Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness Guide: How To Choose?

Are you looking to install vinyl flooring? As you shop around, you will not only notice the many styles, designs, and pattern varieties; you might also be overwhelmed by the different thickness options for each type of flooring. Admittedly, it can be hard to choose one that suits you.

Thickness is an important consideration. But, as you will find out, there are many other factors to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect flooring. I wrote this vinyl flooring thickness guide to help you choose the right size flooring for your needs. Read on to find out more.

How Is Vinyl Flooring Constructed?

To understand the dynamics of vinyl flooring thickness, let’s first look at the construction of this flooring.

Most of the vinyl you will find in the market today is a combination of polyvinyl chloride ( PVC), print films, and other hard plastic materials. The backing material is typically made of hard plastic materials or fiberglass. It is then covered with print film paper, which gives the product its respective color and pattern.

The print film paper is then coated with a clean, thin layer of PVC for protection against scratches, dings, and the elements. The top PVC layer is the wear layer and serves as the flooring’s main protective barrier. The final top coat is urethane, applied to the wear layer for extra protection and sheen. The product is then finally cut up into different-sized tiles, planks, or sheets for commercial and residential use.

Understanding Vinyl Flooring Measurements

As you shop around for vinyl flooring, you might come across the term ‘mil’ referring to the product’s thickness. The term is similar to millimeters; therefore, many people use ‘mil’ and ‘mm’ interchangeably, but the meaning of these terms is vastly different.

One mil is equal to one-thousandth of an inch, whereas one mm is approximately equal to 40 mil. The flooring product will have both measurements with different implications, so you need to be careful to select the appropriate thickness.

The flooring’s entire thickness is measured in mm, while mil describes the wear layer’s thickness. Vinyl flooring thickness ranges from as low as 2mm to 8mm or more. The corresponding wear layer thickness can range from 1 mil to 40 mil or thicker.

The flooring’s entire thickness matters up to a certain extent. The thicker the plank or tile, the more stability it offers. So, it would be best to choose a thickness(mm) suitable for the anticipated level of traffic. For example, high traffic areas such as the kitchen or hallways will benefit from thicker flooring.

Aside from the entire product’s thickness, the most important consideration where durability is concerned is the thickness of the wear layer. The wear layer plays a big role in determining the longevity of the vinyl flooring—the thicker the wear layer (mil), the greater the protection against wear and tear.

So, when it comes to the wear layer, how thick is thick? What level of thickness should you be looking at to get the best value for your money? No thickness level is the be-all-end-all—the wear layer thickness you opt for will depend on the application or use of the floor. For high traffic areas, it is best to invest in the thickest wear layer you can afford to ensure longevity and fewer replacement and repair costs. In this case, a wear layer thickness of 12 mil or more is ideal. You can choose slightly less thick flooring for less busy rooms such as the bedrooms where a wear layer thickness of 6 mil might be sufficient.

All in all, the most important thing to keep in mind is the wear layer thickness is the biggest determinant of your floor’s longevity. A vinyl plank with a higher overall thickness (mm) rating and a thin wear layer may end up having a shorter life span because it is only minimally protected against wear and tear.

When the wear layer wears off (which happens faster in vinyl flooring with a thin wear layer), the floor’s pattern and texture will also wear off, requiring you to replace the floor. If you are replacing the floor every year or so, the costs can quickly add up, and you won’t realize a return on your investment.

Thickness Measurements For The Different Vinyl Flooring Options

Several vinyl flooring options give you a wide selection from which to choose, depending on your budget and needs. Each flooring option has different properties and an ideal thickness that you should keep in mind when shopping for vinyl flooring products.

Let’s take a look at each type of flooring and tips on choosing the ideal thickness.

1. Click And Lock Vinyl Flooring

Click and lock planks and tiles are easy to install and can last a long time. Part of the appeal of this flooring option is that it can be installed over existing flooring and subflooring without needing to spend a lot of time, effort, and money leveling the subfloor.

When choosing click floating flooring, it is best to pick planks or tiles with a minimum thickness of 5mm. This will provide stability underfoot and minimize the hollow-spot effect. Thinner floating floors are also harder to install and result in weaker click-lock seams.

As for the wear layer, opt for a thickness of between 4 and 12 mil for less busy spots and 20 mil and above when installing floating vinyl flooring in high traffic spaces.

2. Glue Down Vinyl Flooring

Glue down vinyl flooring is installed by applying a hard set adhesive using a trowel. The planks or tiles are thinner (ranging between 2-3 mm) and are therefore less expensive. However, the cost of installation can quickly add up, as you must buy adhesive and hire a professional installer.

