The Ultimate Guide: What Is the Best Grade of Vinyl Plank Flooring?
- trendyprojects100
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Vinyl plank flooring is one of the fastest-growing flooring options in both residential and commercial markets. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, affordable, and looks remarkably like real wood.
But here’s the catch—not all vinyl plank flooring is made equal. The “grade” of vinyl flooring determines how well it performs, how long it lasts, and whether it’s right for your specific space.
This guide breaks it all down so you can choose confidently.
Chapter 1: What Does “Grade” Mean in Vinyl Plank Flooring?
“Grade” refers to the overall quality and durability of a vinyl plank product. It’s usually determined by:
Wear layer thickness (how much protection the surface has)
Core construction (SPC, WPC, or traditional PVC)
Installation system (click-lock vs. glue-down)
Intended use (residential, commercial, or luxury)
The thicker and stronger the wear layer and core, the higher the grade—and the longer the floor will last.
Chapter 2: Residential Grade Vinyl Plank Flooring
Best for: Homes, apartments, and light-use spaces
Wear layer: 6 to 12 mil
Advantages: Affordable, wide range of colors and textures, simple installation
Ideal rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, guest rooms
Drawbacks: Less resistant to dents, scratches, and moisture over time
If your space sees light traffic, a 6–8 mil wear layer will do. For families with pets or kids, aim for 12 mil to handle daily wear and tear.
Chapter 3: Commercial Grade Vinyl Plank Flooring
Best for: High-traffic and business environments
Wear layer: 20 mil or thicker
Advantages: Ultra-durable, dent-resistant, and long-lasting
Ideal spaces: Offices, restaurants, retail stores, gyms
Drawbacks: Slightly firmer underfoot and higher cost
Commercial-grade vinyl planks are built for endurance. They feature dense cores, reinforced locking mechanisms, and coatings that can take serious abuse without fading or peeling.
Chapter 4: Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is the top tier, offering style, comfort, and strength. There are two core types: SPC and WPC.
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)
Made from limestone powder and plastic stabilizers
100% waterproof
Extremely dense and rigid
Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
Feels firm underfoot but is nearly indestructible
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)
Made from wood fibres and plastic resins
Softer and warmer underfoot
Better sound insulation
Great for bedrooms and living areas
Slightly less dense than SPC
If you prioritize comfort and sound absorption, choose WPC. If you want the toughest, longest-lasting option, go for SPC.
Chapter 5: Choosing the Right Grade for Each Room
Here’s a quick breakdown by environment:
Bedrooms and Guest Rooms
Grade: Residential
Wear layer: 6–12 mil
Core: WPC for comfort
Living Rooms and Hallways
Grade: Residential or Luxury
Wear layer: 12–20 mil
Core: WPC or SPC
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Grade: Luxury or Commercial
Wear layer: 20 mil+
Core: SPC for waterproof protection
Basements
Grade: Luxury
Wear layer: 20 mil+
Core: SPC (moisture-proof and stable)
Offices, Salons, Retail Stores
Grade: Commercial
Wear layer: 20–30 mil
Core: SPC
Rental Units and Flips
Grade: Residential
Wear layer: 6–8 mil
Core: SPC (for quick installs and easy maintenance)
Chapter 6: The Truth About Wear Layers
The wear layer is the transparent topcoat that protects the design layer underneath. Its thickness determines how long the floor will last.
6 mil: Light traffic; short-term use or rentals
8–12 mil: Standard home use
20 mil: Long-term residential or light commercial
28–30 mil: Heavy commercial and industrial use
For the average home, 12–20 mil is the perfect middle ground.
Chapter 7: SPC vs. WPC — Which Is Better?
SPC Advantages
Harder, more impact-resistant surface
100% waterproof
Performs better in temperature swings
Longer lifespan
WPC Advantages
Softer and warmer underfoot
Quieter (natural sound insulation)
Ideal for upper floors or condos
In short: Choose SPC for durability and water resistance. Choose WPC for comfort and sound absorption.
Chapter 8: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Focusing only on thickness: A thicker plank doesn’t mean higher quality. Check the wear layer and core.
Skipping underlayment: Proper underlayment adds insulation and soundproofing.
Ignoring subfloor prep: Uneven or damp subfloors cause buckling.
Overlooking warranty details: Look for a minimum 15–25 year residential warranty.
Choosing by color alone: Aesthetic matters, but performance matters more.
Chapter 9: Installation & Maintenance Tips
Before Installation
Let planks acclimate for 48 hours.
Ensure the subfloor is level, clean, and dry.
Use expansion gaps near walls.
During Installation
Stagger the joints for stability.
Avoid tight-fitting—vinyl needs slight movement room.
After Installation
Sweep regularly.
Use felt pads under furniture.
Clean with mild, pH-neutral floor cleaner.
Avoid steam mops or wax products.
Chapter 10: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a “mil” in vinyl flooring?A mil is one-thousandth of an inch. It measures the wear layer thickness—the key factor in durability.
2. What’s the best wear layer for homes?A 12–20 mil wear layer is ideal for most households.
3. What’s better, SPC or WPC?SPC is harder and more durable. WPC is softer and more comfortable. Both are waterproof.
4. Can vinyl plank flooring go in bathrooms or basements?Yes, SPC vinyl is 100% waterproof and ideal for moisture-prone areas.
5. How long does vinyl plank flooring last?With proper care, high-quality vinyl with a 20-mil wear layer can last 20–25 years.
6. Is thicker vinyl plank always better?No. The wear layer thickness matters more than total plank thickness.
7. Can vinyl plank be installed over tile or hardwood?Yes—if the surface is level, dry, and stable. Floating vinyl planks work best.
8. Does vinyl flooring fade in sunlight?Yes, it can over time. Use blinds or UV film to reduce fading.
9. Do you need underlayment?Many SPC planks come with attached padding. If not, add underlayment for noise control.
10. How do you clean vinyl plank flooring?Use a damp mop and mild cleaner—no wax or steam.
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