How Thick Should Vinyl Plank Flooring Be? Expert Guide for 2025: Choosing the Right Vinyl Plank Floor Thickness for Durability, Comfort, and Style

Vinyl plank flooring is a favorite among American homeowners, designers, and DIYers thanks to its durability, water resistance, and convincing wood-like looks. But when you’re shopping, thickness can be surprisingly confusing. If you’ve stared at labels like “2mm”, “6.5mm”, or “20 mil wear layer” and wondered what’s best, you’re not alone. As a professional interior designer who advises both first-timers and seasoned remodelers, I see this question all the time. Let’s break down what thickness really means, why it matters, and how to make the right choice for your home, office, or rental.

Project Planning: Why Does Vinyl Plank Thickness Matter?

In vinyl plank flooring, you’ll see two commonly referenced measurements: the overall thickness (mm, or millimeters) and the wear layer (mil, or thousandths of an inch). Overall thickness affects how the product feels underfoot, its stability, and sometimes its sound insulation. The wear layer, meanwhile, is all about durability and resistance to scratches, dents, and scuffs.

A thin plank (2–3mm) may feel hard and can telegraph subfloor imperfections. Going up to 4–5mm gives noticeably more comfort and stability. Premium options (6–8mm) often include integrated underlayment for sound reduction and a more solid, authentic feel underfoot. Trust me: if you’ve lived with both, there’s no going back to ultra-thin options!

Level of Detail & Time: How Thickness Impacts Installation

Thicker vinyl planks are easier to install over imperfect subfloors. When I helped remodel a century-old house in Baltimore, the original wood floor was patchy and uneven—only a 6.5mm product floated smoothly and hid the irregularities. Thinner products, especially 2–4mm click-lock planks, can sometimes highlight bumps or depressions unless the subfloor is perfectly prepped.

Planning to DIY your install? A thicker plank with attached underlayment can save hours, since you won’t need to buy or lay separate padding, and minor imperfections are better hidden.

AI-Assisted Modeling for Visualizing Floor Upgrades

Modern floor planning tools now allow you to simulate different plank thicknesses and even acoustics before you buy. For clients concerned about foot traffic noise in a home office or rental, these tools help you visualize and compare the effect of 4mm versus 7mm options in minutes—a huge leap over the guesswork of the past.

Speaking of home offices, use this guide for optimizing your home office layout to ensure correct floor and furniture harmony in your digital model before making product choices in real life.

Common Mistakes & Fixes: Avoiding Thin Floor Regrets

A frequent mistake is choosing thin planks (2–3mm) to save on cost, only to regret it when they feel cheap, develop gaps, or show damage in high-traffic areas. A design client in Nashville chose a budget 3mm floor in their kitchen and needed a replacement within 18 months as appliances and barstools caused visible gouges. Upgrading to a 6mm product with a 20 mil wear layer made all the difference!

Best Vinyl Plank Thickness by Room

1. Low-traffic (bedrooms, studies): 4–5mm overall, 8–12 mil wear layer
2. Living areas, kitchens: 5–6.5mm overall, 12–20 mil wear layer
3. Commercial/rentals/heavy traffic: 6.5–8mm overall, 20–28 mil wear layer

If you want expert workflow simulation of foot traffic and noise before choosing, check out a 3D floor planner for realistic previews—especially important if you’re combining open plan spaces or multifunctional rooms.

Case Study: Family Room Transformation

The Johnson family in Denver was torn between 4mm and 7mm luxury vinyl plank for their busy family room renovation. I encouraged them to try digital modeling, adding toddler and pet activity into the simulation. The thicker product not only visually looked better in our model, but the added weight and underlayment resulted in less echo and a warmer, softer feel. Two years later, the floor still looks brand new and the family swears it’s the best investment choice they made.

FAQ

1. What’s the standard thickness for vinyl plank flooring?
2. Most homes use 4–6.5mm thick planks. The wear layer should be 12–20 mil for optimal durability in active areas.
3. Is thicker always better?
4. Generally, thicker is more comfortable, offers sound insulation, and resists subfloor imperfections. But, for upstairs installs, thinner may be preferred to avoid problems at doorways.
5. How does wear layer differ from overall thickness?
6. The wear layer is the protective top surface (measured in mils), while total thickness (mm) includes all layers. Both matter, but wear layer is key for longevity.
7. Can I use thin planks in bathrooms?
8. It’s possible, but thicker options (5–6mm+) feel more solid, especially with frequent moisture and foot traffic. Pair with a trusted bathroom layout tool for visualizing the result.
9. Is underlayment needed for vinyl plank flooring?
10. Many thick planks (6mm+) already have attached underlayment. For others, a separate pad may help with comfort, noise, or moisture control.
11. What thickness is best for basements?
12. A minimum of 5mm is wise for slightly uneven floors. Consider 6.5–8mm if you want plush comfort in finished basements.
13. Will thicker flooring raise my floor too much?
14. Yes, it can—especially at doorways or adjacent to tile/wood floors. Always measure your transitions!
15. How about rentals or high-traffic entryways?
16. Go thick: 6mm+ overall, with 20+ mil wear layers for longevity and resistance to tenant or pet abuse.
17. What’s the best choice for DIYers?
18. Click-lock, 5–6.5mm planks with attached underlayment. Easier to handle and more forgiving during installation.
19. Can I find quality thick vinyl planks on a budget?
20. Definitely. Many brands offer competitive prices; compare specs using a free floor plan creator to preview before you buy.
21. Is thicker vinyl plank better for pets?
22. Yes! Thicker and higher wear layer options withstand claws and zoomies better, while feeling more comfortable underfoot for your furry friends.
23. How long does installation take for thicker planks?
24. Usually just a few extra hours compared to thin products, since thicker planks often hide small imperfections and can require less subfloor prep.