What Thickness of Click LVT Flooring Should You Choose?

Choosing the right floor involves more than selecting a colour or pattern. Thickness also matters, particularly with click LVT flooring. The total thickness of the board can affect how the floor feels underfoot, how well the locking system performs and whether the product is suitable for the room where it will be installed.

However, thicker does not always mean better. A high-quality thinner product may outperform a thicker option if it has a stronger wear layer, a more stable core and a better locking system. The right choice depends on the subfloor, the level of foot traffic, the room conditions and the product specification.

At Newland Floors and Doors, we recommend looking at the full construction of the floor rather than relying on one measurement. This guide explains what click LVT thickness means, how wear layers differ from total thickness and which options may suit different parts of the home.

What Is Click LVT Flooring?

Click LVT is a type of luxury vinyl flooring that uses an interlocking edge system. The boards or tiles connect without needing to be glued directly to the subfloor in most installations.

This creates a floating floor that sits over a suitable base or underlay. The click system helps the planks lock together and form a continuous surface across the room.

Modern click LVT flooring is available in a wide range of wood, stone and tile-effect designs. It is commonly chosen for kitchens, hallways, living rooms, bedrooms and open-plan areas because it is practical, easy to maintain and comfortable underfoot.

The total thickness can vary between products. Some boards are relatively slim, while rigid-core options are often thicker and more substantial. Understanding these differences can help you select a floor that suits both the room and the installation.

 

 

What Does Click LVT Thickness Mean?

The stated thickness usually refers to the complete depth of the board from the top surface to the bottom backing. This may include several separate layers.

A typical click LVT plank may contain:

• A protective top coating

• A transparent wear layer

• A printed decorative layer

• A vinyl or rigid core

• A stabilising backing

• An attached underlay, if included

The thickness shown in the product details is not the same as the thickness of the wear layer. These two measurements describe different parts of the flooring and should be considered separately.

A product may be 5 mm thick overall but have a 0.3 mm wear layer. Another product may be 6 mm thick with a 0.55 mm wear layer. The second option is thicker and also has greater surface protection, but the measurements should not be treated as though they mean the same thing.

What Is the Wear Layer?

The wear layer is the clear protective section above the printed design. It helps defend the decorative surface against scratches, scuffs and general wear.

Wear layers are usually measured in millimetres. Common examples include 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.55 mm and higher.

A thicker wear layer is generally better suited to areas with heavier foot traffic. It can provide additional protection in busy homes, hallways, kitchens and some commercial settings.

However, a wear layer does not make the whole board thicker in the way the core does. It mainly affects surface durability rather than the structural feel of the plank.

When comparing click LVT flooring, it is important to look at both the total product thickness and the wear-layer measurement. This provides a more complete view of how the floor is likely to perform.

Is Thicker Click LVT Better?

Thicker click LVT can offer several benefits, but it is not automatically the best choice for every project.

A thicker rigid-core board may feel more substantial underfoot and can sometimes provide greater stability. It may also include a stronger click system or an attached backing that adds comfort and sound reduction.

Thicker boards can be useful when the floor needs to meet adjoining surfaces at a particular height. They may also help create a firmer feel in rooms where a very thin product could seem less solid.

Even so, thickness cannot correct a poor subfloor. A thick board should not be expected to bridge deep dips, loose tiles or significant unevenness. The base still needs to meet the manufacturer’s flatness requirements.

Product quality also depends on more than thickness. A well-made 5 mm floor with a strong core and reliable click joint may be more suitable than a cheaper 7 mm product with a weaker construction.

What Are the Common Thicknesses for Click LVT?

Click LVT is available in several common thickness ranges. Exact measurements vary between manufacturers.

4 mm to 5 mm Click LVT

Thinner click LVT products are often used in bedrooms, home offices and other areas with moderate use. They can provide a practical option where the subfloor is smooth, flat and well prepared.

These floors may be useful when the finished floor height needs to remain low. This can matter when working around doors, thresholds, kitchen appliances or adjoining floor coverings.

A thinner product may feel firmer underfoot, particularly if it does not include attached underlay. Subfloor preparation becomes especially important because imperfections are more likely to affect the finished result.

5 mm to 6 mm Click LVT

This is a common range for many residential installations. Products in this category can suit living rooms, dining areas, kitchens, hallways and bedrooms, depending on the wear layer and product rating.

This thickness can provide a balance between stability, comfort and manageable floor height. Many rigid-core products fall within or close to this range.

For general household use, a well-specified product of around 5 mm or 6 mm may be suitable for several connected rooms.

6 mm to 8 mm Click LVT

Thicker click LVT may include a rigid core and attached underlay. These products can feel more solid underfoot and may offer improved acoustic performance.

