Have you ever stayed up late pondering the best thickness for luxury vinyl plank flooring? If so, you could be feeling stressed about a renovation, or maybe you’ve watched one too many home improvement shows. The thickness of your floors influences not just their durability and quality but also how comfortable they are and how much maintenance they’ll need.
Our luxury vinyl plank floor thickness guide will cover everything you need to know to figure out the right thickness for your floors, the four main layers of vinyl flooring, and why the wear layer thickness should be among the most important factors you should focus on.
- Summary: What is the Best Vinyl Floor Thickness? How Thick Should Vinyl Flooring Be?
- Wear Layer (mils) & Overall Thickness (mm): How Is Vinyl Plank Thickness Measured and Calculated?
- Understanding Vinyl Flooring Layers, Thickness, Wear Layer, & Quality Specs
- What Is The Best Thickness For Vinyl Plank Flooring?
- Thickness of Different Types of Vinyl Flooring
- Cost and Useful Life of Vinyl Plank Based On Thickness
- Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
- 5 Things to Know Before Buying LVP
- Residential or Commercial Rating
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Summary: What is the Best Vinyl Floor Thickness? How Thick Should Vinyl Flooring Be?
The thickness of vinyl flooring is important for its durability, comfort, and ability to reduce noise. In general, vinyl plank thicknesses range from 2mm to over 8mm.
Choosing the right vinyl flooring thickness depends on the amount of foot traffic and where you plan to install it:
- 2-4mm: Perfect for low-traffic spaces like bedrooms, laundry rooms, or storage rooms. It’s affordable and easy to install, clean, and maintain.
- 4-6mm: Great for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, entryways, and living rooms. It provides extra durability, comfort, resistance to scratches, and noise reduction. It can also help cover small imperfections in your subfloor.
- 6-8mm: Ideal for commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic like offices, restaurants, and retail stores. This thickness offers more durability and better soundproofing.
Thicker options tend to cost more but offer longer-lasting performance, better scratch resistance, and can include more intricate textures.
Wear Layer (mils) & Overall Thickness (mm): How Is Vinyl Plank Thickness Measured and Calculated?
The wear layer of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is measured in mils, while the total thickness is measured in millimeters (mm).
Plank Thickness Overview: LVP planks usually range from 4-8 mm thick, with wear layers between 6 and 20 mils. Budget-friendly vinyl typically ranges from 2-4 mm, while high-end vinyl can often be found in 5-8 mm thicknesses.
The wear layer is measured in mils (one-thousandth of an inch). A mil is different from a millimeter – about 40 mils equal 1.0 mm (exactly 39.4 mils to 1 mm). The total thickness, however, refers to the full height of the flooring, including all layers (wear layer, decorative layer, and backing).
To understand the thickness of a vinyl plank, you need to consider the wear layer, core, and backing. Having a basic idea of how manufacturers put together vinyl planks will help you evaluate your options.
The total thickness is measured in millimeters (1 mm = 3/64 of an inch). There is a wide variety here, with lower-quality planks measuring around 4 mm and higher-quality planks reaching 8 mm or more. For example, a 6 mm thick floor with a 1.5 mm pad actually has a total thickness of 4.5 mm.
Are you planning to transition from your vinyl planks to another flooring type? If so, keep that in mind when determining the plank thickness. Poorly planned transitions between rooms can result in uneven and unattractive floors.
Also Read: How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring Safely | Tips from the Pros
Understanding Vinyl Flooring Layers, Thickness, Wear Layer, & Quality Specs
1. Wear Layer
In general, the thicker the wear layer, the longer-lasting the vinyl plank will be.
The wear layer is located on top, positioned between the printed design film and the coating that covers the plank. This layer is the most important factor in determining how well your floor will perform over time.
A thicker wear layer offers better protection against scratches and dents. High-quality flooring often has the thickest wear layers but tends to cost more. A simple tip is to buy the thickest wear layer you can afford.
NOTE: The wear layer usually ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm in thickness.
If the wear layer wears out, the printed design underneath will be damaged and start to fade. The thicker the wear layer, the longer it takes for the top layer to wear down and expose the vinyl design.
