To tell the difference between two separate measurements, vinyl thickness and wear layer, you need to understand the different layers that make up a vinyl floor. A urethane coating on top provides gloss and protects the wear layer. The wear layer is a transparent PVC (vinyl) layer of varying thickness that gives the plank its texture. It also protects the printed foil layer, a paper design with the colors and patterns of LVP or LVT flooring optics. The vinyl core is mixed with a plasticizer or fiberglass for added strength. The final layer can be fitted with a cork or foam backing depending on the product.
Thickness measured in millimeters refers to the actual vinyl core. The thickness of high-end vinyl boards ranges from 2mm vinyl flooring to 4mm vinyl flooring to 8mm vinyl flooring and is even higher for high-end products. Thin and thick products require specific sub-floors and have different installation methods. Details are provided below. However, it is essential to know the thickness of the vinyl planks, especially if you are trying to match existing floors in other rooms. This should be measured prior to purchase to avoid unevenness.
The wear layer, measured in millimeters, refers to the second layer of clear vinyl. Thicknesses range from 8 mils to 12 mils for residential use and 20 mils to 40 mils for commercial use. The thicker the wear layer, the better it can protect the print layer from scratches, scuffs, and dents. For reference, a 20 mil wear layer is 0.5mm thick and a 40 mil wear layer is about 1mm thick, Where the 80 mil wear layer is about 2mm thick which is used for 2mm vinyl flooring and the 160 mil wear layer is about 4mm which is used for 4mm vinyl flooring. This thickness measurement should be weighed heavily in determining project traffic and usage.
How Thickness Affects The Overall Look And Feel Of The Flooring
Vinyl flooring brands often make a big deal about the durability of their products. We mention fancy coatings, a lifetime warranty, and a patent-pending design. After all, once you understand how vinyl is made, it becomes clear to him that there is only one specification that really matters.
As the wear layer wears out, the paper pattern will be damaged and the floor will need to be replaced. Again, the thicker the wear layer, the longer the floor will last and look better. If durability is important to you (if you’re choosing vinyl over laminate or wood, you probably are), you already have enough information to make an informed decision. But a thicker wear layer is more durable. If it is equivalent to a hard floor, what would you consider thick?
0.1mm vinyl flooring? 0.3 mm vinyl flooring? 0.5 mm vinyl flooring? 2mm vinyl flooring? 4mm vinyl flooring? These numbers are so microscopic that most people find it difficult to tell the difference. After all, how can something that’s only a fraction of an inch provide significant protection?
Polystox has hit the scene with a new standard for wear layers. The Modin Signature Collection features a 40mil wear layer and the Modin Base Collection features a 20mil wear layer.
How Does The Subfloor Affect Vinyl Thickness?
The condition and type of substrate play an essential role in the selection of vinyl thickness. For concrete subfloors, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and free of uneven areas.
A subfloor with bumps, dirt, or depressions can degrade the appearance of vinyl over time. Choose a thinner vinyl floor, as concrete provides a lot of stability and support.
If you are installing vinyl over a wood subfloor, you will need to add at least 1/4 inch thick wood. Clean and make sure there is no dust or dirt. We recommend choosing a thicker vinyl for added stability and support.
If the subfloor is ceramic, porcelain, terrazzo, or other tiles, you must ensure that the tiles are intact and the surface is level. Thick vinyl is recommended.
Types Of Vinyl Flooring And Their Thickness
To add some confusion to the mix, you can choose from several types of vinyl flooring that influence your determination of thickness and durability. One of the floors Most popular in homes thanks to modern advances in vinyl technology.
From gorgeous vinyl planks and tiles that mimic real hardwoods and natural stone, to 100% waterproof and fade-resistant materials, to industrial-grade rugged hard cores, there’s something for everyone when it comes to vinyl.
Luxury Vinyl Planks
Or LVP for short is a popular PVC flooring option that faithfully replicates the natural beauty of solid hardwood, adding a warm, authentic, and welcoming feel to your home.
Modern printer technology has advanced to the point where it can mimic the texture and characteristics of real wood species and provide hardwood finishes such as wire brushing and hand-shaving.
These planks are typically very durable. Its robust construction means it can withstand the heaviest loads of traffic, children, and pets. LVP typically includes a thicker, more durable multi-layer floor with a robust wear layer. There are two types of cores to consider including WPC (100% waterproof vinyl core) and 100% waterproof hardcore vinyl board.
Rigid Core Vinyl Planks are strong and extremely tough, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial properties. Virtually indestructible.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles
Another popular PVC flooring type, also known as LVT, offers just as much versatility and design as LVP.
Like LVP, premium vinyl tiles have a solid construction and are extremely durable. Designed and built to handle foot traffic, they are scratch, dent, and stain resistant, and in most cases are waterproof. You can also get UV inhibitors to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays and help keep colors from fading.
LVT is typically constructed of multiple layers, including a thick wear layer for durability, a realistic representation of the design, and sometimes a textured finish.
High-traffic areas should opt for thinner, flexible vinyl over the stiffer, more durable PVC plastic composite.
It’s low maintenance, water resistant, and cost-effective, making it a great option if you’re looking for the natural beauty of the stone tile.
Vinyl Sheet
Similar to LVP/LVT, vinyl wraps typically consist of multiple layers with a photographic image of the design applied underneath the wear layer and are manufactured in large rolls.
Endless design possibilities allow buyers to recreate natural wood, concrete, marble, and stone. Due to the manufacturing process, large mosaic patterns are much easier to create than the tile/plank format.
A vinyl wrap with a seamless surface prevents moisture from penetrating the surface and seeping into the subfloor.
