Our vinyl flooring thickness guide will help you know the vinyl plank flooring thickness and choose the right vinyl product for your home. We talk about how thick is luxury vinyl plank, lvp, or luxury vinyl tile, lvt, for your specific use. There are a lot of different thickness options available for rigid vinyl floors. Learn which plank measurements matter for a vinyl product today in our post here.
We'll also look into the wear layer thickness in vinyl floors. As well as wear layer additives in them like aluminum oxide coatings.
Furthermore, we'll examine wear layer thickness considerations and life expectancy as well. Additionally, we will highlight popular vinyl plank brands offering a wide range of thickness options for you to choose from.
Lastly, vinyl installation methods like the Click Lock system, Glue-Down, and Loose-Lay are important to know. This will help you understand the nuances involved with installing a new floor. Considering factors like room activity levels you can know how thick plank flooring needs to be for your home.
Table of Contents:
- Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Measuring Thickness and Quality
- Wear Layer Thickness Considerations
- Installation Methods for Vinyl Flooring
- Selecting Patterns That Reduce Repeat Visuals
- Choosing the Right Thickness for Your LVP
- FAQs in Relation to LVP Thickness
- Conclusion
Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are two main types of vinyl plank flooring available in the market based on their core. Solid Polymer Core (SPC) vinyl plank has a rigid stone core. Wood Composite Core (WPC) has a softer wood composite core like laminate floors.
Both offer an affordable alternative to traditional hardwood, marble, or stone flooring. SPC vinyl provides more robust durability and performance due to a more rigid core. The thickness of both plank products plays a role in their overall lifespan. LVT or luxury vinyl tile shares similar thickness specs to LVP as well as their vinyl cores.
SPC vs WPC Luxury Vinyl Products
Both SPC and WPC vinyl planks offer an affordable alternative to traditional hardwood, marble, or a stone floor. SPC vinyl provides more robust durability and performance due to a more rigid core. WPC vinyl has a more cushioning feel underfoot due to a softer wood core layer.
LVP and LVT Floors & Their Layers
LVP and LVT usually share the same specs and are made on the same manufacturer assembly lines. Expect overall plank thicknesses of 3-8mm thick with a wear layer of 6-20 mils. I recommend lvp and lvt for most homeowners because of their water resistance, scratch resistance, and ease of installation on an even subfloor using floating floor methods like click-lock systems.
- Stone Polymer Core: Overall Plank Thickness: 4-8mm Wear Layer: 6-20 mils
- Wood Composite Core: Overall Plank Thickness: 5-9mm Wear Layer: 6-20 mils
All vinyl plank options come in a variety of designs, colors, and thicknesses to target specific rooms in a home or a commercial space. Some popular brands that you should trust to have quality baked into their products in the market include Shaw Floors Floorte Pro and US Floors' COREtec.
Vinyl Floor Thickness, Wear Layer, and Quality Specs
Thickness is a main factor for some professionals to qualify the durability of vinyl plank. Obviously this is short-sighted if you aren't paying attention to the cores differences ov vinyl planks as I have shown above. However, the wear layer thickness of a product is much more cut and dry. A thicker wear layer is always better than a thin one. If a wear layer has an additional aluminum oxide coating material mixed in then we are looking at true longevity built into the product. The thickness of a wear layer is measured in mils, one mill is one-thousandth of an inch.
Wear Layers Cheat Sheet
The wear layer serves as a clear coated shield. This thin clear material protects against scuffs, discoloration, and everyday abuse your floor may endure. Big, beefy, thick-juicy wear layers are more durable than thinner ones. High-traffic areas or commercial spaces require a large and in-charge wear layer.
- 6-mil: Good choice for light residential use (e.g., bedrooms)
- 12-mil: Ideal for a balanced residential use (e.g., living rooms)
- 20-mil: Perfect for young families or light commercial uses (e.g., offices)
- Above 20-mil: Recommended for heavy commercial applications (e.g., retail stores)
Aluminum Oxide Coating
A measurement isn't the only spec to look at for wear layers. The ingredients added to this clear coat mix is also a predictor of how tough or robust this protective surface is. Aluminum oxide is a harsh factory-applied chemical that is also used on prefinished hardwood to protect a wooden surface from surface scratches. This additive prevents scratches on soft natural materials like wood. Aluminum oxide works like gang-busters for LVP and LVT with limestone/vinyl cores. This material also helps prevent any signs of color fading caused by the sunlight's UV exposure.
Wear Layer Thickness Considerations
When it comes to vinyl plank floors, the wear layer thickness plays a significant role in determining its durability and longevity. A wear layer with a 20-mil thickness provides better protection against scratches, stains, and impact damage compared to thinner wear layers. This ensures an extended life expectancy for your vinyl flooring - up to 20 years under proper care. It is essential to consider this factor when choosing between various vinyl floor options like sheet vinyl or luxury vinyl plank that offer more durabilty, embossed textures, and easier installation.
