
Vinyl flooring can be resistant to stains and spills, including pet urine, but it is not completely pee-proof. If pet urine is left on vinyl flooring for an extended period, it can potentially stain or discolor the flooring.
Standard residential thickness between (1/4 inch / 6.5mm) and (3/8 inch / 9.5mm) works great in most homes, while the thickest vinyl plank flooring at (5/8 inch / 15mm) provides maximum protection and sound reduction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Con: Hard to Remove
Once the flooring is down, it will be difficult to remove should you change your mind later on. This is because the adhesive glue that affixes the planks to the subfloor is not easy to remove. Still, should it become necessary, removal is possible without professional help.
A thicker wear layer will increase the durability of your floors. However, in areas with lower foot traffic, you can opt for a thinner wear layer and a thicker vinyl layer to improve comfort underfoot. Vinyl plank's top layer (0.1mm to 0.7mm) defends against wear.
To get the most out of your LVP you will want to consider what is underneath the flooring. An underlayment provides the proper support to make sure your LVP makes it the long haul.
Plank Size
The width of the planks typically ranges between 6 inches to 9 inches or more. Generally, wider and longer planks look better in bigger rooms, and standard planks are more suitable for smaller spaces. If you have an open floor plan, wider planks can add a sense of luxury and appear less cramped.
Superior Scratch Resistance
Vinyl plank flooring with as good top layer and thick wear layer will help minimize the damage a dog can do with its claws. Vinyl plank flooring is not impervious to scratches from a dog's nails so it's best to keep them trimmed as much as possible.
Water can seep into the seams and “washout” the adhesive. If this does happen it can be fairly easily remedied, if only a few planks are affected.