Moncton, NB
Luxury vinyl flooring can be a game-changer for your home. It’s stylish, durable, and way more affordable than traditional hardwood. But one detail that often gets overlooked? Thickness. Yep, choosing the right luxury vinyl thickness matters more than you think. If you pick the wrong one, you could end up with floors that wear out too fast or feel flimsy underfoot. So, how do you make the right choice? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.
Understanding thickness: what those millimeters really mean
Luxury vinyl flooring typically ranges from 2mm to 8mm thick. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- 2mm–4mm: Light-use areas. Think guest rooms or low-traffic spots.
- 5mm–6mm: Moderate use. Perfect for living rooms or bedrooms.
- 7mm–8mm+: Heavy use. Great for kitchens, hallways, or commercial spaces.
The thicker the plank, the sturdier and more comfortable it’ll feel. But don’t just assume thicker is always better—it depends on what your space actually needs.
What’s underneath matters, too: subfloor conditions
Got a smooth, clean concrete subfloor? You might not need super thick planks. But if your subfloor has minor imperfections—or you’re laying it over tile or old floors—thicker vinyl will help hide the flaws. It adds a cushion and creates a smoother feel underfoot.
Also, keep in mind whether your luxury vinyl plank includes an attached underlayment. Many thicker planks do. This built-in layer helps with soundproofing and insulation. So, if you're installing upstairs or in an apartment, that’s a major win.
Foot traffic changes everything
Ask yourself: how many feet will hit this floor daily? Got kids? Pets? A home gym? That all adds up. Heavier traffic means you’ll want something thicker—closer to 6mm or more. It'll handle wear and tear better and last longer.
And if you're putting luxury vinyl plank flooring in a rental property or commercial space, going thicker is non-negotiable. It's all about durability.
Click-lock or glue-down: your install method plays a role
Floating floors with a click-lock system need to be thick enough to stay stable. Usually, at least 5mm is ideal. Thinner planks with this kind of installation might feel wobbly or wear out fast.
On the flip side, glue-down vinyl doesn’t rely on thickness for strength since it's bonded directly to the subfloor. So, if you’re doing glue-down, you might get away with thinner vinyl—especially in low-traffic areas.
Don’t forget comfort and sound
Thicker luxury vinyl flooring is comfier underfoot. It feels more solid, especially if you’re standing or walking barefoot a lot. Plus, it’s quieter—no echo or hollow tap when you walk across it. That’s a big deal in open-concept homes or upstairs rooms.
Here’s what I’d do if I were choosing
- For a guest bedroom or home office, 4mm–5mm is usually fine.
- For a kitchen, hallway, or basement, go for 6mm or more with underlayment.
- For multi-level homes, prioritize thicker planks with soundproofing.
- If your subfloor isn’t perfect, thicker = smoother results.
Your experts on LVP and LVT flooring in Moncton, NB, and Dartmouth, NS
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right thickness depends on how you use your space. So don’t just grab what looks good—think about daily life, foot traffic, and the floor beneath it all.
Get the right fit now, and your luxury vinyl flooring will look and feel amazing for years.
Ritchie's Flooring Warehouse offers a massive collection of luxury vinyl flooring for sale. Our showrooms in Moncton, NB, and Dartmouth, NS, serve Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, Shediac, NB, and Amherst, NS.
