Calendering is a process where the vinyl sheet is passed through a set of heated rollers that press the clear vinyl layer onto the design and colour layers, fusing them together. Finally, the clear vinyl wear layer is applied on top of the design and colour layers using a process called calendaring. Then the design and colour layers are printed on this sheet, creating the final design of the flooring. This material is then extruded into a thin sheet and cooled. The process usually starts with the production of vinyl material, which is made by mixing PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resin with various other ingredients such as plasticizers, stabilizers, and pigments to create a soft, pliable material. The Wear Layer of Vinyl Flooring: Manufacturing Processĭuring the manufacturing of vinyl flooring, the wear layer is typically added as the final step in the process. It's always good to check the manufacturer's specifications to know the actual thickness of the vinyl wear layer. It's best used for moderate to heavy residential or commercial spaces with moderate foot traffic. On the other hand, a 0.5mm wear layer is considered to be a relatively thick wear layer and will provide a good level of durability and resistance to wear and tear, but still not as much as a 20 mil wear layer. It is suitable for high-traffic commercial or industrial spaces, as well as heavy residential use. Again, these are close and the difference is not significant… so floors are sold using these terms interchangeably.Ī 20 mil wear layer is considered to be a thick and durable wear layer, providing a high level of resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains. 20 mil is equal to 0.508mm, which is slightly thicker than 0.5mm. 20 Mil Wear Layer of Vinyl FlooringĪ 20 mil wear layer and 0.5mm wear layer are both measurements of thickness for a vinyl flooring wear layer. But for marketing purposes, it is much easy to say 0.3 is 12 mil and 0.5mm is 20 mil. 12 mil is 0.3048mm to be exact and 20 mil is equal to 0.508mm. 0.03 Mil Wear Layer of Vinyl FlooringĠ.03mm and 12mil are very close measurements and the difference is not significant. 20mil wear layer vinyl plank floors are also better for low and medium-traffic commercial spaces. However, a thicker wear layer like 20 mil will be more durable and longer-lasting, so it might be a better option for busy residential situations, homes with pets, or young children. It is thick enough to withstand the normal wear and tear of a household while still being cost-effective. It provides a good balance between durability and affordability. 12 Mil Wear Layer of Vinyl FlooringĪ 12 mil wear layer is considered to be a standard thickness for a vinyl flooring wear layer and is generally considered to be a good option for residential use. If you are building or renovating a particular type of space, you will need to balance the initial cost with your need for long-term durability. There is often an increase in cost associated with more durability. Generally, flooring materials with a thicker wear layer and a higher mil measurement will be more durable. Mils are used to measure luxury vinyl wear layers, which are one-thousandth of an inch thick. The Wear Layer of Vinyl Flooring: Manufacturing Process For this article we focus on 12 and 20mil, as these are about 90% of the options you will find in retail stores. And less than 12mil can also be for (ie: 6mil). These terms are interchangeable.Ĭan a wear layer be more than 20mil? Yes! 28mil, 30mil can also be found. Retail stores selling vinyl flooring say that 0.3mm and 12mil are the same, and 0.5mm and 20mil are the same thing. This means that a flooring with 20 mil wear layer will last longer than vinyl flooring with a 12 mil wear layer. A 20 mil wear layer is thicker than a 12 mil wear layer and therefore will provide more durability and resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains. The most common residential wear layer is 12 mils or 20 mils. It is made of clear vinyl and is measured in mils (thousands of an inch). The wear layer of vinyl flooring is the top layer of the flooring that protects the design and colour layer from wear and tear.
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