When shopping for new flooring, one of the first questions homeowners ask is:
"Is the thicker floor the better floor?"
It's an understandable question—but the answer may surprise you.
While thickness does affect the way a floor feels, it isn't the most important factor when it comes to durability or long-term performance. In many cases, a thinner, higher-quality floor will outlast a thicker, lower-quality product.
Here's what you should really be looking for.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl flooring is available in many thicknesses, typically ranging from 4 mm to 8 mm or more.
A thicker plank generally offers:
A more solid feel underfoot
Better sound reduction
Improved ability to hide minor subfloor imperfections
However, the wear layer is far more important than the overall thickness.
The wear layer is the protective coating that shields your floor from scratches, scuffs, dents, and everyday wear.
General Wear Layer Guide
6–12 mil: Light residential traffic
20 mil: Excellent for busy homes with kids and pets
28 mil: Commercial-grade durability
A premium 5 mm floor with a 20 mil wear layer will often outperform an inexpensive 8 mm floor with a thinner wear layer.
Laminate Flooring
With laminate flooring, thickness primarily affects comfort rather than durability.
A thicker laminate floor typically:
Feels sturdier
Sounds quieter
Helps compensate for minor subfloor imperfections
Often features stronger locking systems
Most quality laminate flooring falls between 8 mm and 12 mm.
Instead of focusing only on thickness, pay attention to the AC Rating, which measures wear resistance.
AC Ratings
AC3 – Standard residential use
AC4 – Heavy residential/light commercial
AC5 – Commercial-grade performance
A higher AC rating usually tells you more about durability than thickness alone.
Engineered Hardwood
When it comes to engineered hardwood, thickness can matter—but construction matters even more.
Look for:
A quality plywood core
A durable hardwood veneer
A reputable manufacturer
Some thicker engineered hardwood floors also include a thicker wear layer, allowing the floor to be refinished in the future.
What Should Homeowners Look For?
Instead of asking:
"How thick is it?"
Ask these questions:
✔ What is the wear layer?
✔ What is the AC rating?
✔ Who manufactures the flooring?
✔ What warranty does it carry?
✔ Is the locking system well made?
✔ Is it designed for my family's lifestyle?
These features have a much bigger impact on how your floor performs over the years.
The Bottom Line
Thickness certainly contributes to comfort and sound, but it does not automatically mean better quality.
The best flooring combines:
High-quality materials
Durable wear protection
Strong locking systems
Trusted manufacturing
Professional installation
Choosing flooring isn't about buying the thickest product—it's about buying the right product.
At Showplace Floors, we'll help you compare products side-by-side so you can choose flooring that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget—not just the one with the biggest number on the label.
