How to Choose the Right Thickness and Wear Layer for LVP Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has quickly become one of the most popular flooring choices for both homeowners and contractors—and for good reason. It’s durable, waterproof, stylish, and cost-effective. But when it comes time to choose a product, many customers get stuck on two key specs: thickness and wear layer.

Carolina Hickory (AA004) 6.5mm 22mil

Here's a simple breakdown to help you make the right decision with confidence.

What Do "Thickness" and "Wear Layer" Actually Mean?

Before diving into recommendations, let's clarify the difference:

• Thickness = the total thickness of the plank (measured in millimeters)

• Wear Layer = the protective top layer that resists scratches, dents, and wear (measured in mils)

  
  

Think of it like this:

Thickness affects feel and stability.

Wear layer affects durability and lifespan.

How to Choose the Right Thickness

LVP typically ranges from 4mm to 8mm+ in thickness.

4mm-5mm (Budget-Friendly Option)

Best for:

• Low-traffic areas

• Rental properties

• Quick flips

Pros:

• Lower cost

• Easy to install

Cons:

• Less forgiving on uneven subfloors

• Feels thinner underfoot

  
  

5mm-6.5mm (Most Popular)

Best for:

• Most homes

• Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens

Pros:

• Great balance of price and performance

• More comfortable feel

• Better sound absorption

  
  

This is what we recommend for most of our customers at Plank'd Discount Flooring.

7mm-8mm (Premium Feel)

Best for:

• High-end homes

• Open floor plans

• Customers wanting a more "hardwood-like" feel

Pros:

• More rigid and stable

• Better at hiding subfloor imperfections

• Quieter underfoot

  
  

How to Choose the Right Wear Layer

Wear layers usually range from 6mil to 20+mil:

6-8mil (Light Use)

Best for:

• Bedrooms

• Low-traffic areas

Not ideal for:

• Pets

• Kids

• Heavy daily use

  
  

12mil (Standard Residential)

Best for:

• Most households

Pros:

• Solid durability

• Handles normal wear and tear

A great baseline for homeowners.

20-22mil (Light to Medium Commercial Grade)

Best for:

• High-traffic homes

• Pets (especially large dogs)

• Kitchens, entryways, and busy households

• Light commercial spaces

• Rentals

Pros:

• Considered commercial-grade durability

• Long lifespan

  
  

20-22mil is commonly used for heavy traffic and commercial settings.

28mil (True Commercial, Overkill for Homes)

Best for:

• Retail stores

• Offices

• Restaurants

• Hotels

• Healthcare spaces

Holds up to:

• Rolling loads (carts, chairs)

• Constant foot traffic

• Frequent cleaning

  
  

28mil is for longevity in extreme conditions.

The Most Common Mistake We See

Many people assume thicker = more durable. That's not always true.

Wear layer matters more than thickness when it comes to durability.

You're better off choosing a 5.5mm plank with a 20mil wear layer over an 8mm plank with a 6mil wear layer.

Our Simple Recommendation

If you want to keep it easy:

• Most homes: 5mm-6mm thickness + 12-20mil wear layer

• Busy homes/pets/kids: Go straight to 20mil wear layer (or 22mil if you never want to replace it)

• Budget projects: 5mm + 12mil wear layer (with realistic expectations)

  
  

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right LVP doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand the difference between thickness and wear layer, the decision becomes much clearer.

At Plank’d Discount Flooring, we stock products that hit the sweet spot of durability, price, and style—so you don’t have to overthink it.

Need Help Choosing?

Every project is a little different—and we’re here to help. Send us your project details and we’ll point you to the best option for your space and budget.