However, no matter how thick the wear layer is, the floor will still get scratched eventually if not properly cared for.
Expert Tip: A thicker wear layer improves durability, but in low-traffic areas, you might prefer overall thickness for added comfort. In homes, wear layer thickness is usually less of a concern, though it matters more in commercial spaces.
Overall LVP Thickness vs. Wear Layer Thickness
In short, the wear layer thickness matters more than the total thickness of a luxury vinyl plank.
Let’s look at an easy example:
Plank #1
- Overall Thickness: 8 mm
- Wear Layer: 10 mils
Plank #2
- Overall Thickness: 6 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mils
WINNER – We’d choose this plank because the wear layer is much thicker, offering better protection for a longer time. The overall thickness of the plank is less important.
12 mil vs. 20 mil Vinyl Plank Flooring
In general:
- Best: >20 mils
- Good: 12 mils
- Below Average: 6 mils (be wary of floors below 6 mils in wear layer)
A good wear layer for vinyl plank flooring should be at least 12 mil. If you have an active family or pets, it’s worth considering a 20 mil or thicker wear layer. (See our guide for the best flooring for pets.) For commercial use, vinyl planks with a 28 mil wear layer are recommended.
Even with a thicker wear layer, your floors may not last as long as expected. Other factors like plank construction, installation, and maintenance play a key role in their longevity.
2. Top Coating
Additives like aluminum oxide coatings can boost the strength and performance of vinyl planks.
The top layer on the wear surface is also crucial. Higher-quality vinyl floors include a wear layer with a protective top coat, often made with additives like ceramic to make the planks harder. We prefer vinyl planks that feature a wear layer with a top coating containing aluminum oxide.
Shaw floors typically have aluminum oxide, while COREtec floors use a UV-cured finish. Both options do an excellent job of creating a tough top coat that improves durability. Some vinyl planks also use a urethane coating with small ceramic beads mixed in to add extra strength and grip.These substances must bond with the flooring during manufacturing through a curing process. If the bonding isn’t done properly, the coating won’t work as intended. Be sure to check the warranty for details about manufacturer defects.
3. Printed Film
A printed film is applied over the core with paper print to achieve the desired style and color. This layer is more focused on appearance than thickness or durability.
4. Core
Beneath the protective wear layer, vinyl flooring has additional backing layers, including the core and underlayment. The core is the thickest part of the plank, providing stability and strength.
Types of Luxury Vinyl Plank & Tile Flooring Based on Their Core
Most luxury vinyl planks (LVP) feature either a WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) or SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) core.
- Stone Plastic Composite (SPC): 4-8mm Plank Thickness | 6-20 mils Wear Layer
- Wood Plastic Composite (WPC): 5-9mm Plank Thickness | 6-20 mils Wear Layer
WPC is softer, warmer, and quieter but may dent more easily. SPC, however, is harder and more durable due to its stone particle makeup, though it’s louder and less comfortable than WPC. WPC doesn’t contain real wood, it’s made from wood flour mixed with thermoplastic and calcium carbonates. This type of flooring is free of phthalates and is safer for your family.
If we had to choose, we would slightly prefer SPC, as it’s affordable (under $2 per square foot) and long-lasting.Check out our full comparison of SPC vs. WPC.
5. Underlayment and Balancing Layer
The underlayment and balancing layer serve multiple functions, including providing a softer feel, acting as a moisture barrier, and reducing sound. It also enhances stability. It typically adds about 1mm to the thickness of the vinyl plank or tile.
You won’t find a balancing layer on many lower-cost floors (under $2 per square foot), as manufacturers cut this feature to lower the price. If you live in a humid area or your floors get a lot of direct sunlight, lacking a balancing layer could cause the floor to warp or separate.
Expert Tip: We don’t recommend buying a floor without a balancing layer. If you need to match the height of nearby floors, thicker backing layers may be necessary.
What Is The Best Thickness For Vinyl Plank Flooring?
For areas with heavy foot traffic, it’s best to choose a wear layer of 20 mils. For spaces with light to moderate traffic, a 12-mil wear layer is sufficient.
