How long will vinyl plank flooring last?

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a new floor covering for your home or business. After all, you are going to be living with that choice for quite a while. Durability is crucially important. You may find something that looks great, but if it is in a place that gets constantly walked over with outdoor shoes, it might not look great for very long… 

Vinyl plank flooring is a good choice for both home and business settings. It lasts a long time, and can withstand a lot of footfall. It also looks great, and can recreate the appearance of real hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost. 

With many factors affecting the life of your vinyl plank floor, it is impossible to say exactly how long it will last, but 10 – 25 years or more is a typical lifespan.

As with most products, vinyl plank flooring comes in different qualities. The ‘wear layer’ is a clear layer of PVC coating on the top surface of the plank. The thickness of the wear layer will significantly affect the lifespan of your floor. Typical thicknesses are from 0.3mm to 0.7mm; the thicker the layer, the longer it will last. The core material used for the main body of the plank is also important. PVC is a common core material, and while it is very durable, stone plastic composite (SPC) cores can be longer lasting. Bear in mind though, that they can feel harder and sound noisier underfoot, and may not be suitable for the specific room you are re-flooring. 

A poor installation will shorten the life of your floor, so it is vital to have someone with the right knowledge and experience doing the work. This could include adequate preparation of the surface prior to installation, precision cutting, using the correct tools, and using a recommended method for fixing down the planks. 

As a consumer, you can ask a reputable flooring company in Chester for sound advice on how to maintain your floor. Inappropriate cleaning fluids and excess water can ruin a good floor, so read and follow the manufacturers recommended cleaning and maintenance methods, and you will significantly increase the life of your new floor.