The Differences Between LVP Thickness and Wear Layer

Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are an increasingly popular flooring choice that can recreate the appearance of natural wood, ceramic tiles and stone flooring. Available in a range of shades and textures to complement any space, these floors boast durability as well as affordability compared to many other options - not forgetting easier maintenance requirements than some alternatives! But selecting an LVP floor for your home or business requires multiple considerations, including thickness and wear layer thickness.

Foot traffic, appearance preferences and installation method all play an integral role in determining how well new floors stand up to daily challenges. Yet another often-overlooked consideration when buying these floors is thickness - though its performance and lifespan could have significant ramifications for your home. To help you select an LVP thickness that meets these criteria, this article explores its different thickness levels as well as their benefits.

Vinyl thickness and wear layer are two measures of vinyl material used to cover vinyl tile surfaces and cores. The wear layer consists of clear PVC that shields the print film layer that features wood-grain patterns printed into its printed patterns; thickness ranges from 6-8 mil for low traffic environments up to 20 mil in high traffic environments.

Thicker wear layers provide better protection from spills, pet scratches and daily wear and tear. Furthermore, thicker layers offer enhanced sound absorption to create a quieter living environment; aluminum oxide or ceramic beads may even be fused into them to enhance strength and durability.

Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are a form of vinyl flooring that are considered "luxury", due to their higher price tags. But these high-end tiles offer greater durability than regular vinyl and come backed with 20 years of warranty protection, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. Furthermore, LVT boasts more realistic 3D photo layers which mimic various materials like real hardwood - without incurring its costs or maintenance requirements!

LVT flooring comes in rigid core or WPC/SPC versions, the former offering more flexible and bendable structures while the latter boasting stronger, stiffer cores that last longer. Both versions provide extra support, making LVT suitable for uneven subfloors without needing leveling systems and lengthening its life expectancy. Therefore, rigid core products with multilayered constructions are recommended for heavy traffic commercial spaces, while more flexible models would work better in residential settings.