Check our vinyl thickness chart for more guidance:
| Type | Wear Layer We Recommend |
|---|---|
| Peel & Stick Flooring | 6 mils |
| Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring | 12 mils to 20+ mils |
| Glue Down Vinyl | 12 mils to 20+ mils |
| Click and Lock Vinyl | 12 mils to 20+ mils |
Thickness of Different Types of Vinyl Flooring
Here’s a quick overview of three common vinyl flooring types and their thickness ranges:
| Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVPs) | Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) | Vinyl Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| – Commonly used in both homes and businesses. – Composed of three layers: PVC vinyl, a realistic design layer, and a protective coating. – Designed to resemble real wood with lifelike textures and finishes. – A budget-friendly option for a warm and inviting appearance. Thickness: Typically ranges from 2-8 mm, with thicker options (6-8 mm) providing better durability. | – Has similar layers to LVPs but is designed to look like stone or ceramic. – Comes in a wide range of customizable designs. – High water resistance and low-maintenance, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Thickness: Usually between 1-8 mm, with peel-and-stick versions being thinner (1-1.5 mm). | – Made in large rolls to create seamless designs. – Mimics natural materials like wood, stone, and marble. – The smooth surface improves water resistance. – Perfect for creating complex mosaic patterns. – Often used in schools and offices. Thickness: Around 6-8 mm, making it suitable for heavy-duty use. |
Cost and Useful Life of Vinyl Plank Based On Thickness
| 20 mil Vinyl Plank Flooring | 12 mil Vinyl Plank Flooring | 6 mil Vinyl Plank Flooring |
| $3 to $8 per SF | $2 to $5 per SF | $1 to $4 per SF |
| 20 year useful life | 7-10 year useful life | 4-5 year useful life |
Cost should not be the only thing you should consider, give equal weight to the durability of a higher-quality floor.
LVP Thickness – Our Picks for Top Brands
- 20 mil wear layer
- 8.0 mm overall
- $5 to $6 per SF
- 20 mil wear layer
- 6.0 mm overall
- $5 to $7 per SF
- 30 mil wear layer
- 3.0 mm overall
- $6 to $8 per SF
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Selecting the appropriate thickness for your vinyl flooring is essential for durability and to ensure it can handle the weight of heavy appliances and furniture. In addition to the wear layer and the vinyl plank’s core, here are other aspects to think about when deciding on vinyl flooring thickness:
#1. Subfloor
The type of subfloor (whether concrete, plywood, or existing flooring) affects the necessary thickness of vinyl. Thicker planks are better at masking imperfections on uneven subfloors, while thinner planks may highlight these flaws. For most homeowners, luxury vinyl planks and tiles are recommended for their water resistance, scratch resistance, and easy click-lock installation.
#2. Foot Traffic
The level of foot traffic in a space impacts the thickness you should choose:
- Low-Traffic Areas (e.g., bedrooms, home offices): Thinner planks work well.
- High-Traffic Areas (e.g., living rooms, commercial spaces): Opt for thicker planks (12 mm-20 mm) to handle wear and tear.
Thickness Considerations: The thicker does not always mean the better.
Thicker vinyl flooring has its perks, but the highest thickness isn’t always essential. Different spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or offices, have specific requirements. Thicker planks, however, are more stable for supporting heavy furniture.
Summary: Cheat Sheet for Your Vinyl Flooring Wear Layers
- 6-mil: Light residential areas (e.g. bedrooms).
- 12-mil: Moderate residential use (e.g. living rooms).
- 20-mil: Young families or light commercial spaces (e.g. offices).
- >20-mil: Heavy commercial use (e.g. retail stores).
Choosing the Right LVP Thickness: Room-by-Room Recommendations
- Kitchens: Minimum 5 mm thickness with a 20+ mil wear layer to resist spills and scratches.
- Living Rooms/Bedrooms: 4-6 mm thickness and a 12-20 mil wear layer for moderate foot traffic and comfort.
- Bathrooms: At least 5 mm thickness with a 20+ mil wear layer for water resistance and durability.
- Dining Rooms: 5 mm thickness and 20+ mil wear layer to protect against chair marks.
- Basements: Choose planks with a thickness of 5+ mm and focus on waterproof options.