Click and lock vinyl flooring has become increasingly popular over the last few years, but glue down flooring is the go-to, especially for high-traffic residential and commercial spaces.

3. Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring

Loose lay is the latest in vinyl technology.  The tiles are made of a core and base layer containing tiny suction cups that seal firmly against the subfloor. Loose lay flooring is generally easier to install than click and lock and only involves gluing some planks or tiles around the room’s perimeter and then laying the planks side-by-side in the remaining space.

Loose lay vinyl typically comes with a wear layer thickness of no more than six mil and a plank density of up to 0.2mm. This flooring option is more suited to low-traffic spaces. Compared to other options such as click and lock and glue down, it is more prone to wear and tear, and the seams can easily come apart, requiring regular replacement.

4. Peel-And-Stick Vinyl

Peel-and-stick is considered a low-budget vinyl flooring option. The tiles come with a peelable sticker backing, allowing you to stick the tiles to the subfloor.

These products are much thinner, measuring between 0.1 and 0.2mm with a wear layer of no more than 3 mil. For this reason, the flooring product is best suited for extremely low-traffic areas. The thin wear layer means that the peel-and-stick flooring wears off fast, has a short life cycle, and requires regular replacement, all of which can bump up the maintenance and re-installation costs.

There are two more things I would like to talk about that you should consider when comparing vinyl thickness: the type and condition of the subfloor and the flooring warranty. Paying attention to these two factors will ensure that you get value for money.

Luxury Vinyl Planks: Everything You Need To Know

What is Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring?

Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP; also known as LVT – Luxury Vinyl Tiles) are interlocking, plank-shaped flooring that replicates the look and feel of traditional hardwood flooring planks. LVP is waterproof, low in maintenance, highly durable, and available in an almost endless variety of colors and wood species, making it the most popular option for flooring that replicates hardwood planks. This isn’t your grandparents’ vinyl. These planks put the LUXE in luxury!

Brands such as ArmstrongShaw FloorsMohawkBella Flooring GroupDuratoCOREtecHappy FeetJJ HainesPalmetto RoadThe R.A. Siegel Company, and William M. Bird all carry luxury vinyl plank flooring in a number of styles.

The Lowdown on LVP Thickness

The thickness of Luxury Vinyl Planks is measured in units called mil, referring to the level of wear it can withstand. Despite the similarities in the name, this measurement (mil) is not related to millimeters (mm), as 40 mil is roughly equivalent to 1.0 mm. Thicker planks are more resistant to dents and scratches. The most common thickness of LVP used in common households is 12 mil, but if your household is fairly active, or has a number of pets, a higher thickness is recommended – such as 20 mil. Most thicker planks, such as 28 mil, are used for commercial rather than household installations. Thicker planks are more sturdy and durable, but with the increase in thickness comes an increase in price.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring 101 For Homeowners   ,Malaysian Flooring Manufacturer Supplier

Luxury Vinyl Flooring 101 For Homeowners   

Over the years, plenty of new trends and styles have come up in the home flooring market.  While traditional options such as hardwood flooring, laminate products, and ceramic tiles are still popular, the demand for modern materials such as luxury vinyl planks is also increasing.

The big demand for luxury vinyl floors can be attributed to one thing: price. Luxury vinyl floor products are significantly cheaper than wood, tile flooring, and carpet products. They’re also highly versatile and come in various designs and textures that can resemble natural stone, ceramic tile, porcelain, and hardwood products.

What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring Made Of? 

Most vinyl floors are constructed with one main material which is polyvinyl chloride plastic or PVC. This is a synthetic material that contains carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine. To create luxury vinyl floors, PVC is mixed with limestone minerals, plasticizers, pigments, trace stabilizers, and a carrier sheet made of either wood or calcium carbonate. These components help make luxury vinyl floors sturdier and more durable than tile and sheet vinyl. 

Like most flooring products, a luxury vinyl floor is also composed of different layers. Here are the typical layers of a luxury vinyl plank: 

  • UV coating – This is the top layer which mostly consists of a glossy coating that provides protection against sunlight, discoloration, and scratches. 
  • Wear layer – This is another clear layer that’s applied on the top of the vinyl plank to protect its hard surface and the decorative layer. This helps the flooring material withstand natural wear and tear and lengthen its lifespan. 
  • Decor or print layer – This layer provides the design and texture of the vinyl plank. 
  • Rigid core layer – Luxury vinyl floors are known for their rigid core material that increases its resilience and allows it to be installed using a tongue-and-groove system. It can be made of wood plastic composite (WPC) which is mixed with thermoplastics, solid polymer (SPC), or 100% hardened vinyl. 
  • Foam layer – Also known as the backing layer, this provides an underlayment for the plank so you don’t have to install anything to the subfloor. It also helps reduce sounds, insulate floors, and provide overall comfort when walking. 

