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On top of the print-film, a clear layer of virgin or recycled PVC (vinyl) is layered as the main protection to the floor. This top layer of pure vinyl is called the “wear-layer”, and is the most expensive part of the flooring, since it is the only thing protecting the paper print film.
How thick should the wear layer be on vinyl flooring?
It’s suggested to have a wear layer of at least 12 mil for residential spaces and 28 mil for commercial spaces.
Is 6 mil wear a good layer?
The more MIL’s a product has the stronger the wear layer is. So, a 6 or 12 MIL product will work for your home, but not for a commercial setting. A 20 MIL product will work for your home, AND work for a commercial setting. The higher the MIL’s the higher the warranty in years, and vice versa.
How important is the wear layer on vinyl flooring?
The clear wear layer is made up of virgin or recycled PVC or vinyl and serves as the main protection of the flooring. In fact, it’s the only thing stopping spills and scratches from damaging the paper print film that showcases the beautiful wood- or tile-look designs.
What is a good wear layer for LVT?
The industry standard thickness varies depending on where LVT is being used. For commercial use with heavy traffic, 20 mil is recommended and for light commercial traffic or residential applications, 6-12 mil is recommended.
Is 12 mil layer good for vinyl flooring?
In short, the thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor. If you have a space that will need a high resistance to scratches and wear, a higher wear layer, such as a 12 mil or 20 mil, would be best for your application. Commercial vinyl flooring applications will usually require a 20 mil top layer.
Is 8 mil wear a good layer?
So what is a good thickness of the wear layer? The wear layer should be at least 8 mil or 0.2mm thick for a room with moderate traffic. For high traffic areas or areas where you want the most durable nylon, go with a wear layer that is 20 mil or 0.5mm thick.
Is 12 mil wear layer enough for dogs?
Usually, 12-mil is the minimum recommended wear layer thickness for residential spaces. If you have kids, dogs, or pets with sharp nails, a 20-mil wear layer thickness would be better. The top coating is equally as important as the thickness of the wear layer.
How long does 6ml vinyl last?
Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.
How long will a 12 mil wear layer last?
Design Services Wear-layer (mm) Wear-layer (mil) Typical Commercial Warranty 0.3mm 12 mil 5 year or “light” use 0.5mm 20 mil 10 year 0.7mm 28 mil 15 year 1.0mm 40 mil 20+ year.
Which vinyl flooring has the thickest wear layer?
Here are a few tips to help you choose vinyl flooring material with the right wear layer measurements: Standard residential spaces: 12-mil or thicker. High-traffic residential spaces: 20-mil or thicker. Commercial spaces: 28-mil or thicker.
How thick is the wear layer on laminate flooring?
Laminate ranges from 6-mm to 12-mm and, as a rule, it shouldn’t be less than 8-mm. If, however, budget is an issue and if your subfloor is level and debris-free, you might be able to get away with 7-mm; keep in mind that subfloor imperfections can telegraph to the surface floor, so make sure it’s okay.
What is a good wear layer for laminate flooring?
For example, a common laminate flooring term is a “wear layer”. Most residential flooring will offer a wear layer of AC2 or AC3, but for commercial applications you probably want an AC5. Commercial operations have much heavier foot traffic than your home will, and a higher level of wear layer.
Is 5mm vinyl plank flooring good?
When choosing click floating flooring, it is best to pick planks or tiles with a minimum thickness of 5mm. This will provide stability underfoot and minimize the hollow-spot effect. Thinner floating floors are also harder to install and result in weaker click-lock seams.
Is 4mm vinyl plank flooring good?
The 4 mm and up vinyl floors will be able to handle heavier foot traffic, so it’s perfect for busy families and preferred for commercial installations.
Is wearing a layer important?
However, the main importance of wear layer is product longevity. Having a 6mm top layer means that you have a product that can be refinished up to 7 times. In theory, you basically have flooring that can be changed multiple times, giving you a new look each time.
What is wear layer flooring?
The wear layer is like the bodyguard of your floor. Its measurements are put in the thousands-of-an-inch, called mils. The more wear layer you have between your top coat and the decorative layer, the longer the floor is going to last. Twenty to 28-mil ratings are typically for higher traffic and commercial areas.
Is thicker vinyl plank flooring better?
As a general rule, a thicker vinyl will provide more stability and comfort underfoot. So if you are looking for flooring to refresh your low traffic bedroom, a thinner vinyl plank flooring will work great for you.
