ᐅ PVC Flooring

Created on: 31 Jan 2010 19:01
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Unregistriert-1
31 Jan 2010 19:01
Hello everyone,

What experiences have you had with PVC flooring?
I want to install a luxury vinyl floor in the bathroom.
From what I have read so far, an online supplier offers the desired flooring with a 0.3mm (0.01 inch) wear layer. How important is the thickness of the wear layer?

Thank you very much for your input.

Frank
M
MODERATOR
31 Jan 2010 22:04
Hello,

Considering that a PVC covering is only 1-3mm (0.04-0.12 inches) thick, a 0.3mm (0.01 inches) "wear layer" would not be insignificant. However, "wear layer" is not the correct term here. PVC coverings are composed of multiple layers by design, with the top layer simply being a transparent surface layer.

The term "wear layer" is typically used for laminated wood or cork coverings, where the wear layer consists of the named material itself.
For example, an engineered hardwood floor with a 1mm (0.04 inches) wear layer would be of lower quality than one with a 4mm (0.16 inches) wear layer (the latter being more resistant to abrasion and capable of being sanded). However, in the case of PVC coverings, the term "wear layer" is less relevant.
K
kurmannr-1
7 Jan 2011 22:47
Hello,

In my opinion, even manufacturers themselves use the term wear layer. For example, some floor coverings have a wear layer of 0.35 mm (0.01 inches). This specification is also commonly used by B2C providers.
M
MODERATOR
8 Jan 2011 15:07
Hello kurmannr,

Manufacturers specifically refer to the wear layer in CV (cushioned vinyl) flooring. These floors are multi-layered and feature a so-called wear layer above the patterned middle layer. Single-layer PVC flooring only has a sealing layer over the design, but this is often also called a wear layer.

The durability of a PVC floor depends not only on the upper, patterned wear layer but also on the backing layer. The backing layer, usually made of foamed PVC, is almost more important for the durability of a multi-layer PVC floor.
B
Bodenmann-1
15 Oct 2014 23:33
Please pay close attention to the specifications in the manufacturers’ technical data sheets!
All manufacturers of PVC design floor coverings refer to the wear layer. This layer must also be declared according to EN 429. The more the product is subjected to wear, the thicker the wear layer should be.

A better reference for the intended application can be found under the classification according to EN 685. This standard assigns floor coverings to their respective areas of use.

A 0.3 mm (0.01 inch) wear layer is completely sufficient for bathrooms. However, it is important to avoid standing water so that it does not seep through the many seams under the covering and cause damage.
A qualified professional can provide you with thorough advice during a consultation.
R
Regina-1
23 Oct 2014 15:06
It is very important to review the manufacturers' datasheets before making a purchase. I shop at an online store where I can find these. Bodenmann provides a good explanation regarding PVC flooring in the bathroom. Especially when water accumulates in the bathroom, such as when children are splashing, it can damage the flooring.