LVP Thickness: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

When people talk about LVP thickness, they often mean different things. Some are asking about the overall thickness of the plank, while others are actually interested in the wear layer thickness – and both of these measurements matter for different reasons.

Let’s break this down simply:

The total thickness is basically how thick the entire plank is when you look at it from the side – like if you were to measure it with a ruler. This usually ranges from 2mm to 15mm. This overall thickness affects how comfortable the floor feels under your feet, how well it reduces noise when you walk on it, and how well it can hide any little imperfections in your subfloor.

On the other hand, the wear layer thickness refers to the transparent protective layer on top of your plank that serves as a protective shield. It’s usually between 6 and 30 mils (that’s a measurement used in flooring, where 1 mil equals 0.001 inches). This layer is what determines how well your floor will stand up to scratches, scuffs, and daily wear and tear.

Let’s look at both types of thickness in detail to help you choose the right LVP flooring for your space. Whether you’re planning to install luxury vinyl planks in a busy family room, a quiet bedroom, or a commercial space, understanding these measurements will help you make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come. We’ll start by exploring total plank thickness and then move on to wear layer options, with specific recommendations for different situations and budgets.

LVP Total Thickness: How to Choose the Right Plank Thickness for Your Space

The total thickness of luxury vinyl plank flooring refers to the entire plank construction from top to bottom. When you measure an LVP plank from its surface to its base, you’re measuring all four essential layers:

• The wear layer on top that protects against scratches and daily wear
• The decorative layer that creates the wood-like appearance
• The core layer that provides stability and structure
• The backing layer that offers support and moisture resistance

Total thickness is often a good indicator of the overall build quality of LVP flooring. Generally, thicker planks tend to be more durable and offer better performance, though there are certainly high-quality thinner options available as well.

LVP thickness ranges from 2mm (approximately 1/12 inch) at the thinnest to 15mm (about 5/8 inch) for the thickest planks available on the market. Here’s a quick reference for common thicknesses:

• 15mm (5/8 inch) – Thickest available option
• 2mm (1/12 inch) – Thinnest available option
• 4mm (5/32 inch) – Entry-level thickness
• 5mm (3/16 inch) – Standard residential thickness
• 6.5mm (1/4 inch) – Premium residential thickness
• 8mm (5/16 inch) – Commercial grade thickness
• 12mm (1/2 inch) – Premium commercial grade

Thinnest LVP

The thinnest 2-3mm options are usually budget products that we don’t recommend for long-term use. These thin planks tend to show subfloor imperfections and don’t provide adequate noise reduction or walking comfort.

Mid-Range LVP Thickness

The most common LVP thickness range, where you’ll find the widest selection of products and styles, is between 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch (6.5mm to 9.5mm). These include various standard thicknesses like 1/4 inch (6.5mm), 5/16 inch (8mm), 11/32 inch (8.5mm), and 3/8 inch (9.5mm). This range offers great value and performance for most residential applications, from bedrooms and living rooms to home offices.

These thicknesses work great in both homes and commercial spaces. You’ll find them in stores and offices where lots of people walk through every day, but they’re also a perfect choice for apartments and condos. The thickness helps reduce noise between floors, which is really important when you live in a building with multiple floors and neighbors above or below you. For commercial spaces, these same planks often come with better wear layers to handle more foot traffic.

The Thickest LVP

The thickest LVP available measures (5/8 inch / 15mm). While thickness isn’t everything when it comes to flooring quality, going with the thickest planks between (1/2 inch / 12mm) and (5/8 inch / 15mm) is a safe choice that eliminates most common concerns about vinyl flooring.

These premium planks handle heavy commercial traffic with ease, making them perfect for hotels and busy restaurants. In homes, they provide peace of mind for families with pets and active children – you won’t have to worry about dog claws, dropped toys, or furniture scratches. 

The extra thickness also brings better sound insulation, which is especially valuable in multi-story homes or apartments. As a bonus, these thicker planks provide better heat insulation, helping maintain comfortable room temperature and potentially reducing energy costs.

Standard thickness LVP usually costs between $4-6 per square foot, while the thickest premium options run higher, typically $7-10 per square foot.

Total plank thickness matters, but it’s not the whole story. A (3/16 inch / 5mm) thick plank with a good wear layer can actually hold up better than a thicker plank with a thin protective surface. The wear layer is basically what keeps your floor looking good through years of use.

Wear Layer Thickness: What Really Makes Your LVP Last

Total plank thickness matters, but it’s not the whole story. A (3/16 inch / 5mm) thick plank with a good wear layer can actually hold up better than a thicker plank with a thin protective surface. The wear layer is basically what keeps your floor looking good through years of use.

For most homes, a 12 mil wear layer works great. This thickness can handle everyday life – kids playing, pets running around, and furniture being moved. Many pet-friendly LVP options start at this wear layer thickness because it provides good protection against scratches and daily wear.

However, many of the higher quality (and usually thicker) LVP options come with 20 or 22 mil wear layers, and there’s a good reason for that. This extra thickness adds more protection, making the floor even more durable and longer-lasting. It’s especially good for busy households where the floor sees a lot of action.

The thickest 30 mil wear layer is basically the best protection you can get in LVP flooring. While most homes don’t really need this much protection, it’s perfect for anyone who wants zero worries about their floor’s durability. You’ll often find this thickness in commercial spaces, but some homeowners choose it for ultimate peace of mind.

The wear layer thickness has a big impact on LVP pricing, as we can see with these three options. Hudson River, with its 12 mil wear layer, comes in at $4.87 per square foot and provides good protection for regular home use. Moving up to Peace River, you get a 22 mil wear layer for $7.50 per square foot, making it more durable for active households. Heirloom Oak sits at the top with a 30 mil wear layer and $9.99 per square foot price tag, offering the best protection you can get in vinyl plank flooring.

You’ll often find that LVP with thicker wear layers also comes with better overall thickness and build quality, including improved sound insulation. This explains why prices go up as wear layers get thicker, though any of these options can be a good choice – it really depends on what you need and what fits your budget.

What You Need to Know About LVP Thickness: Final Tips

LVP thickness matters for how your floor performs in real life – from handling daily foot traffic to reducing noise between rooms. Standard residential thickness between (1/4 inch / 6.5mm) and (3/8 inch / 9.5mm) works great in most homes, while the thickest vinyl plank flooring at (5/8 inch / 15mm) provides maximum protection and sound reduction. Remember that the wear layer is just as important as total thickness – even a thinner plank with a good wear layer can outperform a thicker one with poor surface protection.

We’ve covered various LVP options, from basic residential choices to premium thicknesses, to help you understand what works where. Whether you go with standard thickness for your bedrooms or the thickest LVP for busy areas, knowing what these measurements mean helps you make a better choice for your space and budget.`