The answer is both yes and no. Laminate flooring that's 8mm with a medium density fibre (MDF) core is used by a lot of big retail stores and builders that work on big-volume projects. It's essentially a mass-market product and is popular.
8mm laminate floor is one of the most popular flooring options. It seems to be the happy medium between thick and thin laminate flooring options and provides ideal stability and easy installation. The 8mm thickness is enough to overcome any subfloor imperfections and create a sleek flooring solution.
Laminate flooring should be between 6-12mm thick. If you find thicker than 12mm, it's an inaccurate measurement–possibly including attached padding. If you want the highest-quality, hardwood feel, you'll want 10 or 12mm. If cost is a concern and you have a smooth subfloor, you can get by with 7 or 8mm.
12mm is much more impact resistant than 8mm. Sharp items that accidentally fall on a thicker base will have very little effect on it. That's the reason why people prefer 12mm laminate in high traffic areas.
Thicker laminate flooring doesn't mean it's more durable. It will, however, be more resistant to warping and other conditions. A thickness of 8 to 12 mm is one of the most advised thickness levels for laminate flooring.
When shopping for floor laminate, the thickness is undoubtedly the biggest decision you'll make. Not only will it affect the durability and longevity of your floors, it makes installation that much more forgiving.
Benefits of a thicker laminate flooring board:
Generally, the thicker the board, the greater the advantages. Thicker laminate flooring feels closer to a solid wood floor underfoot. It is easier to install and this makes it ideal for DIY projects.
Best Overall: Pergo
At the moment, they offer four laminate collections with over 100 different colors and wood-like finishes. Their products are excellent for all-around laminate flooring with an AC4 rating, which means it's suitable for residential and even light commercial use.
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.
How thick should laminate underlay be? 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.
Do (carefully) mop your laminate floor every two months.
To keep your laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate floors. If you're going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it's almost completely dry.
Typically, solid hardwood flooring is between 5/16 and ¾ inches thick. Those are pretty standard thicknesses that serve most needs. Engineered hardwood can come in different thicknesses but generally, it's about the same offerings as solid hardwood.
Since you can't refinish laminate, it's important to pick a thickness that will provide you with the feel you want and at a level of durability that is warrantied for a reasonable amount of time. 10mm laminate flooring is a good middle ground between too thin and cheap and too thick and unnessarily expensive.
This means that if you want more durability and last longer, then choose a vinyl flooring that's around 12 mil to 20 mil. It's suggested to have a wear layer of at least 12 mil for residential spaces and 28 mil for commercial spaces.
AC4 rating is the first level specifically intended for commercial usage. AC4 rated laminate is suitable for moderately trafficked commercial spaces such as boutiques, offices, salons, and cafes. AC5 rating is the highest durability rating.
Underlayment for laminate flooring is a must. Since laminate is a floating floor, it must be evenly distributed across your subfloor. Underlayment is what allows the floor to float, gives it stability, support, noise reduction, and supports the locking systems in between planks to assure the sturdiest flooring project.
To visualize this, imagine the thickness of a U.S. penny. A stack of eight pennies is just a hair thicker than 12 mm. Another way to look at 12 mm laminate is that it is about twice as thick as any of the extremely cheap laminates that typically cost $1 to $2 per square foot.
With a few exceptions, most laminate sold in the United States comes in one of four thicknesses which are measured in millimeters. The thinnest is also the most budget-friendly with 7mm laminate, which is followed by laminate flooring that measures 8mm thick.
Kronotex laminate flooring contains even more quality than your average laminate floor, while still being easy to install and having a real wood look. Kronotex laminate flooring can be used in a wide variety of settings within the home.
Vinyl stands up the best against excess moisture and spills, and it can be less expensive than laminate. However, laminate gives a more realistic wood look to enhance the design aesthetic in your home.
Thickness. Laminate flooring is typically available in 7-millimeter to 12-millimeter thicknesses. When you compare laminate, keep in mind that some manufacturers include the thickness of the product including the core and attached pad. All laminates provide a similar level of dent resistance.
The normal choice is a thin foam pad material made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which rolls out in sheets. Plywood subfloors: A breathable foam-type underlayment is generally used when installing laminate flooring over plywood or OSB subfloors.
How long does laminate flooring last? Depending on the quality of the flooring, laminate flooring can last between 15 to 25 years on average, or longer. Choosing the right flooring for your home is about more than just aesthetics, it's also about durability and strength.