- Laundry Rooms: Thicker planks provide added water resistance.
- Playrooms/Family Rooms: 5 mm+ thickness and a 12-20 mil wear layer for longevity.
- Hallways/Entryways: At least 5 mm thickness and a 20+ mil wear layer to handle heavy traffic, dirt, and scratches.
- Guest Rooms/Home Offices: 4-6 mm thickness with a 12-20 mil wear layer for durability.
- Commercial Spaces: Use thicker planks (6-8 mm+) with 20+ mil wear layers to support heavy furniture and frequent foot traffic.
Bonus: Locking Mechanism as Another Important Factor to Consider to Ensure the Longevity of Your Vinyl Flooring
Thicker planks generally result in a stronger and more reliable locking system. Below are the three main installation methods:
- Click Lock: Features interlocking edges that connect the planks without needing nails or glue, making it ideal for DIY installations.
- Glue-Down: Involves securing planks to the subfloor with adhesives for enhanced stability. While it’s sturdier than floating installations, professional help is recommended.
- Loose-Lay Technology: Relies on suction and friction for easy setup, but its long-term durability isn’t well-documented.
5 Things to Know Before Buying LVP
- Order full-size plank samples. While it might cost a little, it’s worth it to visualize the look and test the product.
- Perform the butter knife test: Scratch the plank with normal force using a butter knife. If multiple scratches appear easily, avoid purchasing that product.
- Ensure the subfloor is level and in good condition.
- Invest in the highest wear layer you can afford for better longevity.
- Test the locking areas by attempting to snap them off by hand. If they break easily, skip that option.
Residential or Commercial Rating
Another key factor to think about is the rating: Is it designed for residential or commercial use? Both types have the same upkeep needs, but planks meant for businesses are built to endure heavier usage.
It’s useful to compare the warranty for commercial use with the one for residential use. A longer industrial warranty typically means a thicker wear layer.
Flooring makers often play it safe when dealing with commercial clients. By giving vinyl planks a lower life expectancy, they avoid expensive warranty claims.
On the other hand, residential flooring is meant to handle less wear over a longer time. If your home’s planks need to endure heavy loads, grease, or intense use, choosing the commercial-grade rating is a better way to judge how long your vinyl planks will last.
FAQ
The overall thickness of the vinyl isn’t as important as the wear layer. It’s best to have a wear layer of 12 mils or more.
How thick is 20 mil vinyl flooring?
20 mils is about 0.5 mm. Remember, mils and millimeters are different units of measurement.
Is thicker vinyl flooring better?
In most cases, yes, but the key factor is the components that make up the thickness. The wear layer plays the biggest role. For example, if you have an 8mm thick vinyl floor with 2mm of padding, the vinyl itself is only 6mm thick.
Can I increase wear layer of LVP?
No, you can’t add a wear layer to a floor that’s already installed. The wear layer is added during the manufacturing process.
What is a good thickness for vinyl sheet flooring?
Vinyl sheet flooring tends to be thinner than vinyl plank, so a thickness between 2mm and 5mm is generally enough for most situations.
Final Thoughts
If durability is your top priority, choose vinyl planks with the thickest wear layers. Your retailer should provide detailed information about these specifications.
When selecting vinyl planks, consider factors like warranty, core construction, wear layer thickness, and any attached underlayment. Planks with added padding offer more warmth and noise reduction, and some include built-in vapor barriers in the underlayment.
Don’t assume pricier flooring is always better. While this is often true, higher costs can sometimes reflect branding rather than quality. Always verify that the product meets health standards and carries proper safety certifications.
If you’ve had a great experience or a disappointing one with vinyl planks, share your comments to help others make informed choices.
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I’m looking at purchasing 1000sq foot of Nextfloor Stonecast luxury vinyl plank that is 5.7 mm (including the 1.5mm attached cushion) and 20 mil level. It has lifetime residential warranty and a 10 year commercial warranty. This will be in our home kitchen, dining, laundry, entry, and living room. Does this seem like a good buy? Also, does anyone have knowledge of this brand (pros/cons If so)?