How Does Luxury Vinyl Differ From Other Types of Vinyl Floors?

There are three main types of vinyl floors: vinyl tile, sheet, and luxury vinyl plank. Although they’re all made of the same PVC material, there are distinct differences between them and each has its own set of benefits. Here’s a table to help you better differentiate the kinds of vinyl floors: 

Luxury Vinyl Floor Vinyl Composite TileSheet Vinyl
MaterialPVC mixed with limestone minerals and other materialsPVC combined with limestone, fillers, color pigments, and thermoplastics Made of a continuous sheet of polymer plastic with a layer of fibrous or felt material
Water-resistant capabilitiesA great choice for water-prone rooms since it has multiple layers and a protective coating that makes it incredibly waterproof Also waterproof but may not perform as well as luxury vinyl since it has seams in between the tiles Another popular waterproof flooring option since it’s made of sheet plastics 
MaintenanceLow maintenance and easy to clean on a daily basis Easy to maintain and repair since tile products can be removedRepairs may be difficult since some sheets are glued down
InstallationCan be installed on your own since the planks are easy to assemble and cut into piecesAlso a good flooring choice for avid home DIYers May require professional help since vinyl sheets are hard to cut and fit on your own

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Vinyl Flooring

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring comes in different thicknesses. Its size ranges from around 2mm to 8mm, thick and it’s available in a variety of designs. Though a vinyl flooring’s thickness may seem like it’s the most important factor when choosing your vinyl flooring, there’s more that contributes to its quality. 

For example, you have to take into account how manufacturers assemble and engineer vinyl flooring since its other components make the durability of the flooring. Some factors to consider when choosing your vinyl flooring are the following:

1) Wear Layer

A wear layer provides the vinyl flooring’s durability, stain-resistance, and scratch-resistance. This is one of the most important factors to pay attention to when choosing the flooring since it’s what helps your floors hold up over time. The wear layer impacts the floor’s durability the most and it’s measured in mil, which is one-thousandth of an inch. 

Vinyl flooring with higher wear layers provides more resistance to damages like scratches and dents, but these options are usually more expensive than others. This means that if you want more durability and last longer, then choose a vinyl flooring that’s around 12 mil to 20 mil. It’s suggested to have a wear layer of at least 12 mil for residential spaces and 28 mil for commercial spaces. 

2) Subfloor

The subfloor refers to what’s underneath your flooring, and you should also consider the subfloor when choosing the vinyl flooring’s thickness. For example, it’s enough to choose a thinner kind of vinyl flooring for houses and buildings with cement subfloors. This is because your subfloors are already sturdy enough and don’t need the extra support from the flooring. However, if the property has subfloors like hardwood, you would need the extra support from thicker options. 

It’s also important to install new floors on even, clean, and dry subfloors to guarantee its durability and quality. You may also need to place a moisture barrier for vinyl plank flooring, especially if you’re using glue to install them. 

3) Backing Layers

Backing layers are also an important part of vinyl flooring that you have to consider. Different kinds of flooring are made of various cores and bottom layers which all contribute to its durability, quality, and other special functions. Here are some of the kinds of backing and core layers and their differences:

  • Stone Plastic Composite (SPC): SPC is made from calcium carbonate (limestone), polyvinyl chloride, and plasticizers. It’s a slightly more affordable option that’s dense and rigid. SPC is also water-resistant and its density makes it less susceptible to different kinds of damage.
  • Waterproof Core (WPC): WPC is made from polyvinyl chloride, calcium carbonate, plasticizers, a foaming agent, and wood. Compared to SPC, it’s more expensive but it’s able to retain more warmth. WPC is also free of phthalates, water-resistant, less dense, and has a resilient underfoot.
  • Recyclable Materials: Aside from SPC and WPC, some manufacturers may use recyclable materials to create the core of the vinyl flooring. This is a great option for people who are looking for more eco-friendly options, but it doesn’t provide the same durability as SPC or WPC. 

Aside from the subfloor and the backing layers, the underlayment also plays a significant role in providing extra cushioning. An underlayment is a thin material under the floor that helps with sound absorption, structural support, and insulation. If the flooring doesn’t include an underlayment, then you can eventually add an underlayment when installing the vinyl plank flooring.

