Are you looking for a resistant floor that offers many aesthetic possibilities?
Laminate floors and vinyl floors, although structurally different, offer very interesting features, such as durability, warmth, the possibility of using them with air conditioning systems such as underfloor heating, protection against impacts and shocks, or ease of installation.
In this article, we will focus on how to choose the thickness of vinyl plank flooring.
SPC vinyl flooring is very popular in renovation, especially for home renovation and office renovation. It is favoured by many customers for its waterproofness and wear resistance. But do you really know how to choose the right flooring?
SPC Lock Flooring Stone Series
SPC vinyl flooring has 4 parts (from top to bottom). The wear layer, the decorative membrane, the rigid core and the additional underlayment. It has a total thickness of 3.0 mm to 8.5 mm. You will find a wide range here, with lower quality flooring in the 4mm range and higher quality flooring boasting a thickness of 7mm or more. Before you buy, you need to understand the composition of the flooring.
Abrasion resistant layers are located between the printed design and the polyurethane surface. They are usually 6, 12 or 20 mils thick. This layer is the key factor in determining how well your flooring will hold up over time. If the wear layer breaks down, the printed design will be damaged and fade. Better vinyl flooring has a wear layer that includes a protective top coat. This coating usually contains additives such as ceramic or other substances to increase the hardness level of the floor.
You should look for vinyl flooring with a wear layer of at least 12 mil. If you have an active family or a collection of pets, consider purchasing 20 mil or higher.
For SPC flooring, the core layer consists of natural limestone powder, PVC and stabilisers. The core layer is completely waterproof. This type of flooring is phthalate-free and safer for your family.
The planks with a rigid centre provide added durability and better stability. Solid planks are water resistant and can hide minor imperfections in the subfloor, making them a better choice when installing over existing flooring.
The backside or underside may include IXPE/EVA or other acoustic materials. These layers provide underfoot cushioning. The thicker it is, the more comfortable it will be to stand on. Many popular brands use underlays made from recyclable materials. Although environmentally friendly, these underlayments have been shown to decompose more quickly.
In general, we recommend that customers choose 5.0mm or 5.5mm for commercial use, 6.0mm or above for domestic use and 7.0mm or 8.0mm for high quality. SPC flooring for commercial use should be selected with a thicker wear layer due to the high frequency of use.
It is helpful to compare commercial warranties with residential warranties. An extended industrial warranty usually means a thicker wear layer.