We’re considering using Current Plus Pueblo 3084CU for our basement. It’s a walkout, approximately 1400 square feet and we have a pool so we like that it’s 100% waterproof. It’s only 4mm with a 12mil wear layer. I think this flooring is fairly new. Does anyone have any experience with it or any comments/suggestions?
I am looking at doing my entire house in lVP other than new carpet in the 3 bedrooms. My house is small, 1183 sq. ft. I have no pets or kids. I am working with a local flooring store and have picked out a lower priced LVP that has a 4.5 mm thickness and 12 mil wear layer. “100% waterproof” It has a 10 year residential warranty and 5 year commercial warranty. Any advice on whether I am going too cheap and should find a better quality or will this probably work in my light traffic, no children, no pets home? The price is MUCH better using this brand than with other brands with the lifetime or 30 year residential warranty…thoughts? Thanks!
It sounds like you’ve done your research and you know the pros/cons of the various choices. I’ve been researching too. I’ve learned most recommend 5mm thickness (minimum) and 12mil wear layer (minimum). I’m focusing my own search on 7-8mm and 20mil wear layer and longest warranty I can find. I’m 58, so I’ll be lucky if I get another 20-25 years on this planet and in this home. I think fear and paranoia are driving my decision because I know this is going to be a huge investment for me and I only have one chance to get this right. I don’t want any regrets or any re-dos.. I do have pets and that factors in to mine, but your light traffic/wear lifestyle would probably be fine with your choice. Many of these brands advertise “soft under foot”…..but I’ve always wanted real hardwood, so I can’t see that as a plus. Who wants soft “wood” under foot? I want rigid, quiet, waterproof, insulated, durable, and “chemical-free”, That’s the list I’m taking with me when I visit local showrooms.
Thanks for the input….you are right that this should be something considered a long term investment so getting it right is wise…
This was a very helpful comment! Thanks!
We live in a very old home that has the old hard vinyl floor glued to floor. The vinyl has pitted and has many areas that it has peeled up. Can we glue Vinyl plank to that?
You don’t glue vinyl plank. It is a floating floor. You can install it over previous flooring, but if the existing flooring is not level, the planks will not be able to lock evenly.
Our home is designed for “Solar Gain,” That means that there are several months during the Winter that the sun shines onto the floor to heat the home. The sun begins to hit the floor on Sept 1st, Come the first day of winter the sun shines in at a maximum to about 13 feet into the home. After that it recedes until April 20th when it no longer is hitting the floor. A total of 134 days. We are in Northern Illinois so obviously we don’t continuous sun. God forbid…lol. As much as I want a hardwood floor, LVT is affordable as we have around 1300 sqft to cover. We really want a cream maple floor that has little variation in color!!!!! I believe there are some level issues with the subfloor that will have to be addressed. My concern is that the vinyl will fade or warp. What recommendations would you make in selecting a floor that will stand the test of time and sun?
I’ve been doing some research, but I’m not an expert….yet. 🙂 I know that all of these flooring options come with spec sheets and you’ll need to seek out and focus on the specs you are most concerned about. They are rated to withstand certain temperature ranges, and you would need to know that in order to prevent damage (fading, melting, warping, etc.) and not void your warranty.
We are trying to choose an LVP and see negative reviews, also positive on the different brands, Floor & Decor Duralux product, Home Depot LifeProof, Lowe’s…, Mannington, Armstong.
We want to install it through the entire house in Florida and we definitely want a waterproof product. Who can recommend a brand.
HELP!!!!
Most vinyl planks are decent if you get 12 mil or thicker withe the underlayment attached already….the luxury vinyl tends to be the cheaper or maybe just lower grade compared to regular vinyl planks…. i’d recommend looking for a quality honest affordable installer ….. the right installer will recommend quality vinyl, and will do quality work without any transitions or over lapping tile/wall edges, without any gaps where the tiles connect, and will do a measured layout of the entire house knowing where every plank edge will land on every wall before ever locking in the first plank.. however most just throw down a tile after a few measurement (not really understanding that they dont know) and will rely on pure chance and luck how the planks will land on the other side of the house…. or they will just use transition strips between rooms… a good installer recommendation (if they are legit honest and fair) beats a good vinyl recommendation cause the installer knows wat quality products are …..
