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Kelly-Leigh Bance

Luxury Vinyl Flooring: A guide to thickness and wear layer

Updated: Jun 19, 2023

When it comes to flooring options for a bustling household, durability is undoubtedly a top priority. But what if we told you that you could have both durability and style in one solution? It's true – vinyl flooring might be just what you need.


Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for any home, thanks to incredible design advancements made over the years. However, before you dive into purchasing vinyl flooring, it's essential to understand how it's constructed today and what it means for your home. Don't worry, though – we've got you covered with a breakdown!


Understanding the Composition of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring consists of several layers that work together to create a reliable and visually appealing product. Let's take a closer look at each layer:


Top coat:


This layer adds a glossy finish while protecting the wear layer.

Wear layer: Safeguarding the beautiful designer pattern, the wear layer complements your home's decor style.


Pattern layer:


This layer determines the color, design, character, and pattern of the sheet, enhancing your home's style.

Cushion layer: Adding texture and bounce, this layer provides comfort underfoot.


Fiberglass layer:


This layer ensures the sheet remains flat and free from deformations.

Base layer: The bottommost layer provides support for all the layers above.


As you explore vinyl flooring options, you'll come across terms like thickness and wear layer, which are essential factors to consider. To help you make an informed decision and compare different options, here's what you need to know:


Vinyl Floor Thickness


When choosing vinyl flooring, consider both your lifestyle and the traffic the space will endure. If you plan to install the floor on a solid, level, smooth, and dry concrete pad, you may not require the thickest wear layer available. However, if you have an uneven subfloor and anticipate heavy foot traffic, it's best to opt for a thickness between 12 mil and 20 mil.


Vinyl Floor Wear Layer


The wear layer acts as a protective shield for your floor. It is measured in thousandths of an inch, known as mils. The more wear layer you have between the top coat and the decorative layer, the longer your floor will last. For higher traffic areas or commercial spaces, ratings ranging from 20 to 28 mils are typically recommended.


Understanding these construction aspects of vinyl flooring will help you determine if it's the right choice for your home. If you have further questions or would like to explore our beautiful vinyl flooring options, we invite you to visit one of our showrooms!


At DRW Flooring, we strive to ensure your satisfaction from the moment you step into our showroom to the first step on your new flooring.


Our knowledgeable design consultants are ready to guide you through our wide selection of products, and our expert installation team is trained to bring your vision to life


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