They can be suitable for busy family homes and larger open-plan areas, provided the product is approved for the intended use.

The extra thickness must be considered when fitting around doors, skirting, kitchen units and transitions. A few additional millimetres can make a noticeable difference where floor height is limited.

What Thickness Is Best for Living Rooms?

Living rooms are used regularly but are not usually exposed to the same moisture levels as kitchens or bathrooms. A click LVT product between approximately 5 mm and 6.5 mm may be suitable for many living spaces.

The wear layer is also important. A 0.3 mm wear layer may be suitable for normal household use, while a 0.55 mm option may offer extra reassurance in a busy family home.

Furniture layout should also be considered. Heavy sofas, cabinets and tables need suitable protective pads to help reduce marks. Floating floors should not be pinned down by fixed furniture or fittings unless the product guidance permits it.

In open-plan living and dining spaces, a thicker rigid-core product may create a more consistent and substantial feel across the full area.

What Thickness Is Best for Kitchens?

Kitchens experience frequent foot traffic, spills, dropped items and changes in temperature. A strong click LVT product with a durable wear layer is usually more important than choosing the thickest board available.

A total thickness of around 5 mm to 7 mm may suit many kitchens, particularly when combined with a wear layer of 0.3 mm or 0.55 mm.

The flooring should be suitable for kitchen use and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Water-resistant construction can help protect the floor from everyday spills, but standing water should still be cleaned promptly.

The subfloor must be flat and stable. Kitchen tiles may be left in place in some cases, but loose tiles, deep grout lines and uneven sections should be repaired before installation.

The final floor height should also be checked around dishwashers, washing machines, plinths and doors. A thicker floor can make it harder to remove appliances later if clearance has not been planned.

 

 

What Thickness Is Best for Hallways?

Hallways are among the busiest parts of a home. They experience outdoor dirt, footwear, pets and regular movement between rooms.

A stronger rigid-core product with a good wear layer may be a sensible option. Many homeowners choose click LVT between 5 mm and 7 mm for hallways, though product specifications should always be checked.

A wear layer of 0.55 mm may provide additional surface protection in a busy entrance area. Mats can also help catch grit and moisture before they reach the floor.

The click joints must be supported by a flat base. Hallways often connect several rooms and may include multiple doorways, so expansion requirements and transition profiles should be planned carefully.

What Thickness Is Best for Bedrooms?

Bedrooms usually experience lighter foot traffic than kitchens, hallways and living rooms. This means a thinner product may be sufficient.

Click LVT between 4 mm and 6 mm can work well in bedrooms when installed over a suitable subfloor. A 0.2 mm or 0.3 mm wear layer may be adequate for normal residential use.

Comfort and sound may be more important in upstairs bedrooms. An attached backing or compatible acoustic underlay can help reduce impact noise, though the full floor build-up must still meet the product guidance.

When fitting over wooden floorboards, loose boards and uneven sections should be repaired before installation. The floor should not rely on a thick underlay to correct movement below.

What Thickness Is Best for Bathrooms?

Some click LVT products are suitable for bathrooms, but suitability must be confirmed before purchase.

Bathrooms are exposed to water, steam and frequent changes in humidity. The locking system, board construction and edge protection all need to be designed for these conditions.

A thicker board is not automatically more water resistant. A 7 mm product may still be unsuitable for a bathroom if the manufacturer does not approve it for wet areas.

Where click LVT is permitted, the fitting instructions may require sealed edges, specific trims or particular installation methods. Any leaks or subfloor moisture problems must be resolved first.

In some bathrooms, glue-down LVT may be recommended instead because it does not create the same floating floor movement. The best option will depend on the room and product.

What Thickness Is Best for Busy Family Homes?

Busy homes need flooring that can cope with children, pets, visitors and regular cleaning.

A rigid-core click LVT product between 5.5 mm and 7 mm with a wear layer of around 0.55 mm may be suitable for high-use areas.

The thicker core can contribute to a firmer feel, while the stronger wear layer helps protect the printed design. Scratch-resistant surface coatings can also be useful, but no vinyl floor is completely scratch proof.

Pet claws should be kept trimmed and furniture should be moved carefully. Grit should be removed regularly because it can act like sandpaper when walked across.

A good-quality click LVT flooring product can provide a practical balance of appearance, comfort and easy cleaning for family life.

Does Attached Underlay Affect the Thickness?

Some click LVT includes underlay attached to the back of each board. This layer contributes to the overall product thickness.

Attached underlay can make installation simpler because a separate layer may not be required. It may also improve sound reduction and comfort.

However, this depends on the product. An attached backing is not always a substitute for a damp-proof membrane or other moisture protection.

