What to know about “wear-layers” in luxury vinyl flooring
Wear layers are a crucial component of luxury vinyl flooring (LVF). They serve as the primary protection, making the floor able to stand up to kids, pets, and heavy foot traffic.
They guard against scuffs, scratches, and dents. They also keep spilled from absorbing and causing stains, peeling, and soaking.
That is what keeps your floor looking great for a long time. With proper installations and care, luxury vinyl flooring will last 25 or more years. Here’s what to know.
What are wear layers?
The wear layer is a clear, strong, melamine coating between the printed design sheet and the top urethane finish. A wear layer is also on waterproof vinyl flooring, the engineered version of luxury vinyl.
The wear layer protects the printed design sheet, making it impossible to “walk off.”
Without a good wear layer, the design becomes worn and damaged. At that point, the floor needs to be replaced.
Thicker is better
The luxury vinyl wear layer is measured in mils and comes in a range of thicknesses. For a busy high-traffic room in a residential installation, 20 mils are recommended.
Wear layers in commercial applications can go even higher. That should be discussed with your flooring expert when considering luxury vinyl flooring in Bridgeport, CT.
A thicker surface is more durable and quieter, hides subfloor imperfections better, and offers more design options. In addition, it's much easier to carve on a thick surface than on a thinner one.
Wear layers have a design function
The wear layer is where embossing takes place. That creates textures, such as brushed, scraped, distressed, and embossed-in-register.
For the best luxury vinyl flooring in the area
Visit the Absolute Floor Designs showroom for the best luxury vinyl flooring in Bridgeport, CT. We have decades of experience and will ensure you get the highest quality at the best prices.
In our showroom, you'll see top brands such as Shaw, Mohawk, Mannington, US Floors, and more. In addition, we service Bridgeport, Fairfield, Westport, Easton, and Trumbull, CT.
