When it comes to choosing luxury vinyl flooring, most people focus on color or style. But there's another factor that can make or break your long-term satisfaction—thickness. At Southern Hardwood & Floor, we always guide our customers through understanding this key detail because it affects everything from how your floor feels underfoot to how well it stands up to wear and tear.
Below is a quick Q&A that serves as your go-to luxury vinyl flooring buying guide when evaluating flooring thickness. Let's break it down.
Q1: What does "thickness" mean in luxury vinyl flooring?
Thickness refers to the overall measurement of the vinyl plank or tile from the base to the top. It's usually measured in millimeters (mm).
What to know:
The most common thickness options range from 2mm to 8mm. Thinner floors are typically more affordable but offer less durability and comfort. Thicker floors provide better cushioning, noise reduction, and long-term performance.
We often recommend a minimum of 5mm thickness for residential areas and even thicker if you're placing the flooring in high-traffic zones or over uneven subfloors.
Q2: How does thickness relate to durability?
The thicker the plank, the more wear it can handle—especially when paired with a solid wear layer.
What to know:
It's not just about the base. Ask us about the wear layer too—that's the protective topcoat. For example, a 20 mil wear layer on a 6mm plank will outperform a 12 mil wear layer on a 4mm plank over time.
We guide our customers through comparing products so they get the right combination of core thickness and wear layer for their specific needs. Whether it's kids, pets, or lots of foot traffic, your floor has to hold up.
Q3: Does thickness impact comfort and sound?
Absolutely. Thicker luxury vinyl offers more cushion and insulation, both for sound and temperature.
What to know:
Walking barefoot on a 7mm plank with attached underlayment feels much softer than on a 2mm sheet glued to the subfloor. In multi-story homes, a thicker plank reduces echo and impact sound—especially helpful in bedrooms and upstairs areas.
Our luxury vinyl flooring installation guide always takes this into account when recommending underlayment or acoustic solutions.
Q4: Is thicker flooring easier to install or more complicated?
In most cases, thicker luxury vinyl planks are easier to install—especially if they include click-lock technology and attached padding.
What to know:
Thicker planks are more rigid and forgiving of slight subfloor imperfections. That means less prep work and faster luxury vinyl flooring installation. On the flip side, very thin vinyl may require additional underlayment or leveling.
We evaluate your subfloor and room type to suggest the most efficient install method, and we include all this in our quotes so you understand real Richmond, VA remodeling company prices up front.
Q5: What's trending in luxury vinyl thickness and styles right now?
Homeowners today want function and flair. That means thicker, wide-format planks with authentic textures and stylish colors.
What to know:
Luxury vinyl flooring trends include 7mm or 8mm planks that replicate the look and feel of hardwood with beveled edges and registered embossing. Popular luxury vinyl flooring colors include cool greys, natural oaks, and warm walnut tones that give your home a designer finish without the maintenance of real wood.
These styles also work great with radiant heating and are perfect for open-concept layouts.
Final Thoughts
Thickness isn't just a number—it's a key performance factor in any luxury vinyl flooring installation. From durability to comfort to ease of install, understanding what thickness means helps you make a smarter choice that lasts.
At Southern Hardwood & Floor, we're here to walk you through every layer of the decision-making process, so you get a floor that's just right for your home and lifestyle. If you've been searching for a flooring company near me, we'd love to show you why homeowners across Central Virginia trust our team.
We proudly serve Richmond and Charlottesville, VA with premium products, expert installation, and transparent pricing every step of the way.
