WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN VINYL FLOORING?
FIST OF ALL, THE WEAR LAYER...
Wear layer is the top surface that provides the durability, stain and scratch-resistance of vinyl flooring. The wear layer is usually a clear, urethane based coating that keeps the original appearance of the floor and provides easy maintenance. With new technology, Permshield Luxury Vinyl Flooring offers added UV or durability layers on top of the wear layer for even more surface protection.
Many vinyl flooring brands will often make a great deal about how strong and durable their products are. They will mention their fancy coatings, their lifetime warranties, their patent-pending constructions. At the end of the day, once you understand how vinyl is constructed, it becomes clear there is only two specs that really matter: the wear-layer and the type of the core.
Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper pattern will damage, and the floor will need to be replaced. To reiterate, the thicker the wear layer, the longer your floors will last and look great. If durability is crucial (and if you are opting for vinyl over laminate or wood then it probably is), then you now already have enough information to make an informed decision.
A mil is not a millimeter - Let’s first clarify how vinyl wear-layers are measured because this is one key point of misinformation. With a couple of exceptions, vinyl manufacturers are based in either Asia or Europe and use the metric system. So even though some specifications are converted into inches for convenience (such as the width or length of the plank, for example), the originally manufactured spec is always accurately measured as a metric. Most American vinyl brands, however, convert the unit of measure to mil (one-thousandth of an inch). Unfortunately, the word “mil” is conveniently similar to “millimeter”. What is not so convenient is that 1 mm is equal to roughly 40 mil. So for example, 0.5 mm is almost twice as thick as 12 mil. Confused yet? Here is a chart of a range of wear-layers, listed in both mm and mil, and the typically offered commercial warranty (you should always ask for the commercial warranty--more on this later):
| Wear-layer in mm | Wear-layer in mil | Typical Commercial Warranty |
| 0.1 mm | 4 mil | None, or 3-year “light” use |
| 0.3 mm | 12 mil | 5 years of “light” use |
| 0.5 mm | 20 mil | 10 years |
| 0.55 mm | 22 mil | 12 years (Lifetime Residential ) |
AND WHAT IS A SPC CORE?
Stone plastic composite vinyl flooring is considered to be an upgraded version of engineered vinyl flooring. SPC rigid flooring is set apart from other types of vinyl flooring by its uniquely resilient core layer. This core is made from a combination of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. This provides an incredibly stable base for each flooring plank.
SPC rigid vinyl flooring is quickly becoming one of the most popular trends in home flooring. Installing SPC vinyl flooring offers the following benefits to homeowners:
- Waterproof: One of the biggest benefits of choosing SPC vinyl flooring is that it has a completely waterproof core. Unlike hardwood, it can be installed in areas of the home such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. The waterproof feature also makes this board more stable in environments where moisture and temperature can fluctuate.
- Easy installation: Many homeowners appreciate that SPC floors are easy to install. They can be placed on top of many different types of subfloors or existing flooring. Most designs simply click into place, eliminating the need for messy and complicated glues.
- Affordability: While it is more expensive than standard vinyl flooring, SPC vinyl floors are generally less expensive that other types of luxury flooring, such as hardwood and stone. In addition, homeowners can often install the floors without professional assistance, so DIY installation of SPC flooring can save even more money on this upgrade.
- Style: SPC vinyl flooring is like standard vinyl in that it is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Some of the SPC flooring styles are designed to look like hardwood, tile, or other types of flooring. The wide range of options is preferable for those who want to be able to customize the look of their home.
- Comfort: The thick, stable bottom layers of each plank make SPC flooring more cushioned than other types of flooring. The thicker the plank you choose, the more comfortable it will feel underfoot. These dense layers also contribute to a quieter sound when walking on SPC floors; they usually do not have a hollow or thin sound like standard vinyl often does.
- Easy maintenance: SPC rigid vinyl flooring is very durable. Because it is incredibly dense, it’s resistant to impacts, stains, scratches, and wear and tear. This flooring style is a great choice for busy households because, in addition to holding up well, it is easy to keep clean. Maintenance involves only regular vacuuming or sweeping and occasional mopping. Over time, this type of flooring will resist fading, peeling, and cupping, and it can withstand being directly exposed to sunlight.
If you’re ready to give your home a serious upgrade, consider installing PermShield One Plus Collection SPC rigid vinyl floors. It has lots of benefits that make it a solid investment, and it’s especially convenient for families with pets and kids. The easy installation and relatively affordable price will also help to keep costs down. With nearly limitless design options, it’s also easy to find a look that suits your style.
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