If you have been shopping for luxury vinyl plank, you have probably seen numbers like 4.5mm, 5mm, 6.5mm and 8mm and assumed the thickest floor must automatically be the best floor. It is not quite that simple.
Thickness matters, but it is only one part of the flooring system. The wear layer, locking system, core construction, attached pad, plank size, subfloor condition and the way the room will actually be used all matter too.
At Case Floors of the Panhandle, this is one of the conversations we have most often with homeowners, contractors, builders and property managers. Here is the plain-English version of what those thickness numbers really mean.
First: What Does the Millimeter Number Mean?
The millimeter measurement refers to the overall thickness of the plank. A 5mm floor is physically thinner than a 6.5mm or 8mm floor. That extra thickness can affect how substantial the plank feels, how forgiving it is over minor subfloor imperfections, and the amount of attached pad that can be built into the product.
But thickness is not the same thing as the wear layer. A thicker plank can still have a lighter wear layer, and a thinner plank can still be built for very respectable residential use.
Thickness vs. Wear Layer: Two Different Numbers
The wear layer is the clear protective surface above the printed wood-look design. It is usually measured in mils. The wear layer helps protect the visual layer from everyday traffic, scuffs and surface wear.
That means a shopper should never compare flooring using thickness alone. If one product says 8mm and another says 5mm, you still need to ask: What is the wear layer? What type of core does it use? What locking system does it have? Does it include an attached pad?
How Our Main LVP Thicknesses Compare
| Overall Thickness | Typical Case Floors Spec | Where It Often Makes Sense |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5mm | 12 mil wear layer, 7×48 plank, 1mm IXPE pad | Budget-conscious residential projects, rentals, flips and lower-traffic spaces |
| 5mm Select | 20 mil wear layer, 7×48 plank, 1mm IXPE pad | A strong all-around residential choice with a heavier wear layer |
| 6.5mm | 20 or 24 mil wear layer depending on collection, attached IXPE pad | Whole-home projects, heavier everyday use and customers wanting a more substantial plank |
| 8mm Premier | 28 mil wear layer, 9×60 wide plank, 1.5mm IXPE pad | Premium residential projects, wide-plank looks, condos and projects where customers want the heaviest option in our lineup |
The important point is that each step up changes more than one thing. You are often getting a heavier wear layer, a larger plank, a thicker attached pad or a more premium construction—not just “more millimeters.”
Is 4.5mm LVP Too Thin?
Not automatically. A 4.5mm SPC plank can be a very practical floor when it is installed over a properly prepared subfloor and matched to the right type of project.
For a rental, flip, spare room or budget-driven project, paying for the thickest plank in the building may not make sense. What matters is buying a product with a dependable locking system and using it where its specifications fit the job.
The mistake is assuming every 4.5mm floor is the same. Core density, locking profile, wear layer and manufacturing quality still matter. That is why we always recommend comparing the full specification rather than shopping by the number on the box.
Why 5mm With a 20 Mil Wear Layer Is So Popular
For many homeowners, 5mm is a very comfortable middle ground. Our Select 5mm line pairs a 20 mil wear layer with an SPC core and attached pad, which gives customers a strong residential product without automatically stepping into the price of a thicker premium line.
This is often where we start when someone says, “I want something good enough for my whole house, but I do not need the most expensive floor you sell.”
When 6.5mm Starts to Make Sense
Moving into 6.5mm gives the plank a more substantial feel and opens the door to heavier wear layers and, in some collections, wider or longer planks. It can be a good fit for busy households, larger open-concept spaces and customers who want to step up from a standard residential option without going all the way to 8mm.
It is also important to remember that no floating floor should be expected to “fix” a bad subfloor. A thicker plank may feel more forgiving, but dips, humps, moisture issues and poor preparation still need to be addressed before installation.
What Do You Get With 8mm?
Our 8mm Premier flooring is the heaviest option in the lineup, with a 28 mil wear layer, 9×60 wide planks and a thicker 1.5mm IXPE pad. The larger plank format creates a different visual effect than a standard 7×48 plank and can make open spaces feel more expansive.
We also frequently point condo customers toward our thicker options because many condo associations have sound-control requirements. The flooring specification is only one part of that decision, though. Always check the association’s exact documentation before purchasing because building requirements vary.
Is a Thicker Floor More Scratch-Resistant?
Not simply because it is thicker. Scratch resistance is influenced much more by the wear surface and how the floor is used than by the total thickness of the plank.
If pets, sandy shoes, rolling furniture or heavy daily traffic are your main concern, pay attention to the wear layer and the surface finish. We explain this in more detail in Is LVP Really Scratch-Resistant?
What About the Locking System?
The locking system is easy to overlook until installation day. A strong click-lock profile helps the planks stay engaged and gives the installer a better chance of building a tight, stable floor. Case Floors’ SPC products use established click-lock technology, but even a good locking system depends on correct installation and a flat, properly prepared subfloor.
If you are comparing products from different stores, do not be afraid to ask what locking system is being used. “Luxury vinyl plank” is a broad category, and two boxes with similar-looking labels can be very different products.
So Which Thickness Should You Buy?
Here is the way we usually simplify it in the showroom:
- Budget rental, flip or light residential use: start by looking at the 4.5mm options.
- Most everyday residential projects: 5mm with a 20 mil wear layer is often a very practical place to start.
- Busy whole-house projects or customers wanting a step up: compare the 6.5mm options.
- Premium feel, wide plank, heavier wear layer or certain condo applications: look closely at 8mm.
There is no single thickness that is “best” for every room and every budget. The best value is the floor whose full specification matches the project.
The Question We Wish More Shoppers Asked
Instead of asking only, “How thick is it?” ask: “What am I getting for this price?”
Compare thickness, wear layer, plank size, attached pad, locking system, warranty and whether the color you want is actually available. Our earlier guide, Not All LVP Flooring Is Created Equal, walks through more of those differences.
Need Help Comparing LVP?
Case Floors of the Panhandle keeps multiple thicknesses and colors of SPC luxury vinyl plank in stock at our Pace warehouse. If you tell us your square footage, where the floor is going and what matters most to you—price, durability, plank size or overall feel—we can help narrow the choices quickly.
Visit us at 4350 Floridatown Road in Pace or call 850-287-1889.
