Choosing the perfect luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring for your San Diego home involves more than just color and pattern; it’s about thickness. Thickness affects comfort, durability, and even noise. Whether you’re working with a Home Contractor in San Diego, planning a Home Renovation in San Diego, or partnering with a top Remodeling Company in San Diego, knowing the right LVP thickness ensures your space looks gorgeous and functions beautifully.
In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through selecting the ideal LVP thickness, from understanding the impact of the slab to warranty benefits so your Home Remodeling San Diego project gets off to the right start.
1) Understand LVP Construction Layers
Before we talk thickness, let’s review LVP’s components:
Wear layer: The transparent top coat is measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch). It protects against scratches, stains, and wear and tear.
Vinyl core: Offers structure and stability.
Decorative layer: Delivers realistic wood or stone visuals.
Backing layer: Often includes a built-in underlayment for added comfort and sound absorption.
The overall thickness combines all layers and that total matters. So, what thickness suits you best?
2) Why Thickness Matters in San Diego Homes
Thickness isn’t just a number; it impacts performance:
Comfort underfoot: Thicker planks feel softer and more cushiony.
Noise reduction: A heavier, thicker plank absorbs more sound, which is key in multi-level homes or rentals.
Subfloor forgiveness: Slightly uneven floors are easier to conceal.
Life expectancy: Thicker wear layers and cores withstand daily use longer.
Pairing with a reliable Home Contractor in San Diego ensures your floors combine beauty and function.
3) Standard Thickness Options
Here are common LVP thickness ranges you’ll find in San Diego:
a) 4.0–4.5 mm: Basic residential use. Budget-friendly but less forgiving underfoot.
b) 5.0–6.5 mm: Mid-range ideal balance for most households.
c) 7.0–9.0 mm+: High-end, commercial-grade durability and comfort.
Let’s see how to determine which tier fits your lifestyle.
4) Match Thickness to Your Lifestyle
Use this guide to select what works best:
a) Light-use spaces (bedrooms, guest rooms): 4.5 mm with a 12 mil wear layer.
b) Everyday living areas (kitchen, living room): 5.5–6.0 mm with a 20 mil wear layer.
c) High-traffic zones (entryways, hallways, kitchens): 7+ mm with 20–30 mil wear layer for maximum resilience.
d) Rental or commercial spaces: 7–9 mm with 30 mil or more wear for longevity.
These options help streamline your conversation with a Remodeling San Diego team.
5) Pair with Underlayment Thoughtfully
Most planks include backing pads, but adding underlayment can improve:
Moisture protection: Essential in sun-exposed areas.
Sound dampening: Reduces footfall echo.
Thermal insulation: Keeps spaces feeling cozier.
Consult with your Home Renovation San Diego contractor about adhesive vs. floating installation and moisture barriers.
6) Make Durability Decisions with Wear Layer in Mind
The wear layer is as important as thickness:
- a) 12–15 mil: Good for light use.
- b) 20 mil: Great for families and moderate traffic.
- c) 30 mil +: Built to withstand heavy use and still look sharp.
Factor in your daily traffic and lifestyle to match thickness and wear layer.
7) Acclimation: Why It Matters
San Diego’s climate, characterized by warm, dry days and cool nights, affects plank performance. Proper acclimation (72 hours in-home before installation) ensures:
– Better bonding
– Reduced expansion and contraction
– Smoother seams over time
A seasoned Home Contractor in San Diego will schedule acclimation into your plan for long-lasting floors.
8) Weighing Cost vs. Value
Thicker floors cost more, but here’s what you get:
– Better comfort and acoustics
– Superior stability over time
– Enhanced resistance to wear and fading
– Typically, longer manufacturer warranties
Discuss budget vs. value when selecting a remodeling company in San Diego with your team.
9) Installation Types and Thickness Considerations
You’ll need to choose an installation method:
Floating floors: Typically require a thickness of 5 mm or more; they are easier to install.
Glue-down floors: Thinner planks (4 mm) can work, but they require a level subfloor.
Loose lay: For planks, 5.5 mm or thicker is ideal for fast updates.
Let your Home Remodeling San Diego provider help you select what suits your subfloor and timeline.
10) Matching Existing Flooring and Levels
Want a seamless flow through your home? Match the thickness and board height of existing floors or use transitions to:
– Ensure consistent step heights
– Blend old and new flooring easily
Your Home Contractor San Diego can help plan transitions so hallways and rooms look cohesive.
11) San Diego Climate—An Installation Factor
Although mild, San Diego’s humidity swings can cause slight expansion or contraction of the plank. A thicker core reduces these effects, keeping floors flush and smooth.
12) Pet-Friendly and Kid-Proof Considerations
Busy households with pets and children need resilient floors. Go for:
– 7+ mm thickness
– 20–30 mil wear layer
– Scratch-resistant textures
Discuss your family lifestyle with your Remodeling Company San Diego experts to find the best flooring match.
13) Best Brands & Thickness Benchmarks
In San Diego, some popular LVP brands offer:
– 5.5 mm with 20 mil wear (mid-range)
– 7 mm with 30 mil wear (premium)
– 9 mm with fiberglass backing (commercial-grade)
Your Home Renovation San Diego team should compare these to meet budget, lifestyle, and quality needs.
14) Reading Manufacturer Warranties
Warranties matter. Look for:
– Wear-layer warranty (e.g., 20-year residential)
– Structural warranty for the core and backing
– Water resistance guarantees
The warranty often correlates with thickness; greater depth = stronger coverage.
15) Installing Over Different Subfloors
LVP adapts well to:
Wood subfloors: Floating floors 5+ mm work well
Concrete slabs: Moisture barrier is key
Existing vinyl: Use transitional adhesives and the right thickness to match heights
Consult with your contractor to determine the necessary preparation steps and suitable plank types.
16) Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Floors
To maximize your investment:
– Use floor protectors on furniture legs
– Clean gently ask your Remodeling San Diego provider for suggested products
– Watch humidity variances: use area rugs or mats
– Replace scratched or warped planks early to prevent the spread
A little care goes a long way in preserving beauty and function.
17) Sustainability: Thicker Means Greener
Some LVP brands recycle thicker carpets and include sustainable cores. While thickness alone doesn’t make it eco-friendly, higher-quality, longer-lasting floors are great for environmentally conscious San Diego homeowners, as they reduce waste.
Final Takeaway
Choosing the right Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring thickness is more than a matter of style; it’s a decision that directly impacts the comfort, durability, and value of your home. By understanding your daily needs, expected foot traffic, and long-term goals, you can confidently select a thickness that delivers beauty and performance.
For San Diego homeowners, it’s essential to work with professionals who understand the nuances of local climate, subfloor conditions, and modern design preferences. That’s where Eco Home Builders come in.
With years of experience as a leading Home Contractor in San Diego, Eco Home Builders offers expert guidance, transparent pricing, and flawless installation for all types of flooring and renovation projects. Whether you’re planning a complete home transformation or simply updating your floors, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
