When it’s time to buy new vinyl flooring, thickness isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. Many people assume thicker vinyl floors are better quality, but this isn’t always true.
What thickness of vinyl flooring is best?
It depends on where the flooring is going, how the space is used and what matters most to you. At Carpet To Go Flooring, we help homeowners across North and South Carolina look beyond the numbers on the box and choose the best flooring options like vinyl flooring that performs the best in their homes.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
The Short Answer: “There’s No One “Best” Thickness
One vinyl thickness isn’t best for every home. The right choice comes down to the following factors:
- How much foot traffic the room gets
- Whether kids or pets live in the home
- The condition of the subfloor
- The type of vinyl being installed
- Your expectations for comfort and sound
While thickness is important, there’s more to it. Many times, the wear layer is just as important, if not more important, than the overall thickness.
What Does Vinyl Flooring Thickness Actually Mean?
Vinyl flooring thickness is usually measured in millimetres (mm) and refers to the total thickness of the plank or tile from top to bottom. It includes the core, backing, and surface layers.
In contrast, the wear layer that sits on top of the vinyl is measured in mils. This layer protects the surface from scratches, scuffs, and daily wear.
Basically, here’s how it goes:
- Overall thickness affects comfort, sound and how forgiving the floor is over small imperfections.
- Wear layer thickness affects durability and how well the surface holds up over time.
That’s why two vinyl floors with the same total thickness can perform differently.
Comparing your flooring options? The Carpet To Go Flooring team can help you compare the thickness and wear layer together, rather than in isolation.
Common Vinyl Thickness Options (and What They’re Best For)
The majority of vinyl flooring falls into a few common thickness ranges. Here’s they typically perform in real homes:
Thin Vinyl (2-3 mm)
Thinner vinyl options are often easier on the budget and ideal for low-traffic spaces. These floors need a very smooth subfloor because bumps or dips can show through over time.
Choose this vinyl flooring option for guest rooms, offices or areas that don’t get as much daily use. However, it’s not great for busy homes or high-traffic areas.
Mid-Range Vinyl (4-5 mm)
As the most popular thickness range for residential homes, mid-range vinyl balances durability, comfort and price. For the average homeowner, this vinyl delivers the best long-term value.
You’ll often find it in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and dining areas. When paired with a quality wear layer, this thickness handles daily foot traffic without feeling overtly rigid or flimsy. Homeowners find it to offer the best overall value.
Thicker Vinyl (6-8 mm and Above)
Thicker vinyl flooring offers additional comfort underfoot and better sound absorption. It’s also more forgiving when installed over minor subfloor imperfections.
This thickness of your flooring is better for high-traffic areas, open-concept homes, or multi-level spaces where noise reduction matters. While thicker vinyl costs more upfront, the investment is often worth it for busy households.
Another thing worth mentioning here is that the plank thickness improves comfort and stability, but the wear layer ultimately determines how long vinyl flooring lasts.
Why the Wear Layer Matters Just as Much
You can just look at total thickness, but you shouldn’t skip out on more important details like the wear layer either.
The wear layer protects the surface from scratches, dents and daily wear. Here’s a breakdown of wear layers:
- 6-8 mil: Light residential use
- 12 mil: Standard residential use
- 20+ mil: High-traffic homes, kids, pets
A vinyl floor with a strong wear layer often outperforms a thicker vinyl floor with a weaker surface. That’s why the wear layer is essential, especially if you have pets, children, or heavy foot traffic.
In busy homes, the Carpet To Go Flooring team recommends choosing a stronger wear layer instead of focusing solely on total thickness.
When Thicker Vinyl is Worth the Upgrade
Thicker vinyl if worth considering when:
- The subfloor isn’t perfectly smooth
- Sound reduction is important
- The space gets heavy use daily
- You’re installing flooring in an open-concept layout
In such situations, the additional stability and comfort makes a noticeable difference over time.
When Thicker Vinyl isn’t Necessary
Thicker vinyl isn’t always necessary in:
- Guest rooms or spare bedrooms
- Small, low-traffic areas
- Rooms with well-prepared subfloors
- Budget-conscious projects where durability is still adequate
Choosing the right thickness instead of the thickest option usually makes sense. It keeps projects within budget without sacrificing performance.
So What Thickness of Vinyl Flooring is Best for You?
Unfortunately, there’s no universal answer. The best vinyl thickness comes down to your space, lifestyle and how the room is used. At Carpet To Go Flooring, we help choose the right wear layer and properly install your floors. We’ll also give you sound advice like how choosing the thickest plank available isn’t always the way to go.
Wondering what type of vinyl flooring makes sense for you? Contact us to book a shop-at-home appointment or visit our:
Flooring Showroom in Winston-Salem
