Luxury vinyl flooring has taken over the flooring world. It looks like hardwood, it feels durable underfoot, and it holds up in busy homes. But when you’re shopping, one detail often gets overlooked: thickness. If it is too thin, it might wear out fast. Too thick, and you might be paying for more than you really need. Let’s break down what thickness really means and how to choose the right option for your home.
Why thickness matters
The thickness of luxury vinyl flooring affects comfort, durability, and even installation. Thicker planks feel sturdier, provide better sound insulation, and can hide subfloor imperfections. Thinner planks, on the other hand, are usually less expensive and easier to cut, making them appealing for quick DIY jobs. Think of thickness as the backbone of your flooring. If you get it wrong, you might run into issues with dents, noise, or a shorter lifespan.
Standard thickness options
LVP and LVT flooring come in a few common thickness ranges:
- 2–4mm: Entry-level. These are often glued down. They work best in low-traffic areas where budget is the priority.
- 5–6mm: Mid-range. These planks balance affordability and comfort. They’re popular in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
- 7–8mm and above: Premium. These planks often have built-in underlayment. They feel more like hardwood underfoot and are great for open floor plans or high-traffic households.
Knowing these ranges helps you match your needs without guessing.
Consider your subfloor
The condition of your subfloor plays a huge role. If your subfloor is perfectly smooth and even, you can get away with a thinner vinyl option. However, in older homes, subfloors may not be perfect. A thicker plank can cover up small flaws and make the floor feel more solid. Always inspect your subfloor before choosing. It can save you headaches later.
Factor in foot traffic
How many people live in your home? Do you have kids running through the hallway or pets racing across the living room? If the answer is yes, lean toward thicker planks. They’re more resistant to wear and tear. If it’s just you in a quiet condo, a mid-range thickness might be plenty. Think about your lifestyle before you commit.
Comfort and sound
Thicker luxury vinyl flooring doesn’t just last longer. It feels better. You’ll notice the difference when you’re standing for long stretches in the kitchen or when you want your upstairs floor to muffle sound. Some luxury vinyl planks also come with built-in underlayment for added comfort. If you live in a multi-story home or apartment, thickness plus underlayment can make a big difference in noise levels.
Installation method
LVP and LVT flooring can be glued down, floated, or clicked into place. Thin planks are usually glued down, while thicker ones often use a click-lock system. If you’re planning to install the floor yourself, the click-lock style in thicker planks is often easier to handle. If you’re hiring a pro, they can handle any thickness, but knowing the options helps you budget for labor.
Don’t confuse thickness with wear layer
One common mistake is mixing up plank thickness with the wear layer. The wear layer is a clear protective surface on top of the vinyl. You could have a 4mm plank with a strong wear layer that outperforms an 8mm plank with a weak one. For homes with pets or heavy foot traffic, look for at least a 12–20 mil wear layer, regardless of thickness.
Striking the right balance
Here’s the simple truth: you don’t always need the thickest option. In most homes, a 5–6mm plank with a solid wear layer offers the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and price. Go thicker if you have uneven subfloors, want maximum comfort, or plan to stay in your home for decades. Go thinner if you’re on a budget or covering a low-traffic room.
Your experts on LVT and LVP flooring in Ogden, UT
Choosing the right luxury vinyl flooring thickness isn’t just about numbers. It’s about matching your flooring to your lifestyle, your home, and your budget. Call or stop by RNR Carpet Center, and we’ll walk you through the best options for your space. Touch the planks, feel the difference, and get advice from experts who know what works best. We're located in Ogden, UT, and we serve northern Utah, including Weber, Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, UT, as well as southern Idaho and southwestern Wyoming.
