A Quick and Easy Vinyl Flooring Thickness Guide

Choosing the perfect vinyl flooring for your home means you’re faced with terms like “wear layer thickness” and “core thickness.”

Both are critical to get right.

But don’t worry—selecting the right thicknesses for your vinyl flooring doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this quick and easy guide, you will understand vinyl flooring thickness (wear layer and overall thickness) and how it affects comfort, durability, and performance.

Whether you’re planning to redo your kitchen, bathroom, or living room,  by the end you will know how to choose the vinyl wear layer and overall thickness that best supports your day-to-day life.

Understanding Vinyl Flooring Thickness

When it comes to vinyl flooring, “thickness” can refer to two things:

1. Overall product thickness – This is the total measurement from the bottom to the top of the vinyl flooring in millimeters. It affects how comfortable and insulated the floor feels underfoot.

1. Wear layer thickness – The wear layer is the transparent protective surface, measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inches). It’s your vinyl floor’s armor, keeping it safe from scratches, dents, and daily wear.

Why Wear Layer and Overall Thickness Matters

Both wear layer and overall thickness affects performance in a couple of ways:

• Durability: The wear layer determines how long your floor will last, especially in high-traffic areas. Thicker wear layers (i.e., 20 mils) mean more durability.

• Comfort & Insulation: A thicker overall floor (i.e., 6mm+) provides more cushioning, soundproofing, and insulation, making it ideal for places where you will stand or walk a lot.

A glue-down floor is typically thinner. This means it won’t feel as comfortable underfoot as a thicker floor; however, thinner glue-down offers better dimensional stability, so it’s your best bet for big, open spaces. If you want a floor that you don’t have to worry about staying put, glue-down is your best choice.

Some products offer the versality to be either floating/locked in place or glued down.

Choosing Thickness Based on Your Subfloor and Installation Type

Your choice of vinyl flooring thickness will depend on the type of subfloor and installation type.

• Concrete Subfloors: Concrete is solid and hard. Thicker vinyl flooring (6mm+) or vinyl with an attached underlayment can help soften the feel and reduce noise. A thinner glue-down product offers the greatest dimensional stability but won’t feel as soft when you walk on it.

• Wood Subfloors: Many people choose a thicker clicklock/floating floor to install over wood subfloors. Glue down is also effective because the wood provides better natural cushion than concrete.

Installation Methods and Thickness Choices

The installation method also plays a role in determining the thickness of your vinyl flooring.

• Glue-down vinyl flooring: Known for its stability and lower price point, glue-down options are typically thinner. Glue-down vinyl works exceptionally well in open areas with heavy furniture and appliances.

• Click-lock and floating floors: These are thicker (4–10mm) and offer added comfort underfoot. Floating floors also require transition strips when installed in larger spaces every 30 ft.

NOTE: Always check manufacturer guidelines for underlayment compatibility to avoid issues later. For homes with radiant heating, verify that your chosen vinyl supports temperature fluctuations.

Matching Thickness to Room Requirements

Not every room has the same needs, and you will want to think about what each room demands, so you can choose the most suitable product.

1. Room Type: High-traffic areas like kitchens, entryways, and rooms where people gather demand thicker wear layers (we recommend 12 mils or more). Meanwhile, guest bedrooms or low-use spaces can do with thinner options.

2. Aesthetics: Be mindful of how thickness affects transitions between rooms, baseboards, and overall flooring height.

Common Recommendations for Floating/Click-Lock by Room

• Kitchens & Bathrooms: Floating/click-lock LVP with at least 6mm thickness and a 12-mil wear layer offers great durability. Thinner glue-down with at least a 12-mil wear-layer is also a good choice, depending on your long-term plans and needs.

• Laundry Rooms: Durability is key here. Choose 6mm or thicker products with a wear layer of 12+ mil. A thinner glue-down with a strong wear layer can also work well.

• Living Rooms or Bonus Rooms: Thicker floating floors (e.g., 6–10mm) provide soundproofing and added comfort, perfect for areas where sound insulation matters most.

The Role of Wear Layer Thickness in Durability

The wear layer is your vinyl flooring’s defense. High foot traffic, pets, kids, and furniture can all damage your floor, but a strong wear layer keeps your floors tiptop.

• For residential use, choose wear layers of 12–20 mils.

• For higher traffic in light commercial areas, consider wear layers above 20+ mils.
• A 2.5mm floor with a 20-mil wear layer can withstand more wear and tear than a 4mm floor with an 8-mil wear layer.

• For durability, focus on wear layer thickness, especially for areas prone to wear.

Practical Tips for Selecting the Right Thickness

When choosing vinyl flooring, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Keep these tips in mind to find the perfect fit for your home.

Check Your Priorities

• Need more comfort underfoot and less noise? Pick thicker vinyl (6mm+) with underlayment.

• On a budget? Focus on thinner floors with durable wear layers for high-impact protection.
• Need the most dimensionally stable floor? Choose glue-down vinyl.

Understand Sound Ratings for Multi-Level Buildings

• Check the Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings when selecting vinyl for upper floors to reduce noise for your downstairs neighbors. You may be able to pair it with cork underlayment for even better soundproofing.

Be Mindful of Cost

• Thicker vinyl tends to be more expensive, but it’s not always the best choice. Assess your needs carefully instead of going for maximum thickness everywhere.

Consider Aesthetics and Transition Height

• If different spaces in your home have varying flooring heights, use molding (like T-molding or reducers) to ensure smooth transitions for a polished look. Shop stylish vinyl trim and flooring transitions.

Conclusion

Selecting the right vinyl flooring thickness is all about balancing your priorities. Whether it’s ensuring durability with a thicker wear layer or adding extra comfort with a higher overall product thickness, there’s a solution to suit every space in your home.

Take the time to consider your subfloor, room usage, and overall performance expectations. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy a stylish, long-lasting floor that enhances your space.