You got that backwards. The TVs the Luxury Vinyl Plank that is the more expensive. The best is the Rigid Core Luxury Vinyn Plank with a 20mm or more thickness. I personally prefer the commercial grade.
Thicker the better
From my reading, 20 mil is not millimetres, what does mil stand for?
Example:
Amtico has a 1mm or 40 mil wear layer
What is the difference between 1 mm and 40 mil?
39.4 mils is equal to 1 mm so roughly 40 mils is the same as 1 mm
Further clarification, mils are thousandths of an inch, so 40 mils is .040″, which is a litter thicker than 1/32″.
Looking to replace the floor in my 5th wheel toy hauler. I’m considering a vinyl plank floating floor. Does anyone have any experience in doing an RV floor?
Depends on the temps your RV is exposed to. Vinyl of any description does nor hold up well to freeze thaw cycles, and the fibres that are molded to click together will take on moisture as the ice crystals within thaw out. Your floor could come undone within a few seasons.
My 50 year grantees vinyl plank floor from lumber liquidators shows wear at the plank edges because rolling desk chairs put excessive pressure. This was placed over a separate underpayment that lumber liquidators recommended and also sold me to go over the cement Can new vinyl plank s be placed over this existing vinyl plank floor?
You can’t put a floating floor over a floating floor
Anyone familiar with Masland LVP?
Can I install/is it acceptable, to install 1/4″ luan under the 20 mil/8mm wear layer in a house on the 2nd floor near the ocean? Should I glue the LVP or use snap together?
Can you put down vinyl plank over existing vinyl flooring? We built our house in 1980 and used Armstrong vinyl flooring which still looks new, but I am tired of it. Would like to update.
Yes you can👍
Is lvp a good choice for unheated homes with temps going in the 20’s?
I can see your question is from 2019, and this reply is probably no longer helpful to you, but I’ll state for anyone else who might be reading. All brands have spec sheets that will state the temperature range for their product and that is what their warranty will cover. Anything outside that and you could try it, but you’d be assuming the risk.
Has anyone ordered and had their LVP flooring through an online seller? If so, were there any problems? I am hesitant to do this but ran across a better than great deal!
I’ve done it twice and been more than happy both times.
Where did u get your great deal from??
I find all this information on vinyl flooring interesting and learning a lot. Can I put vinyl flooring on top of ceramic (I think it’s ceramic) tiles and if so, do I need to place anything on the tiles before the vinyl floors go down?
We are wondering the same thing? Answers?
We put vinyl plank flooring right over the top of ceramic flooring in a ground floor condo.That was 2 1/2 years ago.. This included KITCHEN LIVING DINING AND HALL.
Water proof vinyl plank still looks like new.. No shifting or separation. We used a type with foam backing attached.
If you are gluing your planks over ceramic tile it’s a good idea to run a sander over the ceramic first to scuff up the ceramic. If not the glue may not adhere to the smooth glazed ceramic. Also it’s a good idea to use a filler like Ardex to skim coat over the grout lines so it doesn’t show through on the new vinyl plank.
Warren
Pegasus Flooring
After spending significant time looking for a click install plank flooring that works for my entryway, I found one. However, it’s much thinner than the bamboo flooring it’s adjacent to. Can I use backerboard (or a thin piece of plywood) underneath to raise it to a similar height as the bamboo?
I have installed LVP flooring in my home. The Eternity 4mm Rigid Core vinyl plank.
Few days after installation, it has started to bulge at the centers. The heat from the slider door is making it bulge. Anything that I can do?
Thanks,
Varsha
Did u use spacerps around edges to allow for expansion or contraction in heat , humid, or cold
My laminate floor is curling on the corners and the seams are puckering. I am going to purchase vinyl planking with cork backing. Do I have to take my laminate out or can I go over it?
You can go over it. Cut off the peeling pieces to where it’s sticking well again, then patch the gaps with self leveling floor patch.
You cannot put a floating floor over another floating floor. Laminate will have to be removed first.
