What thickness do I choose when I buy SPC Hybrid flooring?
SPC Hybrid plank flooring is available in a number of thicknesses ranging from 5mm to 8.5mm+ thick. When you buy SPC Hybrid flooring it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
Just as laminate flooring, the thicker the floor, the sturdier it is, but this is not the main factor in determining durability. When choosing a SPC Hybrid flooring thickness, there are a few things to consider. Keep reading to find out what questions to ask.
SPC Hybrid Flooring Thickness
SPC Hybrid flooring comes in thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 8mm+. The biggest factor to keep in mind is that the thickness does not determine durability – the wear layer does. With that said, the thickness is an important factor to consider. There are several important questions you must ask yourself when deciding which thickness will be right for you:
Where am I installing?
Will there be a lot of foot traffic in this area?
What type of subfloor do I have?
What condition is my subfloor in?
What type of SPC Hybrid do I have?
As a general rule, a thicker SPC Hybrid will provide more stability and comfort underfoot. So if you are looking for flooring to refresh your low traffic bedroom, a thinner SPC Hybrid plank flooring will work great for you. For areas that have more traffic and usage, such as entryways and hallways, you will want to choose a thicker floor.
Type of SPC Hybrid
With new advances in the SPC Hybrid industry, there are several types of SPC Hybrid floors that will impact your decision when it comes to thickness and durability. There are basic LVT’s and there are new, engineered SPC Hybrids. Floors with an engineered rigid core construction will have a more dimensionally stable core than a standard LVT.
Here, at Joshua Tiles we specialise in genuine stone based SPC Hybrid rigid core flooring. This technology the increased production costs
With the rigid core constructions, you can find floors from 4mm to 8mm+. Although a rigid core SPC Hybrid may be 4mm, it will have a solid construction, which differs from the bendable LVT. When it comes to a rigid core SPC Hybrid, thickness isn’t as much of a factor, since the core is constructed with durability in mind.
Type of Subfloor
Your subfloor is also a very important part of choosing the thickness as well. If you have an even concrete subfloor, you can get a thinner SPC Hybrid flooring. This is because your subfloor is sturdy enough that you don’t need the extra support. However, if your subfloor is a thin, creaking hardwood, you should opt for the thicker SPC Hybrid for added stability and support.
SPC Hybrid Flooring Wear Layer
The durability of SPC Hybrid plank flooring is determined by the wear layer. When shopping for SPC Hybrid plank flooring, pay also attention to the wear layer. Just like the thickness, the thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor will be. Make sure to choose features of the flooring that’s right for you and your application, using the same questions posed above.
The wear layer is the protective coating on top of the decorative layer of the SPC Hybrid flooring. The most popular is a urethane-based layer that protects the floor against scratches, stains, and scuff marks. The wear layer keeps the original look of the floor longer, providing a maintenance-free finish.
Final Tips
If you are installing in a high traffic area, it is recommended you choose a thicker SPC Hybrid floor as it will provide more sturdiness and support. Thicker SPC Hybrid floors are also more forgiving to imperfect subfloors. If you are concerned about your subfloor, choose a thicker floor, however we always suggest installing new floors with a subfloor that is even, clean and dry.
Don’t forget that SPC Hybrid plank flooring may require a moisture barrier or IPXe Underlayment, especially if you are installing over a concrete subfloor. This underlayment will prevent any moisture from the subfloor from coming up into your floor. In the case of glue down SPC Hybrid flooring, no underlayment is required.
Remember these tips and choosing the right thickness of SPC Hybrid flooring will be an absolute breeze.
