What Thickness of Vinyl Plank Flooring Is Best? Toronto Homeowner's Guide
What thickness of vinyl plank flooring is best for a Toronto home? For many residential click-lock installations, Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring generally recommends a quality 8 mm vinyl plank flooring product. A well-manufactured 7 mm product can also be suitable, while products below 7 mm deserve more careful evaluation.
However, glue-down vinyl plank flooring is different. Properly specified 3 mm and 5 mm glue-down vinyl plank flooring can provide reliable performance in residential and commercial spaces.
The right thickness depends on the installation method, product construction, wear layer, subfloor condition, and intended use.
A thicker vinyl plank flooring product isn't automatically more durable, and a thinner product isn't necessarily inferior.
In this guide, we'll explain the differences between vinyl plank flooring thicknesses, compare click-lock and glue-down products, and help Toronto homeowners choose flooring for houses, condos, basements, and rental properties.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness: Quick Recommendations
Flooring Type | Thickness | Our General Recommendation |
Click-lock vinyl plank flooring | Below 7 mm | Evaluate carefully; not our preferred starting point |
Click-lock vinyl plank flooring | 7 mm | Acceptable with quality construction and suitable conditions |
Click-lock vinyl plank flooring | 8 mm | Our preferred starting point for many residential projects |
Click-lock vinyl plank flooring | Above 8 mm | Worth considering when product specifications justify it |
Glue-down vinyl plank flooring | 3 mm | Reliable when properly specified and installed |
Glue-down vinyl plank flooring | 5 mm | Reliable residential and commercial option |
These recommendations reflect Parqueteam's practical installation preferences, not universal minimum requirements. Flooring manufacturers can produce high-quality products at several thicknesses.
1. What Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness Mean?
When comparing vinyl plank flooring, you'll commonly encounter two measurements: overall plank thickness and wear-layer thickness.
Although they're related to the product's construction, they measure different things.
Overall Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness
Overall thickness is measured in millimetres (mm).
It describes the depth of the plank, often including the core, decorative layer, protective layers and any attached padding, depending on how the manufacturer specifies the measurement.
Click-lock vinyl plank flooring products commonly have thicker profiles because they incorporate interlocking joints and rigid-core construction.
Glue-down vinyl plank flooring products can be much thinner because they rely on an adhesive bond instead of a locking mechanism.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Wear-Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the protective transparent layer above the decorative design.
It is often measured in mils.
One mil equals one-thousandth of an inch. It does not mean one millimetre.
For example:
6 mil is approximately 0.15 mm.
12 mil is approximately 0.30 mm.
20 mil is approximately 0.51 mm.
A 20-mil wear layer does not mean the vinyl plank flooring is 20 mm thick.
This distinction is important because overall thickness and wear-layer thickness serve different purposes.
2. Is 8 mm Vinyl Plank Flooring Better Than 5 mm or 6 mm?
For many click-lock vinyl plank flooring installations, we favour quality 8 mm products.
At Parqueteam, we've found that well-constructed click-lock products with substantial cores and robust locking mechanisms are worth prioritizing.
However, 8 mm is a purchasing guideline, not a guarantee of performance.
Some thinner rigid-core products may have excellent locking systems and documented performance ratings. Conversely, a poorly manufactured 8 mm product can still fail.
Advantages of Quality 8 mm Click-Lock Vinyl Plank Flooring
A suitable 8 mm product may offer:
Substantial rigid-core construction.
A well-designed click-lock connection.
Compatible attached padding on certain models.
A solid underfoot feel.
A range of residential performance ratings.
But these advantages must be confirmed through product specifications.
Thickness alone does not establish scratch resistance, indentation resistance, acoustic performance, or locking-joint strength.
Is 7 mm Vinyl Plank Flooring Good Enough?
Yes, a quality 7 mm click-lock vinyl plank flooring product can perform well when installed over a suitable substrate.
Our preference for 8 mm products doesn't mean every 7 mm product is unreliable.
The manufacturer's reputation, locking-system design, warranty and installation requirements are more useful indicators than a one-millimetre difference alone.
Should You Avoid Vinyl Plank Flooring Below 7 mm?
We generally approach thinner click-lock products cautiously, particularly where the locking system appears weak or the substrate is uneven.
However, thin click-lock flooring isn't automatically defective.
Instead of rejecting a product solely by thickness, ask whether it is suitable for the intended traffic, loads and installation conditions.
3. Is 3 mm or 5 mm Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring Thick Enough?
Yes. Quality 3 mm and 5 mm glue-down vinyl plank flooring products can be suitable for both residential and commercial installations.
