Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to wood or stone flooring. Not only are they affordable, but they are also known for durability and resistance to scuffs and scratches. What makes LVT durable is its different layers which build up thickness. But the most important layer is the “wear layer”.
What is the wear layer in luxury vinyl tiles (LVT)?
The wear layer is at the top of at least four other layers that make up the construction of the LVT. It’s a protective clear layer that’s finished with a polyurethane coating which is sometimes supported with ceramic bead, silica bead or aluminium oxide.
The wear layer is often the most expensive part of LVT as it acts as the most important part.
Why is the wear layer of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) important?
The wear layer is important for one main reason; it’s the key to maintaining durable and protected LVT. It’s the thickness of the wear layer that will determine the life and condition of your LVT. So, the thicker this layer is, the tougher your flooring will be. Wear layers also determine the maintenance of your flooring. It’s an often misunderstanding that LVT is high maintenance and require the same care as Vinyl Composite Tiles, such as regular waxing and polishing. Thanks to the wear layer, the only maintenance that is required is sweeping and mopping. It comes in a variety of thickness, so it’s also important to know about the different thicknesses.
Choosing the correct LVT wear layer
The thickness of the wear layer is measured in 1/10ths of a millimetre. Thicknesses range from 0.2mm to 1mm. Obviously, with such contrasts in thickness, there is a key thing to consider when deciding what thickness is best;
Where is it being installed?
Different wear layers suit different environments. Wear layers from 0.5mm to 1mm would be used in commercial areas such as schools or hospitals where there’d be more foot traffic so would provide more sturdiness. Thinner wear layers from 0.2mm and above would be most suited in homes where there’s lighter foot traffic.