4) Protective Coating

The last factor you may want to consider when choosing the thickness of your vinyl flooring is its protective coating. A protective coating is the floor’s final layer, and it’s traditionally made from acrylic coatings or wax. This kind of coating can be difficult to maintain since the floors need to be re-coated every 2 to 3 months.

Fortunately, manufacturers have found a way to provide vinyl flooring with a protective coating without the process of having to re-apply it every few months. Protective coatings nowadays are usually made from a clear, urethane base coating to preserve the floor’s appearance. Urethane coating lasts ten times longer than acrylic coating and provides more stain resistance and easier maintenance. 

There are also different kinds of urethane coating available on the market. Some coatings are now produced and engineered with more advanced materials, such as enhanced urethane coatings. This option contains aluminum oxide which provides the floor with more protection against wear and damages. Though urethane coatings are more long-lasting, they still need to be reapplied every 2-3 years for maintenance purposes. 

5) Foot Traffic

The last factor you may want to consider when choosing your vinyl flooring is the foot traffic inside the room or area where the tiles are going to be installed. If the area has high foot traffic, then definitely choose a thicker flooring with a high wear layer. 

Residential houses usually don’t have high foot traffic, but rooms like the kitchens or bathrooms may need thicker flooring with a high wear layer. Since kitchens or bathrooms are rooms where people use the most water, they are prone to moisture and can be subject to more damages. 

What Thickness of Vinyl Flooring is the Best?

Vinyl flooring is one of the best kinds of flooring since it’s easy to maintain, water-resistant, versatile, and affordable. One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is that it’s durable and has great quality, which is why some people may think that thicker vinyl flooring lasts longer than thinner options. 

So what thickness of vinyl flooring is the best to install? The answer is that it all depends on your needs and where you install the tiles. There are several factors other than thickness you have to consider before choosing a vinyl flooring such as its wear layer, protective coating, and backing layers. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring comes in different thicknesses. Its size ranges from around 2mm to 8mm, thick and it’s available in a variety of designs. Though a vinyl flooring’s thickness may seem like it’s the most important factor when choosing your vinyl flooring, there’s more that contributes to its quality. 

For example, you have to take into account how manufacturers assemble and engineer vinyl flooring since its other components make the durability of the flooring. Some factors to consider when choosing your vinyl flooring are the following:

1) Wear Layer

A wear layer provides the vinyl flooring’s durability, stain-resistance, and scratch-resistance. This is one of the most important factors to pay attention to when choosing the flooring since it’s what helps your floors hold up over time. The wear layer impacts the floor’s durability the most and it’s measured in mil, which is one-thousandth of an inch. 

Vinyl flooring with higher wear layers provides more resistance to damages like scratches and dents, but these options are usually more expensive than others. This means that if you want more durability and last longer, then choose a vinyl flooring that’s around 12 mil to 20 mil. It’s suggested to have a wear layer of at least 12 mil for residential spaces and 28 mil for commercial spaces. 

2) Subfloor

The subfloor refers to what’s underneath your flooring, and you should also consider the subfloor when choosing the vinyl flooring’s thickness. For example, it’s enough to choose a thinner kind of vinyl flooring for houses and buildings with cement subfloors. This is because your subfloors are already sturdy enough and don’t need the extra support from the flooring. However, if the property has subfloors like hardwood, you would need the extra support from thicker options. 

It’s also important to install new floors on even, clean, and dry subfloors to guarantee its durability and quality. You may also need to place a moisture barrier for vinyl plank flooring, especially if you’re using glue to install them. 

3) Backing Layers

Backing layers are also an important part of vinyl flooring that you have to consider. Different kinds of flooring are made of various cores and bottom layers which all contribute to its durability, quality, and other special functions. Here are some of the kinds of backing and core layers and their differences:

  • Stone Plastic Composite (SPC): SPC is made from calcium carbonate (limestone), polyvinyl chloride, and plasticizers. It’s a slightly more affordable option that’s dense and rigid. SPC is also water-resistant and its density makes it less susceptible to different kinds of damage.
  • Waterproof Core (WPC): WPC is made from polyvinyl chloride, calcium carbonate, plasticizers, a foaming agent, and wood. Compared to SPC, it’s more expensive but it’s able to retain more warmth. WPC is also free of phthalates, water-resistant, less dense, and has a resilient underfoot.
  • Recyclable Materials: Aside from SPC and WPC, some manufacturers may use recyclable materials to create the core of the vinyl flooring. This is a great option for people who are looking for more eco-friendly options, but it doesn’t provide the same durability as SPC or WPC. 