It is also important not to add extra underlay unless the manufacturer permits it. Using both attached underlay and a separate soft underlay can create too much movement below the click joints.

Always check whether the stated thickness includes the attached backing. A 6.5 mm board may consist of a 5.5 mm core and a 1 mm backing, for example.

Does Click LVT Thickness Affect Sound?

Thickness can influence how a floor sounds, but it is not the only factor.

A thicker rigid core may produce a more solid sound underfoot than a thin flexible board. An attached acoustic backing can also reduce impact noise.

Subfloor condition, underlay type, room size and furniture all affect sound. A hollow or uneven base can create clicking or movement even beneath a thick product.

In flats and upstairs rooms, building rules or lease conditions may require a specific level of sound reduction. The flooring and underlay should be checked against those requirements before purchase.

Does Thickness Affect Underfloor Heating?

Many click LVT products can be installed over compatible underfloor heating, but the total thermal resistance must remain within the system limits.

A very thick floor or dense underlay may slow heat transfer. This does not necessarily mean thick click LVT cannot be used, but the product should be approved for underfloor heating.

The heating system should be commissioned correctly before the floor is installed. Surface temperature limits must be followed and the heat should usually be adjusted gradually.

The product specification should state whether the floor is suitable for electric or water-based systems. The underlay must also be compatible.

Does Thickness Help With Uneven Floors?

This is a common misunderstanding. A thicker floor may feel stronger, but it should not be used to hide a seriously uneven subfloor.

Small surface variations may be manageable within the manufacturer’s tolerance. Larger dips, ridges or damaged sections must be corrected.

An uneven base can cause the boards to move vertically when walked across. This places strain on the locking system and may lead to broken joints, gaps or noise.

Self-levelling compounds, repair products or flooring-grade boards may be required, depending on whether the subfloor is concrete, timber or tiled.

The cost of proper preparation is usually lower than the cost of replacing a damaged floor.

How Does Floor Height Affect Your Choice?

Total floor height is an important part of choosing thickness.

A thicker click LVT product may affect:

• Internal doors

• Patio and entrance doors

• Kitchen plinths

• Appliances

• Stair thresholds

• Skirting boards

• Pipework

• Transitions into other rooms

Measure the full build-up, including any underlay or membrane, before ordering.

If the new floor is being installed over tiles, the finished height may increase further. Doors may need trimming and new threshold strips may be required.

In renovation projects, a thinner product may be preferable when clearance is limited. This does not mean accepting lower quality. It means finding a suitable floor with the right construction and wear layer at a reduced depth.

Is a Thicker Click System Stronger?

The strength of the locking joint depends on its design, material and manufacturing quality. A thicker board may allow for a larger joint, but this does not guarantee better performance.

A well-engineered click system should connect securely without excessive force. The boards should remain supported across a flat surface and should not separate during normal use.

Incorrect installation can damage even a strong click joint. Boards should be aligned carefully and fitted using the method described by the manufacturer.

Forcing planks together or using unsuitable tools can crack the edges. Damaged boards should not be installed.

How Much Click LVT Should You Order?

Floor thickness does not affect the basic measuring method, but all materials should come from a compatible product range and preferably the same production batch.

Measure the length and width of the room, then calculate the floor area. Additional material should be allowed for cuts, waste and future repairs.

A standard plank layout may require around 5 to 10 per cent extra, depending on the room shape. Herringbone layouts or complicated spaces may need more.

Keeping spare boards after installation can be useful if a plank is damaged later. Store them flat in a dry indoor location.

How Do You Choose the Right Product?

When comparing click LVT, consider the following:

• Total board thickness

• Wear-layer thickness

• Core construction

• Room suitability

• Water resistance

• Underfloor heating compatibility

• Attached underlay

• Slip resistance

• Warranty

• Subfloor requirements

• Domestic or commercial use rating

Do not choose based on thickness alone. A 6 mm product designed for busy residential use may be a better choice than an 8 mm product with a weaker wear layer.

Samples can help you compare the finish, texture and colour. They can also show how the flooring looks beside walls, kitchen units, furniture and doors.

What Thickness of Click LVT Should You Choose?

There is no single thickness that suits every room. In many homes, click LVT between 5 mm and 7 mm provides a useful balance of stability, comfort and practical floor height.

Bedrooms may suit thinner products, while hallways, kitchens and busy family areas may benefit from a stronger rigid-core board and a thicker wear layer.

The subfloor must always be dry, firm and flat. A thick product cannot compensate for movement, damp or poor preparation.

At Newland Floors and Doors, we offer a varied selection of click LVT flooring in different designs, constructions and specifications. By considering the full product rather than the thickness alone, you can choose a floor that suits the room and provides reliable everyday performance.

For help comparing suitable products for your home, please get in touch with our team.