How Long Does Luxury Vinyl Flooring Last on Average?
Luxury vinyl flooring consists of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tiles or planks. It uses a unique adhesive to join its various layers together. Frequently, manufacturers add a structural layer for increased stability and dent resistance, and a wear layer coating to prevent scratching, scuffing and water damage.
Therefore, luxury vinyl is one of the most long-lasting materials for flooring that you can get at a reasonable price. On average, it can last from 10 to 20 years, with some manufacturers offering warranties up to 25 years. The life span of vinyl floors depends on many factors that we’ll cover later in this article.
Luxury vinyl flooring can be of the following types. While the basic product design may differ, the durability and maintenance requirements are pretty much the same.
Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
These are the most common form of vinyl flooring. It contains multiple PVC layers merged together and can be as thick as 35 millimeters. These planks are cut to replicate wood and come in a variety of lengths and widths.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Luxury vinyl tiles are manufactured using the same materials and process as vinyl planks, but they are cut into tiles to represent stone, ceramic or porcelain tile floors. If you desire a tiled floor look without the risk of heavy furniture or appliances cracking or chipping them, LVT is the way to go.
Factors That Influence the Longevity of Vinyl Flooring
If you want to understand how long LVT floors last, you should carefully take note of the factors that affect their life cycle. Some of the most critical ones include the following.
Sub-Floor Conditions/Preparation
Most LVTs and LVPs come with a thin pad underlayment that acts as an additional layer to protect the subfloor beneath. However, it is recommended not to install luxury vinyl flooring on a base that is damaged or contains cracks. LVTs are highly flexible and may mask a few minor imperfections in the concrete or tiles below it. But more significant damage or imperfections will show through vinyl, so proper leveling and repair of the subfloor will maximize the lifespan of the flooring.
Composite Core
As luxury vinyl flooring consists of synthetic materials, multiple options are available for the core materials. The two dominant types of flooring are SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite). SPC has a rigid core made from calcium carbonate, while WPC utilizes recycled wood. The appropriate selection can massively increase the lifespan depending on the weather conditions and usage around your home.
Wear Layer
LVTs contain a wear layer to protect the PVC underneath and enhance the lifetime of the flooring. Most wear layers vary between 4 and 40 mils. The higher the number, the longer lifetime one can expect out of the flooring. While the lifetime of a product has many other factors typically, 1 mil of wear layer can last 1 year with proper installation and maintenance.
Placement of Flooring
Depending on where you apply it, you might see more wear in your LVTs. For instance, if you have flooring with a 4mil wear layer, it’s likely to wear out faster, and if you place this floor in a heavy traffic area it will have a relatively short lifespan. It’s best to consult a professional before deciding on the type of vinyl flooring you’re going to install.