A thickness of 8 to 12 mm is one of the most advised thickness levels for laminate flooring.
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.
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.
Of course, you could argue that the 10mm is just as durable and resistant as the 12mm seeing that there's only a 2mm difference. However, there are advantages of going for the thickest and best quality laminate. 12 mm laminate flooring are the closest you can get to a hardwood look and feel.
Thicker laminate floors are easier to lay, quieter to walk on and are better to hide small irregularities in the subfloor. We find that most people prefer to lay a 12mm thick laminate in high-traffic areas.
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 20-22 mil thickness can actually withstand commercial environments. Choose flooring with a middle or higher wear layer if it will be in a high-traffic area of your home. A thinner thickness will be fine if the room in issue is unlikely to have substantial foot traffic. 12 mil works just fine in residential homes.
Experts in the flooring industry agree that 20 mil vinyl plank flooring is a reliable choice, especially for high-traffic areas. In commercial spaces or busy households, this flooring option can last for decades, ensuring an excellent return on investment.
Unfortunately, 12mm is still thin and prone to damage. So, it's recommended to use an underlay if you want to extend its lifespan. As for 8mm laminate flooring, it has the appearance and texture you want.
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.
AC3 rated laminate flooring represents the highest rating for homeowners, so it's intended to be used in any domestic areas that get heavy foot traffic. These include living rooms, hallways, conservatories, stairs, kitchen, etc. AC4 rating is the first level specifically intended for commercial usage.
Pacific 12mm Laminate Flooring
This strong laminate flooring is water resistant, and allows protection against water ingress for up to 24 hours.
And while 12 mm laminate is not the absolute thickest laminate you can buy, it is the thickest you can reasonably find in most retail markets at a fair price. In most cases, this is the type of laminate you should consider if you're going for better-quality flooring.
Waterproofing – Both HydroPro Timber and AquaFloor Laminate are virtually impervious to any form of moisture or water. However, HydroPro Timber is still made up of real hardwood which means that if the lacquer is scraped off it will still absorb moisture.
Because of its durability, low cost, and simplicity of installation, waterproof laminate flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners who desire the appearance of hardwood or tile without the upkeep or expense.
If you are considering installing new floors in a kitchen or bathroom, which are susceptible to daily water spills, vinyl flooring is better as it is 100% waterproof.
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.
This can cause adhesives to loosen, flooring planks to warp, and mold and mildew to develop. With a concrete subfloor, you will need an underlayment that acts as a vapor barrier in order to prevent moisture from penetrating through to your laminate installation.
When laying laminate flooring it is essential that you leave at least a 10-12mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the floor. There are important reasons to do so, and we will cover them in this article.
How thick of a wear layer you choose should be based on how high or rough your foot traffic may be from household members and guests to pets. Residential projects with foot traffic in an entryway or households with pets should stay in the 12-mil to 20-mil range, while lesser-used areas could handle a lower wear layer.
Measured in mils, generally speaking, the lifetime of a wear layer is one year per mil.
Standard concrete floor slab thickness in residential construction is 4 inches. Five to six inches is recommended if the concrete will receive occasional heavy loads, such as motor homes or garbage trucks.
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.
Wide plank flooring can work well in a number of spaces, but narrow plank flooring only really works well in contemporary spaces. Narrow plank flooring can run on the more expensive side. Because there are more planks in the floor, it may take longer to install.