Is Thicker Vinyl Flooring the Better Product?

Many people find themselves stuck on the decision when it comes to vinyl flooring, with many believing that having a thicker layer is the key to having the ultimate protection when it comes to their floor.

Some people are on the side of the fence where thinner vinyl is more subject to damage whilst others believe it requires extra thickness to incorporate all of the properties that make it a durable product.

To this end, we like to look if it comes down to the thickness and does it really matter when matched up against its thinner product.

What is Your Use?

To fully determine the answer to your queries you need to really look into where what, why and how when it comes to your requirements.

First, we look at the room it is intended for and how the heavy foot traffic is reflected within it. If it is a living room or kitchen, these are two rooms which amount to the highest levels of traffic within a house. Also, you need to examine the current floor and if it plays as your subfloor, and what kind of condition that subfloor currently is. Then we look at what kind of vinyl flooring you are looking to lay on top of it.

Then comes the answer you are looking for in that thick vinyl flooring does not mean that it is more durable than it’s the thinner counterpart. It all rests on the wear layer.

Wear Layer

Your wear layer is the most important part of the protective process as this is the combative force against scratches, dents, stains and moisture from water or steam.

When it comes down to thick and thin layers, it is the decider between rooms in general. If you have high foot traffic in rooms such as kitchens or living room areas then ideally the thicker level is more considered. In lower-level rooms such as bathrooms or the bedroom, you would ideally go for a thinner wear layer plank or tile to add extra comfort underfoot.

Subfloor Effects

As mentioned above, the condition of your subfloor has an effect on your overall decision in thickness.

Ensuring that the subflooring is clean and has no uneven sections prevents vinyl from appearing bumpy or sections experiencing displacement throughout time. If your subfloor is concrete then you should opt for a thinner vinyl option so it remains stable and supported. If your subfloor is composed of wood then a thicker layer is recommended to provide stability and support.

In the case where subfloors are existing tiles, being sure that no loose tiles and the surface is levelled provides a perfect subfloor for thicker vinyl flooring.

As there are many different designs and styles of luxury wood effect vinyl flooring, it is always best to get professional advice on which brands go over which flooring on individual brands, such as Quickstep luxury vinyl and Polyflor. For expert advice, contact the team at Floorbay for your best options.