How Thick is Vinyl Plank Flooring

Table of Contents

Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

Brand-Specific Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Thickness

Coretec Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness in Inches

The Importance of Underlayment in Vinyl Plank Flooring

How Thick Is the Underlayment of Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Factors to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Plank Thickness

Conclusion

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

One of the popular flooring choices among homeowners is vinyl plank due to its excellent durability and aesthetic appeal. However, it is best to understand the thickness of vinyl plank flooring before installing it. Because its thickness helps a lot in maintaining durability, comfort, and soundproofing in homes, the thickness is not the same for every area, and it will be different in home kitchens and commercial buildings. So, you are advised to choose the correct thickness level for your plank flooring according to the desired location for the easy installation process.

If you are confused about how thick is vinyl floor planking, you don't need to look further. Here is our complete guide, which will help you make the best choice for your home flooring.

Note: Before further discussion, If you are a resident of Edmonton and searching for best flooring store, you are on a right track. we are the leading choice among flooring stores in Edmonton. Visit our showroom today and discover why we are the leading Edmonton flooring store.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

When it comes to vinyl plank flooring, it is suggested that the difference between overall plank flooring thickness and wear layer thickness be understood. For your better understanding, the overall thickness means the full depth thickness of the plank, and it is usually measured in mm. The other one is a top protective shield for flooring and is measured in mils. However, in general, the typical plank flooring is around 2mm to 8mm in thickness.

Moreover, we can say that a vinyl plank between 2mm and 4mm is best for low-traffic areas, while a 4mm to 6mm thickness is best for homes. Even if you are looking for high-traffic areas like commercial buildings, it is better to choose 6mm or 8mm thick planks for better durability.

Brand-Specific Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

Hands fanning out a sample ring of wood-look plank swatches in greys and browns over a wood floor.

Let's read about some of the vinyl flooring types and their thickness range.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Thickness

Luxury Vinyl Plank is one of the standard vinyl flooring options. It is made with synthetic material and has a double protective layer. However, if you are wondering about how thick is luxury vinyl plank flooring, here is your answer. The thickness for LVP actually ranges from 2mm to 8mm so that you can choose accordingly. In thinner luxury vinyl, the thickness is around 2mm to 4mm, but it comes with less durability than thicker LVP. For better sound insulation and comfort, you can choose a thicker LVP with a 6mm to 8mm range.

Coretec Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

For the solid foundation of your homes or offices, you can choose Coretec vinyl plank flooring. Concerned about how thick is coretec vinyl plank flooring, we understand. So it typically ranges from 5mm to 12mm. You will see it types too, such as coretec plus or coretec premium. Above all that, this coretec flooring is 100% waterproof, which makes it more ideal for the customers living in moisture prone areas.

Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

In life-proof vinyl plank floor, you will see the thickness from 6mm to 8mm, which is the best resistant layer and protects the floor from any wear and tear. Moreover, its wear layer is around 22mil, which saves it from scratches or stains. So, hopefully, it clears your query about how thick the LifeProof vinyl plank flooring is. Consult your expert flooring instructor and choose the right LifeProof vinyl flooring option with suitable thickness.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness in Inches?

Most people wonder how thick vinyl plank flooring is in inches; let's check it out. Although it is mostly measured in millimeters, it is helpful to know about this measurement in inches for easy reference. The average vinyl floor thickness is around 2mm to 8mm, which is approximately 0.08 inches and 0.31 inches. No doubt, there seems to be a small difference in inches, but its impact is significant in terms of durability, comfort, and insulation.

The Importance of Underlayment in Vinyl Plank Flooring

A pair of hands flexing a wide wood-look vinyl plank while laying it over a bare subfloor.

How Thick Is the Underlayment of Vinyl Plank Flooring?

If you are not sure about underlayment in vinyl plank flooring, don't worry. It is actually a thin layer beneath the vinyl plank flooring. Its thickness varies from 1mm to 3mm, which helps a lot in providing insulation and comfort. Interestingly, these layers help to slightly increase the overall thickness of the vinyl flooring system. Hence, you are advised to choose the suitable underlayment for your flooring options because the right choice will add a pleasant footwear experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Plank Thickness

Make sure to consider durability, noise reduction, and foot traffic while choosing the proper vinyl plank thickness range. In general, thicker plank flooring provides the best durability and resistance to wear and tear. For example, in the kitchen and bathroom, it is mostly recommended to use 6mm or 8mm thicker vinyl planks to maintain durable conditions. So, you should also consider the subfloor condition and traffic level for the best flooring experience.

