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Vinyl plank flooring is available in a number of thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 8mm+ thick. When you buy vinyl flooring it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
Just like laminate flooring, the thicker the floor, the sturdier it is, but this is not the main factor in determining durability when it comes to vinyl. When choosing a vinyl flooring thickness, there are a few things to consider. Keep reading to find out what questions to ask and what factors to consider when buying a vinyl floor.
Let’s start with the basics on the construction of a vinyl plank floor to understand the important layers. You will find 3 to 4 base layers with a vinyl plank floor that will be included in the overall thickness – the wear layer, decor layer, core, and underlayment (if it is attached).
The overall plank thicknesses can range from 2mm to 8mm+. Although the wear layer is the most important factor when it comes to vinyl durability, the thickness is still an important factor to consider when you buy vinyl flooring. There are several important questions you must ask yourself when deciding which thickness will be right for you:
As a general rule, a thicker vinyl will provide more stability and comfort underfoot. So if you are looking for flooring to refresh your low traffic bedroom, a thinner vinyl 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 thicker floor.
Another factor that may impact your decision is the flooring and door heights in adjoining rooms. You may need to choose a certain height for doors to close, or to minimize gaps between other types of flooring.
The type of vinyl plank flooring will also play a role in the thickness. With new advances in the vinyl industry, there are several types of vinyl floors that will impact your decision when it comes to thickness and durability. The main types of planks you will see are standard LVT’s, glue down planks, and engineered vinyl.
Glue down planks are generally less thick from 2mm to 4mms, and will not have underlayment attached. Glue down vinyl are usually the most inexpensive. Standard LVT’s are typically on the thinner side, under 5mm. They will have a higher flexibility and bend, but also a more affordable price point. Floors with an engineered rigid core construction will have a more dimensionally stable core and less bend, similar to a laminate or hardwood.
With the rigid core constructions, you can find floors from 4mm to 8mm+. Although a rigid core vinyl may be 4mm, it will have a solid construction, which differs from the bendable LVT. When it comes to a rigid core vinyl, thickness isn’t as much of a factor, since the core is constructed with durability in mind.
Your subfloor is a very important part of choosing the thickness as well. The subfloor is what you will be installing your floors over, whether it’s an existing floor, wood or concrete. If you have an even concrete subfloor, you can get a thinner vinyl flooring. This is because your subfloor is sturdy enough that you don’t need the extra support. With a concrete subfloor, you may want a thicker vinyl solely for the comfort underfoot.
If you subfloor is a thin, creaking hardwood, you should opt for the thicker vinyl for added stability and support. This subfloor would also benefit from an attached underlayment.
The subfloor is an extremely important part of any vinyl flooring installation. Without a properly prepared subfloor, you could experience damage. Be sure to read our subfloor guide before you buy vinyl flooring and install!
The durability of vinyl plank flooring is determined by the wear layer. When shopping for vinyl 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 vinyl 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.
If you are installing in a high traffic area, it is recommended you choose a thicker vinyl floor as it will provide more sturdiness and support. Thicker vinyl 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 on a subfloor that is even, clean and dry.
Don’t forget that vinyl plank flooring may require a moisture barrier Visqueen 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 vinyl flooring, no underlayment is required. Always check with the manufacturer instructions when you buy vinyl flooring to know what is required.
Before you install your vinyl plank flooring, be sure to check our Vinyl Flooring Dos and Don’ts checklist! Another helpful article is how to choose the right vinyl plank flooring for your project!
Still have questions? Leave them in the comments below and we will be happy to answer them!
Contact the Bestlaminate Flooring Experts today! Call us at 1-800-520-0961 or send us a quick message to get expert advice and answers.
We are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our friendly experts or call us today at 1-800-520-0961.
I recently purchased a 7.2 mm thick Vinyl Plank from Rona in Canada. My question is how does the product hold up next to a gas fire place. Can I install right up to the fireplace?
Hi Scotty, thanks for your question! The vinyl should be fine against the gas fireplace. If anything, the edges may get soft against the hot surface. Be sure to read the manufacturer instructions before you install to make sure that is the case with this specific laminate. You can also text a plank before you install to see how it reacts. Hope this helps!
How can I compare thicknesses of LVT when one is listed as 2 mm and the other is described as 55 gauge?
Hi Melba, thanks for your question! Gauge measurements are used differently in a variety of products, and can be fairly inaccurate when measuring thickness. We don’t typically see vinyl flooring measured this way. If you cannot find the thickness on the product, we would recommend looking for the mil number. This will give you the wear layer thickness, which is the most important aspect of vinyl durability. This will not give you the full board thickness, but it will signify the durability of flooring you are purchasing. You can learn more about wear layers here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/blog/wear-layer-vinyl-flooring/
Here’s a reference of corresponding mil to mm comparisons when it comes to wear layer:
0.1 mm = 4 mil
0.3 mm = 12 mil
0.5 mm = 20 mil
0.7 mm = 28 mil
1.0 mm = 40 mil
What is the best vinyl plank flooring on the market. There are so many to choose from, I need help. Thank you
Hi, Betty! It really depends on what your needs are and where you are installing your flooring. Please give us a call at 1-800-520-0961 and we will be happy to help you!
Most vinyl plank flooring companies say that using an underlayment voids the warranty. Since my floors are on a concrete slab, they get cold in the winter, and I’d like to have at least a modest underlayment to provide some insulating factor. Is there a vinyl plank brand that allows for an underlayment?
Hi Tim, thanks for the question! There are some brands that will allow an underlayment, such as Berry Alloc Dream Click, and they call out the usage of their brand specific underlayment. This is the only vinyl product we carry that calls out an underlayment. We also have one LVT specific underlayment that is only 1MM that works with most LVT floors and is thin enough to not obstruct the locking system. Hope that helps!
I agree that if you are looking for flooring for your low traffic bedroom, a thinner vinyl plank flooring will work great. You also mention that if you have a concrete subfloor, you can choose a thinner vinyl. I think it’s a good idea to choose a neutral pattern on your vinyl so that it stays in style for many years to come.
Definitely! Thanks for sharing Cindy.