Vinyl Sheet vs. Vinyl Plank Floors
In addition to considering wear layer thickness options when selecting vinyl flooring materials, sheet vinyl also offer different benefits. Sheet vinyl is a much thinner product and more waterproof than competing flooring like carpet tiles. This makes vinyl sheet flooring great for bathroom floors. A sheet vinyl floor is suitable for low-traffic areas or budget-conscious projects. Sheet vinyl won't last as long as thicker vinyl plank floor. A vinyl plank floor, on the other hand, feature wear layers (up to 30 mils) and provide better durability in high-traffic spaces. When comparing sheet vinyl vs. traditional planks, consider factors like installation method (vinyl plank floating floor or sheet vinyl glue-down) and overall aesthetics. Vinyl plank offers detailed embossing and more realistic graphics than usually found in sheet vinyl flooring options. Choosing the right wear layer thickness is crucial for the longevity and durability of your vinyl floors. Consider the traffic levels of the space you're installing the floors in and the benefits of sheet vinyl vs. traditional planks. With the right thickness and style, your vinyl floors can last for years to come.
Installation Methods for Thicker Vinyl Flooring
There are three primary installation methods available when working with luxury vinyl, each offering its own set of advantages depending on your specific project requirements. Understanding these methods will help ensure long-lasting satisfaction from this popular choice among homeowners today.
Click Lock Method
Also called a Lock & Tap, is a floating installation using interlocking edges to firmly secure vinyl planks together without glue or nails. This is easy for DIY and professional installers to lay down this flooring quickly and efficiently.
Glue-down Method
A Glue-down install involves adhering each individual piece of vinyl directly on the subfloor using special adhesives. This method provides increased stability and durability when compared to a float installation but it will require much more preparation and time to complete. A professional is recommended for this install method.
Loose-Lay Technology
A newer option is Loose-Lay technology which uses suction and friction patterns under each plank. The result? A very easy, ver simple, and somewhat sturdy bond between a plank and the subfloor. I do not have specific experience or time tested data to support this as a long lasting product. No matter which installation method you choose, consider factors such as room size, activity level, and subfloor conditions. By selecting the right method for your needs, you can ensure a successful installation that will provide years of enjoyment from your new vinyl floor. And if you're wondering about thickness options, check out this helpful guide to find the perfect fit for your space.
Popular Vinyl Plank & Vinyl Tiles Brands
In addition to Shaw Floors' extensive collection of luxury vinyl plank options featuring various thicknesses, installation methods (floating floor, glue-down), and wear layer options, Armstrong or Bruce Flooring offers a diverse range of LVP to cater towards different budgets and design preferences. Some other popular brands in the market include:
- Mohawk: Known for its innovative designs and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
- Bruce: Acquired by AHF but has over 140 years of quality flooring
- Shaw Floorte Pro: Offers wood-look planks and stone-like tiles with realistic textures.
- COREtec: Features patented WPC (wood plastic composite) core technology that provides superior stability while resisting water damage.
Choosing the Right Thickness for LVP and LVT
The right thickness ensures that your floors can withstand daily wear-and-tear and support the weight of heavy furniture or appliances. Here's what you need to know to choose the right thickness for your needs: Consider the amount of foot traffic and movement in the area where you'll install your vinyl floors. For low-traffic areas like bedrooms or home offices, thinner vinyl planks may suffice. But for busy spaces like living rooms or commercial settings, opt for thicker options like 12mm or even 20mm laminate flooring.
Understanding Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness Weight Support Requirements
Thicker vinyl planks provide better stability and weight distribution than their thinner counterparts. This is especially important if you plan to place heavy items like pianos, pool tables, or kitchen islands on top of your floating floor.
- 4mm: Suitable for light residential use without heavy furniture; ideal for small apartments or guest rooms.
- 6mm: Appropriate for moderate residential use with some heavier pieces; great choice for family homes.
- 8-12mm: Designed for heavy residential or commercial use; can handle substantial weight and high foot traffic.
Check out ReallyCheapFloors.com for affordable, high-quality luxury vinyl plank options.
FAQs in Relation to Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness
What is the standard thickness of luxury vinyl plank?
The standard range is from 2mm to 8mm, with most residential installations using planks between 4mm and 6mm for a balance of durability and affordability.
Does vinyl plank flooring come in different thicknesses?
Yes, LVP comes in various thicknesses ranging from thin (2-4 mm) to thick (5-8 mm).
What is the thickness of the wear layer for vinyl planks?
Wear layers vary between 6 mils and 22 mils. In general, a bigger number is more durable.
Is a 5mm thick plank good?
A 5mm-thick vinyl plank offers. If there is a decent 20 mil wear layer on the floor it can work for both residential spaces with moderate foot traffic as well as some commercial applications.
Conclusion
Thick vinyl plank flooring is a game-changer for any space, and it's essential to know the different types available, including sheet vinyl, and luxury vinyl tile options. Wear layer thickness is measured in mils (one thousandth of an inch) and the thicker the better. Overall plank thickness is measured in mm (millimeters) and an SPC core is more important than a super-thick WPC product. Textures and designs for vinyl plank floors are endless. Popular brands like Shaw Floors and Mohawk and COREtec have designs to macth any decor. When it comes to DIY installations click lock or loose lay methods are available.
