The durability of LVP flooring depends on the thickness level you choose. It’s indeed a reliable option for your residential and commercial spaces, but thickness plays a great role. It decides the resistance levels against daily wear and tear, such as daily scratches & humidity changes. Plus, it also enhances the comfort levels and offers cushioning underfoot.
But you need to understand the right thickness levels and understand the scientific insights for extra durability and resilience. Keeping this in view, Nova Floor will break down the science behind LVP thickness levels and help you confidently select the right one. Let’s get into this.
How To Choose The Right LVP Thickness? A Complete Durability Assurance
We are going to share with you some core factors that you must consider when deciding on the right LVP thickness. This complete guide introduces different conditions that impact your decision. And here we go!
1. Understand Your Space Usage
Firstly, consider the space usage and daily foot traffic because it has a direct impact. For busy areas like hallways, living rooms, and commercial spaces, we recommend 10mm – 14mm thickness. Because such thicker planks can bear pressure from high foot traffic and withstand harsh conditions.
2. Consider Subfloor Condition
Keeping your subfloor condition is also key to getting the right thickness for your luxury vinyl flooring. If you have well-prepared subfloors, you can even get 8mm – 10mm thick planks. In contrast, you are recommended to get 14 mm thick or above planks if your subfloor is not in good condition.
3. Check Wear Layer Thickness
Luxury vinyl planks have protective shields that prevent daily scratches, dents, and stain accumulation. You must get flooring planks that have thicker wear layers to match your lifestyle and prevent early wear out. You have 12 mil to 22 mil, or higher levels of thicker layers for LVP.
4. Impact of Core Construction
Keep the desired comfort and durability levels to choose the right core types. Luxury vinyl planks feature WPC and SPC cores. The SPC ones are thinner yet denser and are recommended for high-traffic areas. In contrast, WPC cores offer underfoot comfort and insane durability. So, it’s up to choose the perfect core and get navigation for the right thickness levels.
5. Sound Insulation and Comfort
Every space has its own sound insulation needs along with comfort requirements. To fulfill them, you must get the perfect thickness levels of your luxury vinyl planks. That’s because thicker planks absorb more sound waves and ensure a quieter environment. Such planks are perfect to use as outdoor and garage flooring.
6. Moisture & Temperature Resistance
If you’re installing LVP in kitchens or slightly damp areas, we recommend you get LVP with at least 14 mm – 18 mm thickness. This is because such luxury vinyl planks handle contraction and expansion, and offer long-term durability. They show better resistance against temperature & humidity changes.
7. Budget vs Longevity
Thicker LVP costs more upfront but offers durability, stability, and reduced replacement needs. In contrast, thinner ones are cheap but may require high maintenance needs. We recommend you consider required maintenance and get premium planks, so they balance resilience and affordability.
5 Scientific Insights For Extra Durability & Resilience
While general guidelines help in choosing LVP thickness, scientific studies give us deeper proof of what really makes floors last. From strength tests to sound absorption research, these insights reveal why thickness matters. Whether you’re getting vinyl indoor and outdoor flooring planks, keeping these factors is crucial.
Pressure Distribution Studies
Engineering tests prove that thicker LVP planks distribute weight more evenly, reducing concentrated floor stress. Compression studies show they withstand heavy loads without bending or denting. This means your flooring stays smooth and durable, even under bulky furniture or constant foot traffic in busy areas.
Wear Layer Performance Tests
You must go for scratch-resistant tests, which confirm the wear layers above 20 mil. And yes, higher wear layers act like shields and protect your luxury vinyl planks from daily scratches and dents. This extra protection highly maintains your floor appearance, especially when you have toddlers and pets at home.
Acoustic Research Findings
Sound-control studies reveal that thicker LVP absorbs noise far better than thinner planks. This reduces echo and creates a quieter indoor environment. It’s especially useful in multi-storey homes, apartments, or office settings where footsteps and furniture movement can otherwise cause disturbing sound transfer between rooms.
Thermal Expansion Data
Thermal expansion data helps us ensure how SPC and WPC cores absorb and release moisture from the environment. This scientific insight ensures how your luxury vinyl planks react to humidity and temperature changes, and whether it’s a reliable choice in the UAE’s climate.
Impact Resistance Analysis
Drop-test studies prove that thicker planks resist dents, chips, and cracks caused by heavy objects falling. Their dense construction absorbs shock better, preventing visible damage. Getting the flooring thickness that passes the test is a perfect choice for your commercial spaces and busy households.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, we shared the complete guide on how you can choose the right LVP thickness. You have to understand space usage, consider the subfloor condition, and check the wear layers. The thicker the protective layers, means more protection against daily wear and tear, and climate friendliness. Keep the required sound insulation, moisture scale, and budget as a priority.
In fact, scientific insights introduce certain tests, such as impact-resistant analysis, thermal expansion tests, and more. A flooring that passes these tests is a perfect choice for your residential and commercial spaces, and enhances durability. Keep your needs and requirements as a priority, and get the right luxury vinyl plank thickness.
