Luxury vinyl flooring has taken over the flooring world. It’s stylish, water-resistant, and built to last. But when it comes to choosing the right thickness, things can get confusing. Should you go thick for durability? Thin for cost savings? Or somewhere in the middle? Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your home.
Why thickness matters
Luxury vinyl flooring comes in a range of thicknesses, typically from 2mm to 8mm or more. The thickness affects everything—how the floor feels underfoot, how well it holds up to wear and tear, and whether it works for your specific installation needs. If you’re installing over a smooth, even subfloor, thinner options might work just fine. If your subfloor has imperfections, thicker planks can help hide those flaws.
Thicker LVP flooring also tends to feel more like real hardwood underfoot. It absorbs sound better and provides a bit of cushion. But that doesn’t mean thicker is always better. You need to consider a few key factors before making a decision.
Understanding wear layers vs. overall thickness
Don’t confuse overall thickness with the wear layer—the protective top coating that shields your flooring from scratches and dents. Even a thicker vinyl plank can wear out quickly if the wear layer is too thin. Look for a wear layer of at least 12 mils for residential use and 20 mils or more for high-traffic areas.
Think of it this way: The wear layer is your flooring’s armor. The thicker it is, the longer your LVP flooring will stay looking fresh.
Choosing the right thickness for different rooms
- High-traffic areas (hallways, kitchens, entryways): Go for a thicker plank (5mm or more) with at least a 20-mil wear layer. These areas see the most foot traffic, so durability is key.
- Living rooms and bedrooms: A medium thickness (4mm to 5mm) with a 12- to 20-mil wear layer offers a nice balance of comfort and durability.
- Bathrooms and basements: Since these areas deal with moisture, a waterproof luxury vinyl plank with a strong wear layer is crucial. Thickness can vary, but a 4mm to 6mm plank works well.
- Apartments and condos: If noise reduction is a priority, choose a thicker plank (6mm or more) with an attached underlayment for sound absorption.
Floating vs. glue-down: Does it affect thickness?
Yes, and here’s why. Floating floors (click-lock vinyl) tend to be thicker because they need stability. If you’re going glue-down, you can get away with thinner options (2mm to 4mm). But if you’re installing over concrete or uneven subfloors, thicker planks are usually the better bet.
Your home for high-quality luxury vinyl plank in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
When choosing the thickness of your luxury vinyl flooring, think about wear, comfort, and where you’re installing it. If it’s a high-traffic zone, go thicker. If budget is a concern, thinner might work—but make sure that the wear layer is solid. Still unsure? Reach out to Hailo Flooring! We service the Inland Empire, which is the Southern California region adjacent to Los Angeles, as well as San Bernardino and Riverside counties. See our wide selection of high-quality luxury vinyl plank in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
