How to Choose the Thickness of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (and Why It Matters)

If you’ve been looking at luxury vinyl plank (LVP), you’ve probably noticed one thing: 

Every product pushes thickness like it’s the most important spec.
 
Here’s the reality from an installer’s point of view: 
thickness matters—but not in the way most people think. 

At Willow Flooring, we see this mistake all the time. People come in focused on 7mm vs 8mm, when the real difference in performance comes from something else entirely. 

Let’s break it down properly so you don’t waste money or end up with the wrong floor. 

What “Thickness” Actually Means

LVP thickness is measured in millimeters (mm), usually between 4mm and 8mm+. 
That number includes: 

• The wear layer (top protection)  
• The vinyl core  
• The backing (sometimes with attached underlay)  

Important: Not all thickness is equal. 
A thicker plank doesn’t automatically mean a stronger or longer-lasting floor.

The Two Thicknesses That Matter (And One Matters Way More)

1. Total Thickness (mm) 

This affects: 

• How solid the floor feels under your feet  
• Minor sound reduction  
• How forgiving the plank is on slightly uneven subfloors 

Typical ranges: 

• 4–5mm → Budget or low-use areas  
• 5–6.5mm → Most homes  
• 6.5–8mm+ → Premium feel, better stability

2. Wear Layer (mil) — This Is the Big One 

This is the clear protective layer on top of the plank. 
It determines resistance to: 

• Scratches  
• Dents  
• Daily wear from foot traffic, pets, furniture  

Typical ranges: 

• 6–8 mil → Light use  
• 12 mil → Standard residential  
• 20 mil+ → Heavy traffic, pets, or rentals  

👉 If you ignore everything else, don’t ignore this. 

A thick plank with a weak wear layer won’t hold up.

Why Thickness Matters (and When It Doesn’t)

Where Thickness Actually Helps

1. Slight Subfloor Imperfections 
Thicker planks can handle minor unevenness a bit better. 
But be careful: 

👉 Thickness is not a fix for a bad subfloor. Proper prep always matters. 

2. Feel and Sound
Thicker floors feel more solid and less hollow.
You’ll notice this more in:

• Open-concept homes
• Upstairs areas
• Condos

3. Locking System Strength

Thicker planks usually have stronger click systems, which: 

• Makes install smoother  
• Reduces the chance of joints separating over time 

Where Thickness Doesn’t Matter

Scratch resistance? → That’s the wear layer 

Waterproofing? → All LVP is waterproof 

Longevity? → Depends more on wear layer and install quality

What We Recommend at Willow Flooring

Bedrooms / Low Traffic

• 5–6mm thickness  
• 8–12 mil wear layer  

Keep it simple. No need to overspend. 

Main Living Areas 

• 6–7mm thickness  
• 12–20 mil wear layer  

This is the sweet spot for most Calgary homes. 

Homes with Pets or Kids

• 6.5mm+ thickness  
• 20 mil wear layer minimum  

Homes with Pets or Kids

• 6.5mm+ thickness
• 20 mil wear layer minimum

Focus on durability first.

Basements / Rental Properties

• 5–6mm thickness
• 12 mil wear layer

Cost-effective but still reliable.

Common Mistakes We See All the Time

1. Chasing the Highest mm Number

• 8mm sounds great—but it’s not always necessary.

2. Ignoring the Wear Layer

• This is the biggest mistake. It directly affects how your floor holds up.

3. Skipping Subfloor Prep

• Even the best product will fail if the base isn’t right.

4. Mixing Up mm and mil

• They measure completely different things.

Straight Talk From Installers

If you asked our team what actually matters most, it would be:

1. Wear layer
2. Subfloor prep
3. Quality of the locking system
4. Thickness (after everything above)

Final Thoughts

Choosing LVP thickness isn’t about picking the thickest option.

It’s about choosing a floor that fits how your home is actually used.

Wear layer protects your floor.
Thickness affects how it feels and installs.

Get both right, and you’ll have a floor that looks good and holds up for years.

Need Help Choosing?

If you’re not sure what’s right for your space, it’s worth getting a second opinion before you buy.

At Willow Flooring, we’ll walk you through real options based on your home, your budget, and how the space is used—no upselling, no guesswork.