Unlike click-lock vinyl plank flooring, glue-down products do not require thick interlocking edges.
Instead, the planks are bonded to a properly prepared substrate using a manufacturer-approved adhesive.
This difference allows a relatively thin glue-down product to perform reliably.
Advantages of 3 mm Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
A 3 mm product may be attractive where finished floor height is limited.
It can be practical for suitable rental renovations, offices, retail stores and residential living areas.
However, because the flooring is thin and bonded directly to the substrate, surface preparation is especially important.
Advantages of 5 mm Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
A 5 mm glue-down product can offer a substantial construction while maintaining the low-profile benefits of a bonded installation.
The exact performance depends on its wear layer, formulation, commercial rating and adhesive system.
For many projects, either 3 mm or 5 mm may be appropriate.
Does Thicker Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring Last Longer?
Not necessarily.
A 5 mm glue-down product does not automatically outlast a 3 mm product.
The protective surface, indentation performance, substrate preparation, adhesive compatibility and actual use conditions are more important than overall thickness alone.
4. Is a 12-Mil or 20-Mil Wear Layer Better?
The wear-layer thickness is one of several specifications worth checking when purchasing vinyl plank flooring.
Here is a general comparison.
Wear Layer | Common Application to Consider |
6 mil | Selected light-use residential areas |
12 mil | General residential use where product specifications are suitable |
20 mil | Busy households, rental properties and some commercial uses |
Above 20 mil | Certain demanding commercial products |
These are selection guidelines, not guaranteed performance levels.
Is a 12-Mil Wear Layer Enough for a Toronto Home?
For many ordinary residential spaces, a well-manufactured vinyl plank flooring product with a 12-mil wear layer can be suitable.
Bedrooms and living areas with moderate traffic may not need the same specifications as busy commercial spaces.
Is a 20-Mil Wear Layer Worth It?
At Parqueteam, we often recommend considering a 20-mil wear layer for busy households, homes with pets and investment properties.
However, thicker wear layers do not automatically prevent deep scratches or dents.
The protective coating formulation, core construction and product testing also matter.
Our recommendation: For busy Toronto households, a quality 8 mm click-lock vinyl plank flooring product with a 20-mil wear layer is worth considering, provided it meets the property's installation requirements.
For glue-down vinyl plank flooring, a commercial-rated product with an appropriate wear layer may be preferable where heavy traffic is expected.
5. What Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness Is Best for Toronto Condos?
For many Toronto condos floors, quality 8 mm click-lock vinyl plank flooring can be an appealing residential option.
However, thickness alone does not determine whether the product meets the condominium's acoustic requirements.
A thicker plank or attached underlayment does not automatically provide adequate sound insulation for neighbouring units.
Before selecting condo flooring, confirm:
The condominium corporation's renovation requirements.
Approved acoustic underlayment or tested flooring assemblies.
Installation method restrictions.
Concrete substrate conditions.
Product and underlayment compatibility.
Glue-down vinyl plank flooring can also be appropriate in certain condos when the building approves the complete flooring assembly.
Where acoustic membranes are needed, adhesives and flooring products must be compatible with the selected system.
The final decision should be based on the building's requirements, not an assumption that thicker flooring is always quieter.
6. What Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness Is Best for Basements?
Both click-lock and glue-down vinyl plank flooring can be suitable for Toronto basements floors.
The choice depends more on the concrete condition, moisture levels and installation system than the plank thickness itself.
Click-Lock Vinyl Plank Flooring for Basements
Quality click-lock vinyl plank flooring may be used over approved concrete substrates.
Some products require specific vapour-control layers or compatible underlayment.
The concrete must meet the manufacturer's flatness requirements to prevent excessive plank movement and locking-joint stress.
Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring for Basements
Properly specified 3 mm or 5 mm glue-down vinyl plank flooring can be an excellent option for suitable basement concrete.
However, the adhesive system must be appropriate for the substrate and measured moisture conditions.
Glue-down vinyl plank flooring is not a solution for uncontrolled concrete moisture or recurring basement flooding.
Important: Neither thick nor thin vinyl plank flooring makes an existing basement waterproof.
Water infiltration, plumbing leaks and excessive substrate moisture should be addressed before installation.
7. What Thickness Is Best for Commercial Vinyl Plank Flooring?
For many commercial spaces, 3 mm and 5 mm glue-down vinyl plank flooring products are worth considering.
At Parqueteam, we generally favour appropriate commercial-rated glue-down systems for larger areas with frequent foot traffic.
However, commercial suitability involves more than thickness.
The flooring specification should address:
Expected pedestrian traffic.
Rolling furniture or equipment loads.
