If you’re considering investing in luxury vinyl flooring, be it LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) or LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank), you’ll find that thickness options range from 3mm to 8mm. The 5mm-thick luxury vinyl flooring tends to attract a lot of customer interest, largely due to its appealing price point. Before making a commitment, it’s important to assess whether the 5mm option aligns with your project’s specific needs and is an appropriate fit for your environment.
5mm Luxury Vinyl Flooring – LVT vs. LVP
LVP Type (Luxury Vinyl Plank) Example in 5mm Thickness
Both LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are variations of Luxury Vinyl Flooring that possess the same underlying composition but differ in their final aesthetics. LVT is designed to emulate stone and marble patterns, while LVP aims to replicate the appearance of natural wood planks. If you are evaluating the appropriateness of the 5mm thickness, your choice between LVT and LVP will be inconsequential.
5mm LVT and LVP Composition
Multi-Layer Construction of 5mm LVT and LVP Flooring
To determine whether this thickness is suitable for your residential or commercial property, it’s crucial to understand the multi-layered architecture of Luxury Vinyl Flooring. These floorboards are constructed with a four-tiered design, which consists of the wear layer (1), the design layer (2), the core layer (3), and finally, the backing layer (4).
- The Wear Layer: Positioned above the aesthetic design layer, the wear layer has a thickness range of 0.1mm to 0.7mm. Composed of a highly durable, scratch-resistant clear PVC material, this layer serves as the primary protective barrier for the flooring, shielding it against the rigours of daily use. It is your floor’s frontline defence against footfall, the movement of furniture, and accidental impacts.
- The Design Layer: This component is the epitome of visual appeal in your flooring. Utilising a high-definition printed film, the decorative layer meticulously mimics the appearance of diverse materials, ranging from timber planks (LVP) to natural stone and marble tiles (LVT). The level of realism achieved is so compelling that it frequently leads onlookers to believe they are standing on authentic wood or stone surfaces.
- The Core Layer: Commonly dubbed the backbone of Luxury Vinyl Flooring, the core layer is typically constructed from one of three materials: Wood Composite Core (WPC), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), or Stone Plastic Core (SPC). This structural element imbues the flooring with its intrinsic robustness. WPC and PVC cores deliver a more cushioned sensation underfoot, rendering them particularly suitable for domestic environments. Conversely, SPC—often referred to as the Rigid Core—exhibits heightened durability, making it a frequent choice for commercial spaces despite its firmer tactile experience. SPC is also waterproof which makes it popular in residential projects as well as in commercial settings.
- The Backing Layer: Situated at the bottom of Luxury Vinyl Flooring, the backing layer is fabricated from a pliable material such as Cork and PVC. This attribute enables the floor to expand and contract in response to temperature variations, thereby enhancing its lifespan. In addition, this layer serves as the bedrock of the flooring structure, bestowing it with essential support and stability.
The Wear Layer Implication of 5mm LVT and LVP
The Wear Layer For 5mm LVT and LVP Comes at 0.3mm and 0.5mm Options
Composed of a translucent vinyl PVC layer, the wear layer typically has a thickness ranging between 0.1mm and 0.7mm. The most common thicknesses are 0.3mm, 0.5mm, and 0.7mm. Its primary function is to serve as a shield against scratches, stains, and scuff marks, thereby preserving the integrity of the design layer below. For 5mm thickness boards, wear layer options generally include the 0.3mm and 0.5mm variants. Your choice between these two will significantly influence the flooring’s lifespan. These options are standard for most residential settings—whether it be living rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens—and can withstand the typical wear and tear of a household, as well as limited commercial use. For more rigorous commercial applications, it’s worth considering the 0.7mm wear layer, which is available with the 6mm and 8mm Luxury Vinyl Tile and Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring options.
Pros of 5mm LVT and LVP
Click Fit Available With 5mm LVT and LVP
- Financial Viability: High-calibre 5mm LVT and LVP flooring options commence at an economical price point of approximately £20 per square metre. This represents a cost-effective alternative to thicker variants, which can escalate to as much as £30 per square metre.
- Installation Efficiency: The svelte 5mm planks are amenable to click-fit installation techniques, thereby expediting the installation process and mitigating associated costs.
- Thermal Conductivity: 5mm LVT and LVP flooring are highly conducive to underfloor heating systems, making them an optimal choice for homes or commercial spaces seeking efficient heat distribution.
Cons of 5mm LVT and LVP
The Thin 5mm Thickness Require Smooth and Perfect Subfloor
- Reduced Longevity: With a wear layer commonly ranging between 0.3mm and 0.5mm, 5mm LVT and LVP offer a diminished durability profile when compared to the more robust 0.7mm options.
- Subfloor Requirements: Owing to its slender constitution, 5mm LVT and LVP flooring is less accommodating of subfloor irregularities. As such, meticulous preparation to achieve a smooth and level subfloor is imperative for optimal installation.
| spect | 5mm LVT and LVP – Pros | 5mm LVT and LVP – Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | Starts at a budget-friendly £20 per square metre, making it a cost-effective choice compared to thicker options that can go up to £30 per square metre. | N/A |
| Installation | Designed for quick click-fit assembly, speeding up installation and reducing related expenses. | Due to its thin profile, a well-prepared, smooth, and level subfloor is crucial for proper installation. |
| Thermal Performance | Highly compatible with underfloor heating systems for efficient heat dispersion. | N/A |
| Durability | N/A | Wear layer options of 0.3mm to 0.5mm result in lesser durability compared to 0.7mm thickness options. |
| Subfloor Adaptability | N/A | Less forgiving of subfloor imperfections, requiring thorough preparation for optimal installation. |
Is 5mm LVT and LVP A Good Choice
At Wood and Beyond, we bring over a decade and a half of expertise to the flooring sector, specialising in 5mm variants of Luxury Vinyl Flooring in both LVT and LVP styles. Reinforced by a 15-year manufacturer’s guarantee, we advocate this thickness as the quintessential choice for residential environments as well as light commercial spaces with elevated footfall.
To personally gauge the calibre of our offerings, we invite you to initiate your Wood and Beyond journey by requesting complimentary samples. These are dispatched posthaste, typically arriving at your doorstep the following day.
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FAQ
How Does 5mm Thickness in LVT and LVP Affect Cost?
The 5mm thickness in both LVT and LVP flooring starts at an affordable rate of approximately £20 per square metre, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Is 5mm LVT and LVP Flooring Compatible with Underfloor Heating?
Yes, the 5mm thickness in LVT and LVP is highly conducive to underfloor heating systems, allowing for efficient heat distribution across the floor.
What Are the Wear Layer Options for 5mm LVT and LVP?
For floorboards with a 5mm thickness, you’ll generally find wear layers of 0.3mm and 0.5mm. These wear layers play a significant role in the lifespan of the flooring.
How Do Subfloor Requirements Change for 5mm LVT and LVP Flooring?
Due to its thinner profile, 5mm LVT and LVP flooring requires a well-prepared, smooth, and level subfloor for optimal installation.
What Are the Longevity Implications of Choosing 5mm LVT and LVP Flooring?
The wear layers of 0.3mm and 0.5mm in 5mm LVT and LVP flooring offer less durability compared to the 0.7mm options, making them less ideal for heavy commercial use.
