Laminate ranges from 6-mm to 12-mm and, as a rule, it shouldn't be less than 8-mm. If, however, budget is an issue and if your subfloor is level and debris-free, you might be able to get away with 7-mm; keep in mind that subfloor imperfections can telegraph to the surface floor, so make sure it's okay.
Laminate flooring can be installed over basically any flat and level surface, including wood subfloors, hardwoods, tile, concrete and more. It is not recommended to install laminate flooring over a soft surface, like carpet, because it doesn't provide enough support for the flooring.
We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it's any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate's locking system.
12mm planks have an upper hand when it comes to hiding the subfloor imperfections. And thicker flooring can be installed with ease. However, 8mm laminate flooring works only when your subfloor is well levelled and flat.
You'll typically need a vapor barrier if you're installing flooring over concrete. Therefore, in high-humidity areas, moisture will move to a relatively low-humidity area, even through concrete.
Begin installation by laying a plastic vapour barrier (minimum 6 mm thick) or any other manufacturer-recommended barrier on the concrete subfloor to prevent moisture from reaching the laminate flooring. Use vinyl tape to secure the barrier and keep it from coming out.
If you're installing laminate flooring over a subfloor, like concrete, you may want to install an underlay with a vapor barrier for added protection against moisture. Make sure you choose an underlay that works with an attached pad. Our top choice is Sentinel Protect Plus Underlayment.
We explain that it measures from the baseboard to the top and that it shouldn't include padding or underlayment, even if that is pre-attached. Laminate ranges from 6-mm to 12-mm and, as a rule, it shouldn't be less than 8-mm.
8mm laminate definitely looks like the sweet spot for laminate thickness while 12mm is the go-to quality option for people looking for the closest thing to hardwood.
Durability of laminate flooring depends on the quality of the wear layer, as it is the component that will determine how long the flooring will last. However, a 12mm laminate board has definitely a better chance to resist the impact of a dropped object.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) also recommends a minimum of 10 mil polyethylene or thicker for vapor retarders under concrete. According to its Guide to Concrete Floor and Slab Construction ACI 302.1R-15, thicker poly provides a better barrier and is also more puncture resistant.
Please follow these requirements: Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span. Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m) Subfloors must be structurally sound.
Don't install your laminate on any floor with a drain. Don't install laminate on any uneven subfloor or outdoors. Don't install your laminate over residential carpet. Don't install a second layer of laminate underlayment.
If the Pergo Product being installed has an attached foam underlayment then use only a vapor barrier when installing over a concrete subfloor. When installing a Pergo Product with an attached underlayment foam over a wood subfloor no other additional underlayment is needed.
Yes, it is recommended to seal a concrete floor before laying laminate. This helps to protect the concrete from moisture and dampness, which can cause damage to the laminate flooring.
A thicker plank is easier to install. It's actually a bit forgiving because it can better span minor subfloor deviations without problems later. “Levelness” is important to a successful installation.
Advantages Of A Thicker Flooring
Thicker laminate flooring is easier to install. It also can provide you with wonderful acoustics. Impact resistances or resistances to drops are also much better with a thicker flooring material. The thicker your laminate flooring, the higher your cost will be.
The main things that you need to consider when choosing the thickness of your laminate floor are the evenness of your subfloor and any reason you may have to be worrying about noise reduction. If you have a subfloor that is in any way uneven, it pays off to choose a thicker laminate.
Thicker laminate will definitely offer more stability and strength, so if a little extra cost is not an issue, thicker laminate is definitely worth it. It's also the better option if your subfloor isn't as sturdy, such as an old creaking wood subfloor.
Yes. Unless your flooring planks have pre-attached underlay, you will need to buy separate laminate underlay for your project. The extra layer of cushioning can provide a wide range of benefits, protecting your new floor from damage. This will significantly improve your new floors look, feel, and overall performance.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Rigid foam is an excellent basement subfloor option because it provides a thermal break between concrete and flooring. The materials also are easily accessible since nearly every home center carries rigid foam insulation in large, 4-foot by 8-foot sizes and up to 1-1/2 inches thick.
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.