Laminate Flooring Thickness Guide: 7mm vs 8mm vs 10mm vs 12mm
You can find laminate flooring in various levels of thickness ranging from 7mm, 8mm, 10mm to even 12mm. However, the thickness of flooring isn’t enough for secure rooms. You also need to check the subfloor and how the floor will be used.
Thickness can affect the feel and stability of the floor. But it should be considered alongside the manufacturer's performance specifications. By the end of this guide, you will know all about laminate flooring thickness before your next project. Let’s begin.
How Thick Is Laminate Flooring?
Thickness refers to the total thickness of the plank. To give you an idea of each level of thickness:
Laminate thickness |
What it means |
Suitability |
Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
7mm |
Thinner laminate construction |
Suitable domestic applications where the product specification allows |
Check subfloor, use class and installation requirements |
8mm |
Common mid-range thickness |
Many domestic rooms |
A practical balance of thickness, performance and cost |
10mm |
More substantial plank construction |
Higher-demand domestic applications, depending on specification |
Provides a more substantial feel, but thickness alone does not determine durability |
12mm |
One of the thicker laminate options |
Applications where the complete product specification is suitable |
Adds material and floor height without automatically making the floor more durable |
For example, 12mm laminate flooring is approximately 0.47 inches thick. Let’s look at each thickness and compare which would suit your room.
7mm vs 8mm Laminate Flooring
The difference between 7mm and 8mm may seem small. But the overall construction of the flooring matters. An 8mm floor can be a practical option for many homes. It has a balance between thickness, performance and cost. Does that mean 7mm laminate flooring is too thin? Not necessarily.
A 7mm floor can be suitable when its use class, moisture performance, locking system and installation meet the needs of the room. Before choosing either thickness, check the product specification, expected traffic and subfloor requirements. The important question is not whether 7mm is "thick enough". It is whether the complete product is suitable for the intended application.
8mm vs 10mm Laminate Flooring
Moving from 8mm to 10mm gives you a more substantial plank that feels different underfoot. But that doesn’t mean it will last longer. You need to check the use class and core along with the locking system for each product.
10mm vs 12mm Laminate Flooring
The difference between 10mm and 12mm is only 2mm. They are both almost equally substantial but 12mm planks have a better underfoot feel. However, it is not more durable or better suited to every room.
What Laminate Thickness Is Suitable for Different Rooms?
This depends on how the room will be used and how much traffic or moisture it will attract. Some general rules of thumb include:
Bedrooms: 7mm or 8mm may be suitable where the product specification meets the requirements.
Living rooms: 8mm or 10mm can both be suitable depending on traffic, use class and the desired feel underfoot.
Hallways: Pay particular attention to use class and wear resistance because of higher foot traffic.
Kitchens: Thickness should not be the main consideration. Check moisture performance and if the manufacturer permits the product for the intended area.
For every room, check the product's specifications rather than selecting thickness based on the room name alone.
Does Thicker Laminate Mean Better Quality?
Not necessarily, as thickness doesn’t mean resistance to scratches, spills, or wear. When comparing products, also consider:
- Use class
- Surface construction
- Core construction
- Locking system
- Moisture performance
- Manufacturer's installation requirements
Does Laminate Thickness Affect Underfloor Heating?
Thickness can affect thermal resistance. Hence, laminates can be used only with some underfloor heating systems. The underlay must meet the manufacturer's requirements before installation.
Does Laminate Thickness Affect the Subfloor?
The subfloor should be dry and stable before installation. An uneven subfloor can place additional stress on the flooring and its locking joints, regardless of the thickness. On concrete or screed, moisture needs are important. A damp-proof membrane or moisture protection may be required. Underlay should also not be treated as a way to correct a seriously uneven subfloor. Prepare the subfloor well before installing the laminate.
Does Laminate Thickness Affect Sound Insulation?
The acoustic performance of a laminate floor depends on the complete floor structure. It includes the underlay and subfloor as well. If you want to reduce impact noise, check the acoustic ratings. Don’t assume that a 12mm laminate will be quieter than an 8mm laminate.
Will Thicker Laminate Affect Door Clearance?
Yes, it can. Moving to a thicker product increases the finished floor height. It increases even more when underlay is included. Before choosing a thicker laminate, check the available clearance around:
- internal doors;
- door frames;
- thresholds;
- stairs;
- transition profiles;
- adjoining flooring.
How Do You Choose the Right Laminate Thickness?
Start with the room rather than the number of millimetres. Consider how much traffic the floor will receive and the product's use class. Then go over the subfloor and the required moisture performance for each room. Finally, browse through the product capacity and the manufacturer's installation requirements.
For a normal home, 8mm or 10mm may both be suitable depending on the product. A 7mm floor is good where its specification meets the needs of the room. Thicker options may provide a different feel underfoot. But thickness alone should not decide your purchase. Compare the whole flooring and not just the number printed on the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8mm a good thickness for laminate flooring?
Yes, it is for many domestic applications. But also check the product's use class and other performance specifications.
Is 10mm laminate better than 8mm?
Not necessarily. A 10mm product is thicker, but suitability and performance also depend on other factors. Look at data points such as use class, surface construction, core and installation system.
Is thicker laminate flooring more durable?
Not automatically. Thickness can contribute to the overall construction and feel of a floor. But durability also depends on the surface, core, use class and product design.
Does laminate thickness include the underlay?
Usually, the stated laminate thickness refers to the flooring plank itself. Underlay is a separate part of the floor build-up unless it is integrated into the product. Always check the manufacturer's dimensions and installation information.
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