What Thickness of Vinyl Plank Flooring Is Best for Toronto Homes?

What Thickness of Vinyl Plank Flooring Is Best for Toronto Homes?

When it comes to vinyl plank flooring, thickness is more than just a number—it plays a major role in how your floors feel, sound, and last over time. Especially in Toronto homes and condos, where changing seasons bring fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, selecting the right thickness of vinyl plank flooring can make a big difference in both comfort and durability.
But how thick should your vinyl planks be? The answer depends on a few key factors: where the vinyl planks flooring is being installed, the subfloor condition, and the installation method—click or glue-down. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision, based on real-life installation experience across the Greater Toronto Area.

Understanding Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness

Before we dive into recommendations, it’s important to understand what “thickness” actually means in vinyl plank flooring. There are two types of thickness to pay attention to:

• Total plank thickness (measured in millimetres, mm): This includes the full depth of the plank—from the base to the top layer.
• Wear layer thickness (measured in mils): This is the top transparent coating that protects the floor from scratches, scuffs, and daily wear.

Vinyl plank flooring typically comes in thicknesses ranging from 3mm to over 10mm, but not all types are built the same. Thicker planks tend to provide:

• A more stable and secure click-lock system (especially important for floating installations).
• Better sound insulation and comfort underfoot.
• Increased resistance to subfloor imperfections.

However, thicker doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to glue-down vinyl planks, which don’t rely on a click mechanism.

Real-Life Recommendations from a Toronto Vinyl Plank Flooring Installer

At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we’ve installed thousands of vinyl plank floors across Toronto, and here’s what we’ve learned through real-world experience:
Click Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Below 7mm: Risky. These thinner planks often have a weak click-lock system, making them prone to separating or shifting—especially in high-traffic areas or under furniture. Not recommended.
• 7mm: Acceptable. A decent entry-level option for smaller rooms or low-traffic areas, but not ideal for long-term durability.
• 8mm and Above: Highly recommended. At 8mm or more, the click system becomes noticeably stronger and more stable. These planks feel more solid underfoot and better handle expansion/contraction in changing temperatures.​

Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring

• 3mm and 5mm: Great options. Unlike click vinyl, glue-down vinyl plank flooring don’t need thickness to maintain stability. These thinner profiles are easy to install over a flat subfloor and work well in both residential and commercial settings.
• Above 5mm: Rare for glue-down, but if available, they can offer added comfort and minor sound reduction. However, not necessary unless specified by design or use-case.

Pro Tip: Don’t just go by the numbers—also check the wear layer thickness. A 20 mil wear layer or higher is ideal for long-term performance in Toronto homes.

Comparing Wear Layer Thickness: 6 mil vs 12 mil vs 20+ mil

When shopping for vinyl plank flooring, thickness isn’t the only number to look at—the wear layer plays a critical role in long-term durability, especially in high-traffic Toronto homes and condos.

What Is the Wear Layer?
The wear layer is a clear protective coating on top of the vinyl plank. It shields the floor from scratches, dents, and daily wear.

Common Wear Layer Options:

• 6 mil - good for light use area, comes at lower cost, but scratches and dents much easiser.
• 12 mil - moderate traffic areas, balanced price to performance, over time might show scratches and dents.
• 20 mil - high traffic areas, commercial areas as well, excellent durability, but might come at higher cost per square feet.

​Our Advice for Toronto Homes:

• Minimum 12 mil for general residential use.
• 20 mil or higher if you have kids, pets, or plan to rent out the unit.
• For basements or condos, combining a thicker click plank (8mm+) with a 20 mil wear layer offers the best balance of comfort, stability, and resilience.

Vinyl Plank Thickness & Installation Type: Floating vs Glue-Down

The installation method plays a crucial role in determining the ideal thickness for your vinyl plank flooring. In Toronto condos and homes, space constraints, noise regulations, and subfloor conditions often influence which type is better suited.
Click (Floating) Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Ideal Thickness: Minimum 8mm for stability
• Why 8mm+ is better: Thicker planks offer a more secure click-lock system, reducing risk of separation over time
• Underlay: Often comes attached or added separately for soundproofing—great for condo rules
• Application: Best for DIY installs, condos with noise requirements, or over slightly uneven subfloors

Risk Alert: Click vinyl under 7mm can feel flimsy, shift over time, and cause click failure. We recommend avoiding anything under 8mm, especially in high-use areas.
Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Ideal Thickness: 3mm or 5mm
• Why it's reliable: Doesn't rely on a locking system—secured with adhesive for long-term stability
• Application: Great for commercial flooring use, basements, and anywhere a seamless, ultra-low-profile floor is needed
• Subfloor requirements: Needs smooth, level surface—professional prep is a must

Real-World Tip: 3mm and 5mm glue-down planks perform excellently in both homes and commercial projects across Toronto. If properly installed, they’re stable and long-lasting—despite being thinner.

What Thickness Is Best for Toronto Homes, Condos, and Basements?

Choosing the right vinyl plank thickness depends not only on performance but also on your location-specific needs in Toronto. Here’s how it breaks down:
Condos

• Recommended: 8mm+ click vinyl plank
• Why: Thicker planks help reduce noise transfer (especially with built-in underlayment) and comply with many condo board regulations.
• Pro Tip: Make sure to verify the condo’s flooring by-laws before choosing—some require specific underlayment ratings (STC/IIC).

Homes (Above Grade)

• Recommended: 8mm+ click vinyl or 5mm glue-down
• Why: Both are excellent—click for ease of install and comfort, glue-down for a cleaner look and stability in high-traffic areas.

Basements

• Recommended: 3mm–5mm glue-down vinyl
• Why: Glue-down vinyl works great in moisture-prone areas and won’t shift due to temperature or humidity changes.
• Note: Avoid thick underlays or soft click systems for basement floors.

Commercial Spaces

• Recommended: 3mm–5mm glue-down vinyl
• Why: Extremely durable, easy to maintain, and doesn’t expand or contract with temperature changes like floating floors can.

Related Blog Posts:

• Is Glue Down Vinyl Flooring Any Good? Expert Advice for Toronto Homes & Offices
• What Is Better, Click Vinyl Plank Flooring Or Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring?​

FAQs About Vinyl Plank Thickness in Toronto

Q: Is thicker vinyl plank flooring always better?
A: Not necessarily. While thicker planks (like 8mm+) are great for comfort and acoustic performance—especially in condos and upper floors—glue-down options in the 3mm–5mm range are just as durable and more stable in moisture-prone areas like basements.

Q: Is a 5mm vinyl plank thick enough?
A: Yes, 5mm is considered a solid choice for both residential and light commercial spaces—especially for glue-down installations. It strikes a good balance between flexibility, durability, and performance.

Q: Is 7mm thick vinyl flooring okay?
A: 7mm click vinyl is borderline. While it may work in certain low-traffic areas, 8mm is highly recommended for better click stability and longevity—especially in Toronto’s temperature-fluctuating climate.

Q: What’s the difference between 6 mil and 12 mil wear layers?
A: The mil rating refers to the wear layer, not the thickness of the plank itself. 12 mil provides better scratch resistance and durability. For Toronto homes, 12 mil or higher is ideal, especially in high-traffic areas.

Q: Can I use thick vinyl plank flooring in the basement?
A: You can, but it’s not always the best idea. Thicker click planks with underlay while they are a good option, they may still have problems in basements, since a lot of basements come with unever subfloors. 3mm–5mm glue-down vinyl is a better option in basements in those cases.