This makes commercial vinyl ideal for large spaces with high traffic and humidity, such as offices, health centers, kitchens, and schools.
However, unlike LVT/LVP, if the vinyl sheet suffers irreversible damage or stains, you have only two options. Replace the entire floor with new panels, or cut out the damaged section and fill the gaps with new panels.
Both options can be very expensive and also run the risk of water seeping through the cut seams.
What Thickness of Vinyl Flooring is The Best
Vinyl floors are one of the best types of floors as they are easy to maintain, water resistant, versatile, and affordable. One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is its durability and superior quality. As such, some might think that thicker vinyl flooring will last longer than thinner options.
So what thickness of vinyl flooring is best to install? The answer is that it all depends on your needs and where you plan to place the tiles. In addition to thickness, there are a number of other factors to consider before choosing a vinyl floor such as Wear Layers, Protective Coatings, and Carrier Layers.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring comes in a variety of thicknesses. They range in size from 2mm to 8mm, are thick, and come in a wide variety of designs. The thickness of the vinyl floor seems like the most important factor when choosing a vinyl floor, but it has an even greater impact on its quality.
Wear Layer
The abrasion layer provides durability, stain resistance, and scratch resistance to vinyl floors. This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing floor coverings as it helps the floor to last longer. The wear layer has the greatest impact on floor durability and is measured in mils. This is one-thousandth of an inch.
Subfloor
Subfloor refers to what lies beneath the flooring, and the subfloor should also be considered when choosing the thickness of the vinyl floor. For example, for houses or buildings with cement subfloors, it is sufficient to choose a thinner vinyl floor. This is because the subfloor is already strong enough and does not require additional support from the flooring. However, if your property has a substrate such as hardwood, you will need additional support from thicker options.
Backing Layer
The backing layer is also an important part of vinyl flooring that needs to be considered. Different types of flooring consist of different cores and backings, all of which contribute to their durability, quality, and other special features. Below are some of the types of backing and core layers.
- Stone Plastic Composite (SPC)- SPC is made from calcium carbonate (limestone), polyvinyl chloride, and a plasticizer.
Waterproof Core (WPC)- WPC is made from polyvinyl chloride, calcium carbonate, plasticizers, blowing agents, and wood. - Recyclable Materials- Besides SPC and WPC, some manufacturers may use recyclable materials to make their vinyl floor cores.
Protective coating
The final factor to consider when choosing the thickness of your vinyl floor is the protective coating. The protective coating is the final layer of the floor and is traditionally made with an acrylic coating or wax. This type of coating can be difficult to maintain as the floor must be repainted every 2-3 months.
Human Traffic
A final factor to consider when choosing a vinyl floor is the amount of traffic in the room or area where the tiles will be installed. For high-trafficking areas, choose thicker flooring with more wear layers.
2mm vinyl flooring
A 2mm vinyl flooring or plank is a special adhesive floor as it is too thin to use the click system. However, it is cheaper than thick vinyl floors. Because it bonds directly to the subfloor, no underlay is required to install vinyl floors, but no additional accessories such as glue or trowels are required. It can be done as a DIY project, but it requires some extra prep work to start with a smooth, flat surface, so we recommend hiring an experienced professional. I can’t walk on the floor. An important question to ask before purchasing a 2mm vinyl flooring is walkability as it may not withstand the rigors of traffic.
4mm vinyl flooring
Most 4mm vinyl flooring has a click-lock system that locks the planks in place, making vinyl flooring easy to install. For this reason, thick vinyl is more expensive than thin vinyl. These floating floors can also be installed over most existing floors or subfloors as they are not glued directly to the surface. No glue, staples, or nails are required, but a moisture barrier underlay is required to prevent moisture between the vinyl and concrete subfloor. 4mm vinyl flooring is ideal for busy families and commercial establishments as it can accommodate more foot traffic.
What Thickness Do You Buy When You Buy Vinyl Flooring?
When searching for vinyl flooring, you may come across the term “mil” to describe the thickness of the product. This term is similar to millimeters. That’s why many people use “mil” and “mm” interchangeably, but the terms have very different meanings.
2 mil is 2/1000th of an inch and 2mm vinyl flooring is approximately 80 mils. Whereas 4 mil is 4/1000th of an inch and 4mm vinyl flooring is approximately 160 mils. Flooring products have both dimensions with different meanings, so the appropriate thickness should be chosen carefully.
The total floor covzering thickness is measured in mm, with mils representing the thickness of the wear layer. Vinyl floors vary in thickness from as little as 2mm vinyl flooring, 4mm vinyl flooring to over 8mm vinyl flooring. Suitable wear layer thicknesses range from 1 mil to 40 mils or more.
To some extent, the overall thickness of the flooring is important. The thicker the planks or tiles, the better the stability. Therefore, it is best to choose a thickness (mm) suitable for the expected traffic volume. For example, high-traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways benefit from thicker flooring.
In addition to overall product thickness, the most important durability consideration is wear layer thickness. The wear layer plays a big role in the life of your vinyl floor – the thicker the wear layer (mil), the greater the protection from abrasion.
So when it comes to wear layers, how thick is it? What thickness should you look for to get the best value for your money? No Thickness – The wear layer thickness you choose depends on the application and application of your floor. In high-traffic areas, it’s a good idea to invest in the thickest possible wear layer to extend the life and reduce replacement and repair costs. In this case, a wear layer thickness of at least 12 mils is ideal. In low-traffic rooms such as bedrooms, a 6 mil wear layer may be slightly less than sufficient flooring thickness.
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