Views: 414 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-03-03 Origin: Site
The best types of vinyl flooring share the same general construction.
Look for a Thicker Wear Layer
You only need to know two measurements when shopping for vinyl floors:
l Millimeters measures the entire board’s thickness, and
l Mil, which measures the thickness of the wear layer. (For our fellow nerds out there, mil equals a thousandth of an inch).
The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor—although this advice is the same no matter what type of flooring you buy.
If you’ve compared vinyl plank vs. laminate, you’ll know that both products benefit from a thicker wear layer. The best engineered wood flooring brands are differentiated by their thicker wood veneers. The same goes for the best vinyl plank flooring brands, too!
How Thick Should a Vinyl Plank Wear Layer Be?
For an area with a lot of traffic, we’d recommend a wear layer of 20mil or thicker. For low-key spaces (like bedrooms or dining rooms), 12mil should be fine. Anything lower might last you about as long as a t-shirt from H&M.
For comparison sake, factories, hospitals, and schools use 22mil–40mil wear layers. The odds are good that the same LVP can handle your hyperactive Tibetan Mastiff!
Just Remember: Not All Wear Layers Are Created Equal!
It’s important to remember, though, that not all wear layers are the same. And here’s where it gets tricky—because not all of the best vinyl plank brands make their wear layers the same way.
Some wear layers offer UV protection; others incorporate different materials; it all depends on the manufacturer. In general, though, you have 4 main categories:
1. Vinyl-Only: These wear layers offer the least amount of protection, as vinyl isn’t inherently scratch-proof. It doesn’t matter how thick a simple vinyl wear layer is—it still won’t be particularly durable.
2. Polyurethane: These wear layers offer a good deal more protection; polyurethane is extremely durable and used to protect many different types of flooring.
3. Polyurethane with Aluminum Oxide: These wear layers incorporate a super-hard crystalline coating—aluminum oxide—for extra durability.
4. Polyurethane with Ceramic Bead Technology: These wear layers incorporate tiny beads that essentially act as ball bearings—ensuring that materials slide on the surface rather than gouging it.
Again, these categories are very general, and many manufacturers put other materials into their wear layers (like cultured diamonds, for instance).
But overall, polyurethane wear layers are much more durable than simple vinyl wear layers—especially when they have aluminum oxide or (even better) ceramic bead technology.
Look for Attached Underlayments
Many of the best vinyl plank flooring brands will add extra layers to their products to increase comfort, durability, etc.
For instance: you might find an attached cork underlayment on a product for a better underfoot feel. This can give you the springiness of cork (which is great for sore joints) without any of the disadvantages of cork flooring on its own.
Look into these extra layers—they’re often a sign that the manufacturer is trying to do away with the inherent disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring (which we’ll mention below) and offering a superior product.
Introduction:In the realm of home fitness, most exercise routines involve close contact with the ground. When compared to materials like marble or tiles, wooden flooring stands out as a durable, slip-resistant, and shock-absorbing surface, reducing the risk of accidents and making it an ideal ch
Introduction:Flooring buckling, a common issue faced by homeowners, can lead to uneven and warped surfaces. In this article, PROTEX addresses why flooring buckling occurs, provides preventive measures, and offers solutions to rectify the problem.Why Does Flooring Buckle?1. Moisture-Related Expansion
Introduction:In the competitive world of restaurant chains, creating a strong brand presence is paramount, and the interior design of your establishments plays a pivotal role. As your brand expands with more franchise locations, the demands for restaurant interior design grow, accompanied by a host
Introduction: When it comes to office flooring, careful consideration is essential. After all, the primary users of office floors are the employees. Understanding their daily movements within the workspace is crucial. From clocking in at the front desk, moving to their workstations, collaboration ar
Introduction: With the increasing number of slip and fall incidents on slippery surfaces, it has become imperative to address the issue promptly. Adhering to construction and safety standards during floor installations is vital to prevent future accidents. If you're facing slippery flooring issues,
Introduction: WPC flooring, short for Wood-Plastic Composites, is a remarkable flooring material composed of a combination of wood and plastic. Its unique composition offers a range of advantages that make it an excellent choice for various applications. In this article, we'll explore the top five b
Here are vinyl and SPC laminate flooring trends in 2023. A home’s flooring is its foundation and often the core of every other style and design choice applied throughout the residence. While personal taste should always remain a priority for builders and decorators, it may be worth looking at future
Luxury Vinyl flooring is not only popular because of how affordable and versatile it is, but it’s also incredibly easy to take care of day-to-day (and over time!). In this post, I’m going to give you a few hints & tips on how to ensure your new luxury vinyl flooring stays looking as good as new, as
In the pursuit of sustainable living, every choice we make for our homes matters. When it comes to flooring, opting for environmentally friendly options not only benefits our living spaces but also contributes to the health of our planet. Enter PVC vinyl flooring – a modern marvel that combines styl
In the realm of interior design, flooring holds the power to transform spaces from mundane to magnificent. Among the diverse flooring options available, one trend has emerged as a frontrunner in both style and functionality: Multi-Layer Wood Flooring. This remarkable innovation is redefining eleganc
PROTEX Flooring: Combining Aesthetic Appeal with Functionality for a Comfortable Home
Understanding and Preventing Flooring Buckling: PROTEX Offers Solutions
Choosing the Right Flooring Material for Restaurants: Key Considerations by PROTEX
New Choices in Slip-Resistant Flooring Materials: SPC Flooring
Embrace Sustainability: Exploring the Eco-Friendly Features of PVC Vinyl Flooring
Unveiling Excellence: A Comprehensive Analysis of Multi-Layer Wood Flooring