Wear-layer performance.
Indentation resistance.
Adhesive requirements.
Cleaning chemicals and maintenance.
Manufacturer-approved commercial use.
A 3 mm glue-down product specifically designed for commercial use may outperform a thicker residential product in a demanding environment.
Businesses should select flooring according to documented product performance, not thickness alone.
8. Does Thicker Vinyl Plank Flooring Hide Uneven Subfloors?
No. This is an important misconception.
Thicker vinyl plank flooring may feel more rigid, but it does not eliminate the need for a properly prepared subfloor.
Click-Lock Vinyl Plank Flooring
An uneven subfloor can cause the planks to flex under foot traffic.
Over time, excessive movement may stress the locking joints.
Even a thick 8 mm or 10 mm click-lock product can develop problems if the substrate does not meet the manufacturer's flatness requirements.
Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
Thin glue-down vinyl plank flooring can reveal ridges, patches and surface defects through the finished floor.
This is often called telegraphing.
For this reason, concrete or plywood preparation is particularly important before glue-down installation.
The correct solution to an uneven floor is appropriate subfloor preparation—not simply purchasing thicker vinyl plank flooring.
9. How Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness Affect Installation Cost?
Thicker vinyl plank flooring products sometimes cost more, but thickness isn't the only factor influencing price.
Brand, construction, wear-layer specifications, finish and manufacturer warranty can all affect material costs.
At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, our established glue-down vinyl plank flooring pricing is:
Cost Component | Reference Price |
Glue-down vinyl plank flooring material | $3.99–$4.99/sq. ft. |
Standard straight-pattern installation labour | $2.50–$3.50/sq. ft. |
Basic combined material and labour | $6.49–$8.49/sq. ft. |
Adhesive, subfloor preparation, removal, waste and applicable taxes are additional.
Click-lock vinyl plank flooring costs depend on the specific product and project requirements.
A thicker plank is not necessarily the best investment if its other specifications are unsuitable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness
What is the best thickness for vinyl plank flooring?
For many residential click-lock vinyl plank flooring installations, Parqueteam generally recommends a quality 8 mm product. For glue-down vinyl plank flooring, properly specified 3 mm and 5 mm products can perform reliably.
Is 6 mm vinyl plank flooring too thin?
Not necessarily. Some 6 mm click-lock products are well manufactured. However, Parqueteam generally prefers more substantial click-lock products for many residential projects and recommends checking the locking system and installation requirements carefully.
Is 7 mm vinyl plank flooring good enough?
Yes. Quality 7 mm click-lock vinyl plank flooring may be suitable for many residential applications when the subfloor is properly prepared and the product meets the manufacturer's performance requirements.
Is 8 mm vinyl plank flooring better than 5 mm?
Not automatically. An 8 mm click-lock product and a 5 mm glue-down product use different installation systems. The better option depends on the intended use, product quality, substrate and installation requirements.
Is a 20-mil wear layer necessary?
Not for every project. A 12-mil product may be suitable for general residential use, while a quality 20-mil product is worth considering for busy households, rental units and selected commercial applications.
Is thicker vinyl plank flooring better for soundproofing?
Not automatically. Acoustic performance depends on the complete flooring assembly, including underlayment and building construction. Toronto condo owners should confirm the building's specific acoustic approval requirements.
Can I install 3 mm glue-down vinyl plank flooring in a basement?
Yes, provided the product and adhesive are approved for the conditions and the concrete meets moisture and preparation requirements. Recurring water infiltration must be addressed before installation.
Does thicker vinyl plank flooring last longer?
Not necessarily. Product construction, protective coating, traffic, subfloor condition and installation quality all influence service life. Thickness alone is not a reliable lifespan guarantee.
Final Verdict: Which Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness Should You Choose?
For most Toronto homeowners considering click-lock vinyl plank flooring, a quality 8 mm product is our preferred starting point, while well-manufactured 7 mm products can also perform successfully.
For glue-down vinyl plank flooring, 3 mm and 5 mm products are both reliable choices when they meet the project's specifications.
It's equally important to examine the wear layer, locking system or adhesive requirements, subfloor conditions and product warranty.
Choosing the thickest vinyl plank flooring available is not automatically the best approach.
The goal is to select the right complete flooring system for the room, traffic and installation conditions.
Professional Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation in Toronto
At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we provide professional vinyl plank flooring installation throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
We install click-lock and glue-down vinyl plank flooring for houses, condos, basements, rental properties and suitable commercial spaces.
Our team can evaluate the existing substrate and help determine which flooring construction and installation method best suits your project.
Parqueteam maintains WSIB coverage and liability insurance.
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