I am looking for Luxury Vinyl Planks — I would like 8mm and 20 mil but also went a snap lock system like Shaw Floorte or Floorte Pro. The only problem is I cannot find a color I like. I have a Laminate floor in my computer/sewing room called Spalted Maple and I love it but I cannot find anything close in Vinyl planks. I have oak cabinets and Natural maple dining room set, hutch, and breakfast set. Any suggestions?
Look at Provenza Maxcore Moda line. 8mm wear layer, 20mil – good for commercial use as well. To me, they are the most realistic wood vinyl floor out there.
Do you know how it holds up in a no air conditioning home and temps below 32 deg? Thanks.
There is a spalted maple at floor and decor, but it’s only 6.5 mm and I don’t know what the wear layer is!
Mannington has Ia spalted maple
I am trying to order LVP from Costco. Any reviews?
Leaning toward choosing Rose Canyon EVP from Lumber Liquidators. It is 8mm thick and has a wear layer of 28 mil. I have tried to “damage” the sample as a test of its durability and so far it has held up well compared to other samples I have from Home Depot (which revealed “white” underneath when I scratched it with scissors. ). Has anybody used this particular EVP?
We are also considering Rose Canyon EVP from Lumber Liquidators. I’m curious, did you go with it and are you pleased? If so, can you see distinction between planks (beveled edge) very well? Anything else we should think about with that specific flooring?
Jenny did you decide what product to use? Thanks.
We installed Core Luxe Ultra iwith underlayment n our daughter’s newly finished basement area throughout. She liked it so well that we did the main floor also. 4 dogs, 1 cat, 1 adult and 2 pre-teens. It’s been a year in the basement area – office, family room and laundry area. Main floor installed 4 months ago- still loving it! We are looking at same product, different colors (Rose Canyon) to install in our home 1500 sq ft. Lumber Liquidators and their chosen installer in our area did a great job! That’s why we would like to stay with them and this product again.
Very good information — I was only considering the 12 mm thickness ……
I’m looking for LVP but am totally confused about the thickness issue.
Contractor wants me to install 3mm glue down but it seems so thin compared to what I’ve seen at Lowe’s or Home Depot which are tongue and groove.
Any suggestions?
3mm is very thin. Home depot lifeproof is 7 mm. Higher quality is 8mm and up.
Glue-down conforms to surface and does not need to be thicker. Check out wear layer. A floating floor is a completely different product.
Do you have any comparisons on the type of coatings, I hear that is a very important component in these comparisons
Great info! I am pretty up to speed on a lot of the basics, what I can’t figure out is how important is what the wear layer is made of? I hear ceramic bead is the best but I was considering CoreTec and sounds like that is a urethane product.
Any insight on that topic and or brands that have a stronger material on the wear layer?
Two 65 year olds wanting to put waterproof vinyl strips with click construction in our basement. I would like to not spend hours running around looking for a suitable product. You wouldn’t possibly help us out by giving us a nice middle of the road flooring option, would you? Please… 30 some years of teaching 7th graders has exhausted me; driving all over hoping to find a good deal and a good product just doesn’t sound like that much fun!
Donna,
I’ve installed almost 1,400 sq. ft. of Lifeproof LVP from Home Depot in our house. It’s reasonably priced, has excellent color choices, easy to install and has held up to our 3 children and a 90 lb. dog!
BTW, my late father was an educator. I appreciate and commend you. Enjoy relaxing and your new floor!
Lifeproof is an excellent product. I am a flooring specialist at Home Depot.
The lifeproof I just looked at has a 6mil wear layer. That’s way below standard.
Is there a LVP that is better for laying 60 foot runs without stops?
So i found flooring i like that is 30 mil which I’m happy with, but the mm is 5.8. Does anyone know if that 5.8 is it okay number?
Is there a conversion calculator from mm to mil?
39.4 mil (thousandth of an inch) = 1 mm
google has one
Great Information – Thank you! Translates to Australian specs, too!!
FYI… Comparing Godfrey Hirst Orion Hybrid WPC Floor Boards (no phthalates) with Cork Backing at 7.8mm thickness, including .55mm Wear Layer and Karndean Looselay Longboards with Grip Backing (plastic type material) at 4.5mm thickness and .55mm wear layer.
