Thickness of Vinyl Plank Flooring - Why it Matters and How to Choose
Vinyl plank flooring is a practical and stylish option for homeowners and businesses alike. Known for its durability, variety, and ease of maintenance, vinyl flooring Calgary has become a popular choice in the city. Many people turn to vinyl for its ability to mimic hardwood and other natural materials while providing resistance to moisture, stains, and scratches. As vinyl flooring has gained popularity, understanding its thickness and construction is crucial for making the best selection. The right thickness influences comfort, durability, and overall performance. If you are looking to upgrade your space, visiting a flooring showroom in Calgary can help you see and feel the difference in vinyl plank thickness options.
Why Thickness of Vinyl Plank Flooring Matters
The thickness of vinyl plank flooring directly impacts its longevity, comfort, and stability. Thicker vinyl planks tend to feel more substantial and provide better sound insulation. They are also more durable, especially in high-traffic areas, as they are better equipped to handle heavy furniture and foot traffic. When choosing vinyl flooring Calgary, it’s important to consider how much wear and tear the flooring will undergo. For areas with frequent foot traffic, thicker vinyl plank flooring offers the benefit of increased resistance to dents, scratches, and wear.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness
When selecting the thickness of your vinyl plank flooring, consider three key elements: the wear layer, the core, and the backing. Each component contributes to the floor’s overall durability, stability, and comfort.
Wear Layer
The wear layer is the top layer of the vinyl plank, designed to protect the floor from scratches, scuffs, and stains. This layer’s thickness is measured in mils (one mil equals one-thousandth of an inch). A thicker wear layer means better protection, making it an essential consideration, especially for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and commercial spaces. Standard wear layer thicknesses range from 6 mils to 20 mils or more.
Residential Use: For most homes, a wear layer of 6 to 12 mils provides adequate protection against daily wear and tear. This range is suitable for low to moderate traffic areas, like bedrooms and living rooms.
High-Traffic or Commercial Use: For areas with heavy foot traffic or for commercial spaces, a wear layer of 20 mils or more is recommended. A thicker wear layer ensures greater resilience against scratches, scuffs, and stains, extending the life of the flooring.
When visiting a flooring showroom in Calgary, take note of the wear layer options available and consult with flooring specialists to match the thickness to your needs.
Core Layer
The core layer is the middle layer of the vinyl plank, which provides stability, durability, and waterproofing. There are two main types of cores used in vinyl plank flooring: WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone-Plastic Composite).
WPC Core: Known for its softer feel underfoot, WPC vinyl planks are comfortable to walk on and provide good insulation. WPC cores are also resistant to water, making them suitable for residential spaces like bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens.
SPC Core: SPC cores are denser and more rigid than WPC cores, making them highly durable and stable. SPC vinyl planks are suitable for high-traffic and commercial areas, as they resist dents and temperature changes better than WPC. SPC is ideal for areas prone to moisture, such as basements and bathrooms.
When choosing between WPC and SPC cores, consider the location of the installation and the level of foot traffic. SPC is often recommended for areas with heavy use or where water resistance is critical.
Backing Layer
The backing layer, or base layer, is located at the bottom of the vinyl plank. This layer is designed to provide additional cushioning, stability, and sound absorption. Backing layers vary in thickness, and some include an attached underlayment, which simplifies installation and adds comfort.
Thicker Backing: A thicker backing layer helps with sound insulation, making it a good choice for multi-level homes, apartments, or office spaces. It adds a layer of comfort and reduces the hollow sound that some thinner vinyl planks may produce.
Attached Underlayment: Some vinyl planks come with a pre-attached underlayment that provides added comfort, noise reduction, and moisture resistance. This feature eliminates the need for an additional underlayment, making installation easier and more cost-effective.
Considering the backing layer’s thickness can help improve comfort and reduce noise, especially in multi-story homes or areas where sound insulation is valued. If visiting a flooring showroom in Calgary, discuss the benefits of thicker backing layers with the flooring experts.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Needs
When selecting vinyl plank flooring, balance the thickness of the wear layer, core, and backing according to the specific needs of your space. Thicker planks are generally better for high-traffic areas or spaces where comfort and durability are essential, while thinner planks may be sufficient for low-traffic areas or smaller rooms. Here is a general guide for different settings:
Low-Traffic Residential Areas: For areas like bedrooms or guest rooms, a wear layer of 6 to 8 mils and a WPC core may be sufficient.
Moderate-Traffic Residential Areas: Living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas benefit from a wear layer of 12 mils or more, with either WPC or SPC core.
High-Traffic or Commercial Areas: Entryways, hallways, and commercial spaces should have a wear layer of 20 mils or more, an SPC core, and a durable backing for noise reduction and stability.
When selecting vinyl flooring Calgary, visit a flooring showroom to compare different thicknesses and types firsthand. Flooring experts can provide valuable insight and recommendations based on the intended use of the space.
Conclusion
Choosing the right thickness for vinyl plank flooring is essential to ensure comfort, durability, and longevity. Each layer - the wear layer, core, and backing - plays a role in determining the floor’s performance, so it’s important to consider each element based on where the flooring will be installed. Thicker vinyl planks offer greater stability, insulation, and resistance to wear, making them ideal for high-traffic and commercial spaces, while thinner planks are suitable for low-traffic, residential areas. When looking for vinyl flooring Calgary, a visit to a flooring showroom can help you explore different options and make an informed decision.