Grey-brown wood-look plank flooring running through a bedroom with a low platform bed and a white desk.

Wear layer versus overall thickness which matters more

Both matter, but for surface durability the wear layer carries more weight. A 5 mm plank with a 20 mil wear layer can outperform a 7 mm plank with a 12 mil wear layer when it comes to scratch and abrasion resistance. If pets, chairs, and hockey bags are part of daily life, prioritize a thicker wear layer first, then choose an overall thickness that suits your subfloor and comfort preferences.

Still, do not ignore overall thickness. Thicker cores can improve click joint strength and reduce telegraphing of minor subfloor irregularities. When clients ask how thick is vinyl plank flooring for stability, the answer is often to combine 6.5 mm to 8 mm overall with a 20 mil or greater wear layer for busy Edmonton households.

Sound ratings and comfort underfoot

Sound performance matters in Edmonton condos and townhomes. Some boards require minimum IIC and STC ratings. Thicker planks with attached pads tend to score higher. When comparing, look at the complete system of plank plus underlayment and subfloor. For best results, use the underlayment specified by the flooring brand or the exact attached pad model tested for those ratings.

If you are sensitive to footfall noise or want a softer step in bedrooms, a 6.5 mm to 8 mm plank with an integrated pad is a good target. If impact sound control is critical, consider products with high performance foam pads and confirm board approval before installation.

Room by room thickness quick picks

When time is short, use these quick picks as a starting point, then verify specs for your space. This is a practical way to answer how thick is vinyl plank flooring without getting lost in technical details.

Living room and hallways. 6.5 mm to 8 mm, 20 mil or thicker wear layer.

Kitchen and entry. 6 mm to 7 mm, 20 mil or thicker wear layer.

Bedrooms and office. 5 mm to 6 mm, 12 mil to 20 mil wear layer.

Basement. 6 mm to 7 mm SPC, 20 mil wear layer, follow moisture guidance.

Condo. 6 mm to 7 mm with attached pad, check IIC and STC requirements with the board.

Rental. 5 mm to 6 mm, 12 mil to 20 mil, focus on easy maintenance and warranty terms.

How to read specs and convert mm and mil with confidence

Product sheets list overall vinyl plank thickness in millimetres. They also list the wear layer in mil. A mil is one thousandth of an inch. A 20 mil wear layer is roughly half a millimetre. This can be confusing because you are reading two systems. When in doubt, remember this simple rule. The wear layer number tells you abrasion resistance, and the overall millimetre number tells you comfort, sound, and feel.

Check more than just thickness. Look for the core type, the attached pad type, the warranty, and the intended use. If a plank lists a lifetime residential warranty with a 20 mil wear layer, that is a good sign. If a plank is thin with a light wear layer yet has a long warranty, ask how that brand tests durability. We can help you decode these claims so your vinyl plank thickness choice delivers the performance you expect.

Common myths about vinyl plank thickness

Myth one. Thicker is always better. Truth. A thicker plank can feel quieter and more comfortable, but performance also depends on the core density and the wear layer. A well built 6.5 mm SPC plank with a 20 mil wear layer can outperform a thicker but softer plank with a light wear layer.

Myth two. Wear layer does not matter if the plank is thick. Truth. The wear layer is the first line of defense. Pets, sand, and chairs attack the surface. A proper 20 mil wear layer protects the print film. Match a sound overall vinyl plank thickness with the right wear layer for the room.

Conclusion

As discussed above, it is better to know about the variety in vinyl plank flooring thickness to choose a flooring range that meets your specific needs. You do not need to look further; consult an expert and make the choice for a smooth installation process. However, the ideal thickness is around 2mm to 8mm; hence, choose accordingly. Make your floor more durable with the right thickness of vinyl flooring planks!

FAQ Box with Dropdown

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Thick is Coretec Vinyl Plank Flooring? [+]

The thickness ranges of Coretec Vinyl Plank Flooring are from 5mm to 12mm. These are 100% waterproof, which makes them more ideal for customers living in moisture-prone areas.

How Thick is Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring? [+]

The thickness of Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring ranges from 6mm to 8mm. It has the best-resistant layer and protects the floor from any wear and tear. Its wear layer is around 22mil, which saves it from scratches or stains.