A wear layer is the clear protective coating on top of luxury vinyl plank flooring, measured in mils (1/1000th of an inch). For most active Austin homes with pets or kids, a 20 mil wear layer offers the best balance of durability and cost. While 6 to 12 mil works for low-traffic rooms, 30 mil is typically reserved for commercial spaces.
In Austin's active households—especially those with indoor/outdoor lifestyles and pets—a 20 mil wear layer is the recommended sweet spot for main living areas. For budget-conscious renovations or investment properties in Central Texas, 12 mil offers a practical baseline, while 30 mil is best reserved for commercial spaces or forever homes.