mm vs mil in LVP Flooring: Understanding Thickness & Wear Layer for Durability
Understanding MM vs MIL in LVP Flooring: What Homeowners Need to Know
When shopping for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, you may notice two measurements that often cause confusion: millimeters (mm) and mils. Both are important, but they measure different things. Understanding the difference can help you choose a floor that looks great, lasts longer, and performs well in your space.
What Does MM Mean in Vinyl Flooring?
- MM = millimeters, which measures the overall thickness of the vinyl plank or tile.
- Thickness affects:
- How solid the floor feels underfoot
- Stability and durability
- Comfort and sound insulation
Typical LVP thicknesses and use:
| Thickness (mm) | Type / Lock | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 mm | Glue-down flexible vinyl | Commercial and residential areas with low-to-moderate traffic; requires a flat subfloor; ideal for wheelchair accessibility |
| 4–5 mm | Click-lock vinyl | Standard residential; stable and comfortable; subfloor must be ultra flat |
| 6–8 mm | Thicker click-lock vinyl | High-traffic residential; more stable |
| 8+ mm | Premium rigid-core vinyl | Very high-use residential or light commercial areas; ultra-stable and durable |
Tip: Thinner vinyl is more flexible, so your subfloor must be very flat. For floating click-lock floors, flatness is critical — otherwise the locking mechanism can fail over time, causing gaps or popping seams. Level isn’t as important as flatness; slight slopes are usually fine if the surface is smooth.
What Does MIL Mean in Vinyl Flooring?
- Mil = thousandths of an inch (0.001"), or about 0.025 mm.
- Mils measure the wear layer, the clear top coating that protects the printed design of your vinyl floor.
- The wear layer resists scratches, scuffs, stains, and general wear over time.
Common wear layer thicknesses:
| Wear Layer (mil) | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| 6–12 mil | Light residential (bedrooms, low-traffic areas) |
| 12–20 mil | Standard residential or moderate commercial |
| 20–30+ mil | Heavy commercial (retail, offices, restaurants) |
Important: A thicker wear layer doesn’t automatically make the vinyl harder; it mainly extends the time before the printed design wears through. Scratch resistance comes from the material of the wear layer, usually urethane or urethane with aluminum oxide.
MM vs MIL: How They Work Together
Think of a vinyl plank like a layered cake:
- Wear layer (mil) – protects the design from scratches and stains
- Printed design layer – gives your floor its wood, stone, or tile look
- Core layer (mm) – provides structure, stability, and impact resistance
- Backing layer – stabilizes the plank and sometimes adds sound reduction
✅ Key takeaway:
- mm = overall plank thickness → comfort & structural stability
- mil = wear layer thickness → durability & lifespan
Final Thoughts
Understanding mm and mil helps you make smarter flooring decisions:
- Plank thickness (mm) affects feel, stability, and comfort
- Wear layer thickness (mil) affects how long the floor looks new
A well-chosen combination ensures your floor is durable, comfortable, and safe — whether it’s a quiet bedroom, busy hallway, or a space where mobility aids are used.
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