We replaced the main floor of our Ajax home with LVP two years ago. Before purchasing, I went deep on the wear layer vs total thickness debate. Sharing our selection process and the 2-year real-world results.
What we learned shopping:
The sales pitch at big box stores emphasizes total thickness (8mm, 10mm, 12mm). Nobody leading with thickness — it’s the wear layer that matters. Here’s the spec comparison from our shortlist:
| Product | Thickness | Wear Layer |
|---|---|---|
| Big box house brand | 12mm | 6 mil |
| Lifeproof (Home Depot) | 8mm | 20 mil |
| COREtec Plus | 8mm | 20 mil |
| Flooring store mid-range | 10mm | 12 mil |
We chose COREtec Plus 20-mil at 8mm. Cost: $4.85/sq ft supply (800 sq ft main floor). Installation: $2.40/sq ft. Total: $5,800.
Two-year review:
- Heavy kitchen traffic: zero scratches visible
- Two medium-sized dogs: rear nails have not scratched the wear layer (COREtec’s 20-mil is legitimately hard)
- One dropped cast iron pan: created a small dent in the core (not the wear layer) — visible only from low angle
- Colour/finish: still looks new
What I’d tell anyone:
Don’t let the store upsell you to a thicker product with a lower wear layer. Ask specifically: “What is the wear layer in mil?” Then compare. For residential use, 20-mil is the sweet spot between performance and cost.