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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.
Hello,
We are wanting to install vinyl flooring in our basement bathroom. The floor is currently concrete and smooth, but it slopes slightly. Over 12 feet it slopes 1 inch total, and it is gradual over the entire length of the bathroom. We were wanting to use the click in place for easy install. The couple we were considering have a rigid core and are 5mm and 7mm in thickness. Is it possible to use one of these with our sloping floors? Thanks.
Hi Lindsay, thanks for the question. The general subfloor rule for sloping is 3/16 inches in a 10 foot radius. It looks like you are pretty far over that. What I would recommend is adding a leveling compound to your subfloor to help it become more level. The sloping can affect the joint stability and cause issues down the line with the locking system.
Looking to lay Vinyl plank flooring in a basement. Concrete floor is clear but not perfectly even or level. self-levelling concrete is not an option. Planning to use a floating install on a vapor barrier subfloor like DMX
What would work best to adjust to the subtle valleys or raises of the floor? A 4 or 5mm vinyl or a thicker 8-10 mm vinyl plank?
best to find a rigid core or not?
any advice gladly welcomed!
Hi Ted, thanks for the question. When it comes to an uneven subfloor, the biggest concern are the joints dipping into the low areas when walked on, which compromises joint integrity and can cause a creaking sound. A glue down vinyl might be the best option depending on how un-level the flooring is. If you’re planning to use a vapor barrier, I would go with a combination underlayment, which can help with small variations. Thickness will not matter as much here, as the leveling mostly is a problem with the joints. A thicker floor may move less, but a 4mm rigid core will be just as sturdy. Hope this helps!
What type of vinyl flooring is best over a new concrete floor that has been scored? If it is glued down will the scored lines mold to the vinyl and show thru? If so how do we avoid this ?
Hi Becky, thanks for the question. We always recommend to start with a completely level surface. If you are able to fill in the scores with a concrete filler, this would be ideal. A thick, rigid core flooring may not mold to the lines, but if they are deep, there is more potential for that happening over time. A glue down will definitely mold to the scores.
I am getting quotes for LVP flooring…the contractor just sent the specs and it is 9″ X 60″…..it seems like 9″ wide would be too wide….just wondered what is most popular in width and if I should look for another product.
Hi Pat, this would be considered a wide plank. Generally, planks are 6-7″ in width, but it will all depend on the look you are going for!
I have a heavy island and refrigerator can I still put down vinyl planks
Hi Yolanda, great question! Yes, you can install floating vinyl with heavy objects. Weight will be distributed between the four corners of the items, so the vinyl should still be able to properly expand. I’d recommend some coaster under the legs to prevent them from damaging and denting the vinyl.
I looking to put in some vinyl flooring. The flooring I am considering is a 5mm thick with 20 mil wear layer for living room, (heavy traffic area). I have seen a lot of flooring at Lowe’s that advertise 8mm thickness. My concern is that the 5mm thickness will be uncomfortable/hard to walk on? Is 5mm good for a large living room area and will it provide a comfortable feel vs the 8mm?
Hi Joey, thanks for your question. The comfort will depend on the type of vinyl flooring and if you plan to use an underlayment. If you’re using a rigid core construction, this will feel hard underfoot no matter the thickness. Most rigid core floors have an attached underlayment to add the cushion under foot. You can also add an underlayment under standard LVT as well at 5mm. The underlayment will affect the comfort the most in this case.