Aside from the subfloor and the backing layers, the underlayment also plays a significant role in providing extra cushioning. An underlayment is a thin material under the floor that helps with sound absorption, structural support, and insulation. If the flooring doesn’t include an underlayment, then you can eventually add an underlayment when installing the vinyl plank flooring.

4) Protective Coating

The last factor you may want to consider when choosing the thickness of your vinyl flooring is its protective coating. A protective coating is the floor’s final layer, and it’s traditionally made from acrylic coatings or wax. This kind of coating can be difficult to maintain since the floors need to be re-coated every 2 to 3 months.

Fortunately, manufacturers have found a way to provide vinyl flooring with a protective coating without the process of having to re-apply it every few months. Protective coatings nowadays are usually made from a clear, urethane base coating to preserve the floor’s appearance. Urethane coating lasts ten times longer than acrylic coating and provides more stain resistance and easier maintenance. 

There are also different kinds of urethane coating available on the market. Some coatings are now produced and engineered with more advanced materials, such as enhanced urethane coatings. This option contains aluminum oxide which provides the floor with more protection against wear and damages. Though urethane coatings are more long-lasting, they still need to be reapplied every 2-3 years for maintenance purposes. 

5) Foot Traffic

The last factor you may want to consider when choosing your vinyl flooring is the foot traffic inside the room or area where the tiles are going to be installed. If the area has high foot traffic, then definitely choose a thicker flooring with a high wear layer. 

Residential houses usually don’t have high foot traffic, but rooms like the kitchens or bathrooms may need thicker flooring with a high wear layer. Since kitchens or bathrooms are rooms where people use the most water, they are prone to moisture and can be subject to more damages. 

Types of Vinyl Flooring

With many options of vinyl flooring to choose from, it may be difficult to pick the right kind to install. Different types of vinyl flooring provide various characteristics that can help you in picking the best kind of flooring for your home or space. Below is a table that outlines the differences between different types of vinyl flooring: 

Kind of FlooringHow It’s SoldInstallationCost
Vinyl PlankVinyl planks are sold per piece and usually resemble the look of natural wood. Vinyl planks are installed plank by plank.The average cost is around $1.89 to $2.19 per square foot. 
Vinyl SheetVinyl sheets usually come in 6 to 12-foot rolls. Vinyl sheets usually are usually glued down and would need more experienced people for their installation. The average cost is around $.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
Vinyl TilesVinyl tiles have the same characteristics as vinyl sheets, but the sheet is cut into smaller pieces. Vinyl tiles are a better option for those who want to install the flooring on their own. This kind of flooring is installed piece by piece using a glue-down or a peel-and-stick-method. The average cost is around $1.50 to $3 per square foot. 
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)LVT is sold in multi-ply planks or tiles and is more durable than other kinds of vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl tiles are usually installed using click-lock edge joints. The average cost is around $2 to $7 per square foot. 

4.5mm Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring 5.91 in. Wide x 48 in. Long

Engineered Vinyl Plank Flooring couples the look of real wooden planks with the exceptional performance only a rigid plastic composite core can deliver. These planks are embossed to feel like hardwood and offer a contemporary, bold, and beautiful style to your home or office. Perfect for high-traffic areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. The planks are 100% waterproof and require no acclimation prior to installation. Rigid Core increased strength and density hides sub-floor imperfections, floats over most existing hard surface floors, and is perfect for the DIY homeowner. Rigid Core Engineered Vinyl Plank Flooring is combined with an attached foam pad that reduces sound transmission and increases walking comfort. Backed by a 25-year residential warranty, Rigid Core Engineered Vinyl Plank Flooring is EPA (TSCA Title VI) compliant and also has the coveted GREENGUARD Gold certification, which provides safer and healthier indoor home and work environments. Waterproof peace of mind, the added benefit of a safer product, and Islanders’ tough Urethane Ceramic finish provide the right flooring solution for active families or office spaces.

Vinyl Floor Planks manufacturer supplier

Choose any of our various wood-look vinyl styles and just peel and stick to a flat and dry surface. In no time your room will be magically transformed! Rich wood visuals with a fine lustrous finish makes our planks indistinguishable from real wood. Can be used in any room in your home such as Kitchens, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Foyers and Basements!

Plank Size: 6” x 36” – 2.0mm Thick
Simple DIY Peel and Stick Installation!
Look and Feel of Natural Wood Grain
Extra Thick 2.0mm Gauge
10 Planks per Box – 15 Square Feet