This extra thickness adds more protection, making the floor even more durable and longer-lasting. It's especially good for busy households where the floor sees a lot of action. The thickest 30 mil wear layer is basically the best protection you can get in LVP flooring.
The thicker the better. It dampens sound better but most importantly thicker LVP usually has stronger seam locks that hold up better during installation and over time. I recommend 7mm min.
12 mil is pretty much the sweet spot when it comes to LVP. Anything much less should only be used in a rental property or as a temporary fix. Anything much higher gets into gilding the lily a bit and is only necessary for especially high traffic or commercial floors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glue down installation: a solid foundation
It's a preferred choice in areas with high foot traffic or where the potential for moisture is a concern, such as kitchens and bathrooms. One of the primary advantages of glue down vs floating LVP installation is its resistance to movement and shifting.
My first instinct was that I wouldn't like it, for fear of it sounding clicky or plastic like laminate sometimes does. That's where the name luxury vinyl plank comes in. LVP is so much different than regular vinyl or laminate. It feels like wood, and sounds like real wood as well.
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.
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.
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.
Generally, COREtec is more expensive as it gets wider, longer, or thicker. And, the cost is higher with more adjectives like HD and Enhanced. In any case, we are happy to quote for you and to help you select a flooring option for your budget.
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.
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.
LVT/LVP floors are water-resistant and have a scratch-resistant layer, ensuring messes, nails, or scrapes don't damage your floor.