Luxury vinyl flooring, a popular alternative to solid and engineered wood flooring, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The realistic wood-like appearance in luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) and stone-like in luxury vinyl tile flooring (LVT), along with the versatility to install it almost anywhere in the home, has contributed to this trend. If you’re considering luxury vinyl flooring, you’ll encounter thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 8mm. So, which thickness is recommended for your needs? Understanding the composition of luxury vinyl flooring, including the core and wear layer, is key to answering this question.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Composition
Core – The core is the foundation of luxury vinyl flooring. Traditional PVC core (Polyvinyl Chloride) luxury vinyl flooring, usually 2mm to 4mm thick, has been a standard option. However, technological advancements have yielded new products like WPC core (wood plastic composite) and SPC core (stone plastic composite), which offer greater stability and impact resistance, typically ranging from 4mm to 8mm thick.
Wear Layer – The wear or design layer, sitting atop the core, is pivotal for the floor’s durability. This transparent, protective coating shields against scratches, stains, and wear and tear. Generally, between 0.1mm and 0.7mm thick, the more substantial the wear layer, the more enduring your luxury vinyl flooring will be.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Thickness Options
Options range from 2mm thick PVC core with a 0.1mm wear layer to 8mm thick SPC core with a 0.7mm wear layer. For minimal use, like in a shed, 2mm thickness may suffice, but for most areas, 4mm or more is advisable.
Commercial spaces often favor 6mm to 8mm thicknesses with SPC core. Though thicker options are costlier, it’s crucial to balance value and performance. The 4mm and 6mm options suit many residential settings, while 8mm is also popular in both residential and commercial spaces.
A hybrid approach might entail fitting 4mm luxury vinyl flooring in low-traffic areas like bedrooms and lounges, and opting for 6mm or 8mm luxury vinyl flooring in high-traffic zones like halls and kitchens.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Thickness Considerations
Different thicknesses cater to specific conditions and requirements, so consider these factors:
Subfloor – Your subfloor type, such as concrete or plywood, might dictate your choice of thickness. Thicker boards mask minor subfloor imperfections, while thinner ones might reveal unevenness, requiring extra preparation.
Built-in Underlay – Consider features like built-in underlay, which can affect the overall comfort and performance of your floor, aside from the floorboard’s thickness itself.
Conclusion
Though luxury vinyl flooring comes in thicknesses of 2mm to 8mm, most customers gravitate towards 4mm to 8mm options with SPC core. The wear layers, ranging from 0.3mm to 0.7mm, provide an excellent balance between value for money and performance, ensuring a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing floor.
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FAQ
What Is The Wear Layer In Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
The wear layer also known as the ‘design layer’ in luxury vinyl flooring is a transparent, protective coating applied to the top of the board. It plays a crucial role in the durability of the floor as it comes into contact with foot traffic and defends against scratches, stains, and general wear and tear. The thickness of the wear layer can range from 0.1mm to 0.7mm, with thicker layers providing more durability.
What’s The Difference Between LVT and LVP?
LVT refers to Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring to resemble the look of stone or marble, and LVP refers to Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring to resemble natural wood. The two share the same composition, with only the design (stone or wood) as the differentiator.
What’s The Recommended Luxury Vinyl Flooring Thickness?
The recommended thickness depends on the specific use and location. For very light use, such as in a shed, 2mm thickness may suffice. For most other areas, 4mm or above is advisable. Commercial settings may benefit from 6mm or even 8mm thickness, and the choice between 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm thickness also depends on factors like foot traffic, subfloor conditions, and budget considerations.
How Does PVC Compare To SPC Vinyl Flooring?
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) core is a traditional option in luxury vinyl flooring and is typically thinner, around 2mm to 4mm thick. SPC (stone plastic composite) core is part of the technological advancements in luxury vinyl flooring and offers enhanced stability and impact resistance, coming in typical thicknesses of 4mm to 8mm. Therefore, SPC is generally thicker and offers better stability and resistance compared to PVC.
When Should I Choose Thicker Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Thicker luxury vinyl flooring should be chosen in areas with higher foot traffic or specific commercial settings, as they offer greater stability and impact resistance. Thicker boards also tend to be more forgiving of minor imperfections in the subfloor and can be used in higher traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. In commercial settings, 6mm or 8mm thick options with an SPC core would be beneficial. The decision might also depend on the type of subfloor and the overall comfort and performance desired for the floor.
