How to Select a Thickness for Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Posted by Flooring Superstores Edmonton on 1st Sep 2023

How to Select a Thickness for Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

How to Select a Thickness for Your Luxury Vinyl Plank FlooringThere are many pros to choosing luxury vinyl plank flooring for your home, but one thing you may not consider right away is thickness. Vinyl plank flooring has a variety of thicknesses that can range from 2mm all the way to over 8mm. With such a range and varying options, it can feel difficult to choose the right one. Visit us today to learn more!

Luxury Vinyl Plank Thickness

As we said, luxury vinyl plank flooring has a wide range of thicknesses. A general rule being the thicker the floor, the more sturdy it is. One of the most important things to know is thickness is not related to durability. Thickness is about stability and comfort. When choosing a thickness you need to ask yourself a few questions:

  • Where is it being installed?
  • Is there a lot of foot traffic?
  • What type of subfloor do I have and is it in good condition?
  • What type of vinyl am I looking to choose?

After asking yourself these questions, you should know that low-traffic areas can have a thinner vinyl whereas high-traffic and often-used areas should have a thicker floor.

Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring

With technology improving vinyl it has created a variety of different types. With so many options, it will have an impact on your final design decisions. Basic vinyl is less stable than those made with a more engineered core. Engineered cores have a solid construction that is different. If you end up choosing flooring with an engineered core, thickness won't be as much of a factor in your decision since the vinyl is designed with durability and stability in mind.

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Types of Subflooring

When debating what type of flooring you'll need, we mentioned knowing the state of your subflooring. This is key to choosing the right thickness because some subfloors are sturdy enough on their own. This means you won't need incredibly thick luxury vinyl plank flooring for extra support and comfort. If the subfloor is thin, you will want to choose a thicker floor to get that stability, comfort, and support.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Wear Layers

As we mentioned, the durability of your luxury vinyl plank flooring doesn't have anything to do with it's thickness. You may be inclined to think the thicker the floor, the longer it will take to break down or withstand more wear and tear. In reality, the wear layer determines how durable and long lasting the flooring will be. Many manufacturers will advise you on the thickness of the wear layer. You need to ask yourself the same questions with the understanding that the thicker the layer, the more durable it will be.

Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Experts

High traffic areas will need much thicker vinyl to ensure your flooring is sturdy and supportive. Your decision will also need to factor in the condition of your subflooring. If you're ready for a new luxury vinyl plank flooring project, stop in and see our experts today