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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LVT and LVP flooring brands such as Armstrong, Coretec, and Supremo are highly regarded for their durable and long-lasting products.
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.
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.
So, what's the difference? Luxury vinyl planks are thicker and more durable than standard vinyl, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets. They're also easier to install, as they can be clicked together like laminate flooring. Standard vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is thinner and less durable.
Generally speaking, vinyl sheet flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while vinyl plank and tile flooring will last 15 to 20 years. The thickness of its wear layer vastly impacts vinyl flooring's lifespan, so pay attention to this detail when purchasing your flooring.
The cost of LVT ranges from $2.50 to $7 per square foot, and installing it can cost between $3 and $5.50 per square foot. Therefore, it would be reasonable to anticipate at least $5.50 per square foot for the tile and installation.
While marble, natural stone, bamboo, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl have been trending in recent years, hardwood is still the dominant choice of flooring for high-end homes.
Heavy furniture and commercial appliances getting dragged around are one of the main culprits for destroying luxury vinyl floor tiles. Sometimes things need to be moved, and it's out of your control whether the furniture is lifted correctly or dragged across the floor, causing nasty scrapes and marks.
The average cost to install 1,000 square feet of vinyl flooring is between $2,000 and $7,000 for standard vinyl planks and between $3,000 and $10,000 for luxury vinyl planks. Adding in labor costs brings the total to between $5,000 and $20,000.
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.
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.
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.