Last blog post we began our Luxury Vinyl Lookout, and considered the flooring aesthetics, size, and installation visuals. If you missed that blog post, check it out here!

Today we are going to get a little more technical and look at some of the more specific items related to LVP, so let’s dive in!

Wear Layer and Thickness: There are a couple different measurements to consider for the LVP, and they include the wear layer and the thickness. The wear layer is a clear topcoat applied to the flooring as a protectant from the pattern and color being damaged. These can increase up to 30 mil in thickness, however I would recommend a 20 mil wear layer for good durability in highly-used areas of your home. The overall thickness of the flooring varies widely, as it depends on the wear layer, the core of the product, and the backing (which could be sound-dampening or have other properties) and therefore it all depends on what recipe you decide will work best for you!
Embossed in Register: This is just a fancy way of saying that the visual pattern of the floor aligns with any textural elements in the top layer. While floors with this benefit are often more expensive, the vinyl flooring can look more realistic or mimic actual hardwood when it has these elements.
Edge Types: There are a couple different edge types that are commonly found, including a straight edge, beveled edge, and natural bevel. The straight edge creates a monolithic surface after install. Each plank fits snug and flat to the next, and there is not much texture to be found. The beveled edge is a small, slanted edge on each tile, creating a very small “v” in between planks. This can create a more realistic flooring effect since it adds some texture, but pay attention to the color of the bevel, some manufacturers use a contrasting color, which can look odd. My favorite edge is the natural bevel, and this is a soft, gradual rounded edge that lines each tile, and keeps the pattern consistent to the seams between tiles. It is the best of both worlds, creating some texture on the floor while keeping the visual consistent.

If you are in the market for new flooring and want to discuss further options, give me a shout at info@spacestylistsco.com to discuss!

Cheers!