Understanding Wear Layer vs. Overall Thickness of LVP Flooring

When shopping for luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP), one of the most common questions homeowners and business owners ask is: "How thick should my flooring be?" If you're new to LVP, you might assume that a thicker plank automatically means a better floor. However, it’s the wear layer—not just the overall thickness—that determines how long your flooring will last.

Understanding the difference between the wear layer and overall thickness is crucial to making an informed decision, ensuring your investment in luxury vinyl flooring lasts for years. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wear layers, overall plank thickness, and how to choose the right LVP for your space.
 

What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF)?

Luxury vinyl flooring is a high-performance alternative to traditional hardwood, tile, and stone flooring. Thanks to advanced imaging and texturing technology, LVP (luxury vinyl plank) and LVT (luxury vinyl tile) can realistically mimic real wood and stone while providing enhanced durability, waterproof properties, and affordability.
 

Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

• Durability – LVF is made with a strong wear layer that protects against scratches, scuffs, and stains. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, especially in homes with children and pets. Unlike hardwood, which can dent and scratch easily, LVF retains its look for years.
• Waterproof Properties – Unlike natural wood or laminate, luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof, making it an excellent choice for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Water spills won’t cause warping or damage, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
• Affordability – LVF mimics the look of expensive flooring materials like hardwood and stone at a fraction of the cost. If you want the look of oak, maple, or marble without the hefty price tag, luxury vinyl is a budget-friendly solution.
• Low Maintenance – One of the biggest advantages of LVF is its ease of maintenance. With simple sweeping and occasional mopping, you can keep your floors looking brand new. There’s no need for sanding, refinishing, or sealing like with hardwood.
• Comfort – Compared to tile or stone, LVF has a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot. Many products come with built-in underlayment, which helps with shock absorption and noise reduction, making it perfect for bedrooms and living spaces.
• Versatility – With thousands of styles, colors, and textures to choose from, LVF works in virtually any home style, from traditional to modern. It’s also a great option for businesses looking for a professional yet low-maintenance flooring solution.

 

What is the Wear Layer in Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

The wear layer is the topmost protective coating applied to luxury vinyl flooring. It acts as a shield that protects the floor from scratches, stains, and fading over time. The thicker the wear layer, the longer your flooring will maintain its original appearance.
 

Why is the Wear Layer Important?

• Enhances Durability – The thicker the wear layer, the more protection the floor has against damage from foot traffic, pet claws, and furniture movement.
• Protects Against Scratches & Scuffs – Homes with active children and pets will benefit from a thicker wear layer to keep floors looking pristine.
• Adds UV Protection – Some luxury vinyl flooring includes UV-resistant properties in the wear layer, preventing sun damage and color fading in rooms with large windows.
• Increases Lifespan – A stronger wear layer extends the life expectancy of your floors, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Common Wear Layer Thickness Options & Their Uses

Wear Layer Thickness	Best For	Recommended Use
6 mil	Light residential traffic	Rental properties, guest rooms, low-traffic areas
12 mil	Medium residential traffic	Bedrooms, home offices, living rooms
20 mil	High residential & light commercial traffic	Kitchens, hallways, homes with pets & kids
30+ mil	Heavy commercial traffic	Retail stores, restaurants, offices, industrial spaces

Pro Tip: If you have pets, kids, or a busy household, a minimum of 20 mil is recommended for long-term durability.
 

What is Overall Thickness in Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

The overall thickness of an LVF plank or tile includes the wear layer, core, and backing. Measured in millimeters (mm), this determines the stability and feel of the flooring.
 

Why Does Overall Thickness Matter?

• Adds Stability – Thicker planks provide more support and a stronger structure, making them feel more substantial underfoot.
• Improves Sound Absorption – A thicker floor helps reduce noise levels, making it ideal for apartments or multi-story homes.
• Impacts Installation Options – Some thinner floors require glue-down installation, while thicker planks can be installed as floating floors.

Common Overall Thickness Options

Plank Thickness	Best For	Recommended Use
2mm - 4mm	Light residential	Low-traffic areas, rental properties
5mm - 6mm	Standard residential & light commercial	Living rooms, bedrooms, offices
7mm+	High-traffic residential & commercial	Open-plan homes, high-traffic business

Pro Tip: A 5mm+ overall thickness is recommended for homes and businesses needing a balance of durability and comfort.
 

Luxury Vinyl Floor Installation Methods

1. Click-Lock (Interlocking) Installation

• How It Works: Planks lock together, creating a floating floor.
• Pros: DIY-friendly, easy to replace planks, no glue required.
• Cons: May require underlayment for added comfort and sound absorption.

2. Glue-Down Installation

• How It Works: Adhesive is applied to the subfloor before placing planks or tiles.
• Pros: Ideal for high-traffic areas, extremely stable.
• Cons: Harder to remove or replace planks.

3. Loose-Lay Installation

• How It Works: Vinyl planks are laid without adhesive, relying on friction to stay in place.
• Pros: Great for temporary spaces, easy installation.
• Cons: Less secure than glue-down or interlocking options.

 

Why Choose Express Flooring for Luxury Vinyl?

At Express Flooring, we simplify the process of choosing luxury vinyl flooring with our shop-at-home experience. Instead of visiting a showroom, we bring flooring samples to your home so you can choose the perfect style in your own space.
 

Why Customers Love Us:

• Personalized Design Consultations – Our experts help you select the right flooring for your home or business.
• Wide Selection – Choose from a variety of luxury vinyl styles, including wood-look, stone-look, and geometric patterns.
• Professional Installation – Our skilled installers ensure a flawless installation, so your floors look perfect.
• Convenient Service Areas – We proudly serve Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada, including Phoenix, Tucson, Austin, Dallas, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas.

 

Upgrade to Luxury Vinyl Flooring Today!

Luxury vinyl flooring offers style, durability, and comfort, making it one of the best flooring choices for homes and businesses. By understanding the importance of the wear layer vs. overall thickness, you can confidently select the best flooring for your needs.

Call Express Flooring today to schedule a free in-home consultation and explore our luxury vinyl options. Let us help you transform your space!