Both offer either waterproof or for wet areas; 25 year Residential Warranty for Orion Hybrid, suitable for Heavy Traffic (Residential) areas; and Lifetime Warranty for Karndean, kid friendly and pet friendly.
Sizing is comparable in length and width. No difference.
Hope this helps some other floor board researchers!
Cheers
I am considering an Empire product called Valletta, they claim an overall thickness of 4.2 mm and a wear layer thickness of 12 mil. Do you think that is an acceptable thickness for a residential kitchen application? Thanks for your response.
We used Flooret Modin (Fogwood). Absolutely stunning…. and 40 mil wear layer!
Hi BSTEVE I am about to order Flooret Modin, trying to be sure I have done all my research and saw your post. Wondering if you still love it or have encountered any problems since your install?
Hi BSTEVE,
How have your Flooret floors held up? I am considering ordering them Thanks for your input!
Chris, the moderator has given guides as to 12 Mil = .3mm wear layer. From my research, a high traffic area ie. a kitchen, should be no less than 20 mil or approx .5mm wear layer. The thicker the wear layer the more resistant it is to wear & tear, denting, scratching etc. Heavy pots & pans, if dropped from shelving etc, could damage a thin wear layer. Hope this helps!!!
Thanks for this helpful comment, Jo! 🙂
Dear Jeanine (and Floor Critics.com)
Very good article! I’ve been researching online and asking ?s in stores for WEEKS to get contrasting answers. This new product has me stumped and sales reps are pushing it but the specs have me questioning if it will be a good fit. We do have an active family, cats, and the basement is to be a multipurpose (ping pong, dance, yoga, fitness…) space. The gym area has a rubber floor where weights will be used.
Coretec Pro Plus is relatively new and has a 30% thinner “CORE” but overall 5mm thickness. 0.5 mm/20 mil wear surface.
1.0 mm vinyl base layer
1.5 mm core
1.0 mm vinyl balance layer
1.0 mm cork underlayment. Seeing it in person the tongue and groove is noticeably thinner and while it would fit our budget much better than the $5.99/sq ft price of the the HD series.
Would you think “Pro Plus” provides adequate cushion? One flooring guy said you could add 1/8″ cork underlayment (3mm) and maintain warranty but also help it work better overall but then i’m looking at $490 for 7-100′ rolls to do a 610 sq ft floor… I’m torn if that would be worth it or to pay more for the thicker overall floor (“Plus has a 1.5mm cork so negligibly more underlayment cushion, the “core” is what I’m concerned with if I go Pro Plus….
HELP!
Andrew from Lexington, married 9.75 yrs, 4 cats, 2 little girls, 2 jobs, 1 basement renovation
Did you go with Coretec ProPlus? We are considering for our kitchen and living room area. The commercial (Pro) line is less than their residential line and I am wondering why.
I appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
Did u go with coretec pro ??? I am also considering the same one, whats bothering me is the thickness of the plank, ?
I’m a little confused, as my contractor told me to get 6-8 mm, but never mentioned the wear layer, I discovered that during some research. Everything I read says 6 mm and up but in lowes etc I am finding 0.3 layer. Is that actually 3 or is that something else. Is 0.3 bad? I am loving some of the vinyl planks that are 3.2-4.5 mm thickness but I am worried that this is going to crack? Anyone have any insight. I will continue to google information, but I’m down to some deadlines so I gotta make some decisions
For reference a 20mil wear layer is 0.5mm
0.3mm would be 12 mil
Can I use cork as an underlay with vinyl planks? (Probably going with CoreTec or Fusion (Vision)
Lots of great information! Had no idea there would be so much to consider when buying the vinyl flooring! Your guidelines will definitely be very helpful when checking out different flooring sources for vinyl flooring.
Thanks, Mary! Very happy to be of help. Be sure to reach out if you ever have any questions. 🙂
How much flooring can you lay before you have to put a transition in?
Most seem to be 100’ before transition but you should check the instructions for the product you are buying, should be ale to find instructions online.
Looking at floor and decors brand duralux – it’s 4mm think with a 12mil layer. Is that ok for a basement? Wouldn’t say high traffic, but does have some uneven spots. Additionally, the planks do have some padding on the back, but store still recommended the underlayment. Thoughts?