What is the Best Thickness for Laminate Flooring? (5 Expert Tips)
What is the Best Thickness for Laminate Flooring?
Craftsmanship is something I’ve always admired. When I first stepped into the flooring world, I quickly realized it’s not just about laying down planks; it’s about precision, materials, and understanding how each choice affects the final product. Whether you are a seasoned contractor or a homeowner looking to improve your living space, knowing the right laminate flooring thickness is a key piece of the puzzle. Over the years, I’ve worked on hundreds of flooring projects across different states—from chilly Minneapolis to sunny Phoenix—and each job taught me something new about thickness, installation, durability, and cost.
Laminate flooring comes in various thicknesses, and the choice isn’t random. It influences comfort, soundproofing, lifespan, and even how the floor interacts with your home’s subfloor. Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned about laminate flooring thickness, backed by real-world examples, data, and practical tips.
What Exactly Is Laminate Flooring Thickness?
Let’s start with basics. What does laminate flooring thickness mean?
Laminate flooring thickness refers to the total height of each laminate plank, measured in millimeters (mm). It includes:
- Wear layer: The topmost transparent layer that protects against scratches and stains.
- Decorative layer: The photographic layer that mimics wood or stone.
- Core layer: Usually high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) that provides strength.
- Backing layer: The bottom layer that stabilizes the plank and sometimes adds moisture resistance.
Thickness generally ranges from 6mm to 12mm for most residential products. Some specialty or commercial-grade laminates can be thicker.
Why should you care about thickness? Because it directly impacts:
- Durability: Thicker planks tend to be more durable due to a denser core.
- Comfort: Thicker floors feel more solid and comfortable underfoot.
- Sound insulation: Thicker floors reduce noise better.
- Installation ease: Thicker floors can be easier or harder to install depending on your subfloor.
Why Thickness Matters: My Experience on Different Projects
I remember one project early in my career in Minneapolis. A client chose 6mm laminate for their entire home because it was cheaper. Within months, they called me frustrated—the floors felt hollow and noisy when they walked across the room. It didn’t take long to see the issue: thin laminate over an uneven subfloor created noticeable creaks and gaps.
Contrast that with a project I did in Chicago’s northern suburbs where the client selected 12mm laminate for their open kitchen and living room. The floor felt solid like hardwood, muffled footsteps well, and held up beautifully even with kids running around. They told me they’d gladly pay extra for the comfort and durability.
This taught me thickness isn’t just a number on a package—it shapes your entire living experience. But how do you pick the right thickness? That’s where these expert tips come in.
Expert Tip #1: Match Thickness to Usage
Think about where you want to install laminate flooring. Is it a cozy bedroom with light traffic or a busy kitchen with pets and kids running around?
Light-Traffic Areas
For guest rooms, closets, or home offices where foot traffic is light, you can get away with thinner laminate—around 6-8mm. These are usually more affordable options and still look great.
High-Traffic Areas
In kitchens, hallways, living rooms, and entryways, I recommend going for thicker laminate—10-12mm. This extra thickness means a denser core that resists dents and wear better.
To illustrate, here’s data from a study by a flooring manufacturer who tested wear resistance over time:
| Thickness (mm) | Average Wear Resistance Index (Higher is Better) |
|---|---|
| 6 | 45 |
| 8 | 62 |
| 10 | 75 |
| 12 | 82 |
The difference is clear: thicker laminates last longer in busy areas.
Personal Story
On a recent job in Austin, Texas, a family wanted laminate throughout their home but budgeted tightly for thinner planks in bedrooms. I warned them about potential wear but respected their budget. After two years, they contacted me again to replace worn areas in the kids’ rooms because thin laminates couldn’t handle rough use. It cost them more in the long run than if they had chosen thicker flooring upfront.
Expert Tip #2: Consider Subfloor Conditions
Your subfloor condition plays a big role in deciding laminate thickness.
Uneven Subfloors
Older homes or renovations often have subfloors with slight unevenness or imperfections. Thicker laminates (10-12mm) with a denser core can better bridge small gaps and reduce noise from movement.
In a Boston historic home renovation I managed, the plywood subfloor was worn and uneven. We chose 12mm laminate to minimize additional leveling work. This saved time and money compared to extensive subfloor prep.
Smooth Subfloors
If you have a new concrete slab or well-leveled plywood underlayment, thinner laminate (7-8mm) might work fine without compromising comfort or stability.
How Much Unevenness Can Laminate Handle?
According to industry guidelines:
- Laminates under 8mm can handle subfloor irregularities up to 3/16 inch (about 4.7mm).
- Laminates between 8-10mm can handle up to 1/4 inch (6.35mm).
- Laminates over 10mm can handle up to 3/8 inch (9.5mm).
If your subfloor is more uneven than this, you’ll need leveling compounds or plywood overlays regardless of thickness.
Expert Tip #3: Soundproofing and Comfort Go Hand in Hand
Have you ever walked on a laminate floor that sounds hollow or echoes loudly? That’s often due to thin planks with no underlayment or poor installation.
How Thickness Affects Sound
Thicker laminates reduce sound transmission because:
- They have a denser core absorbing impact noise.
- They provide more mass which blocks airborne sound.
In my work on an apartment complex in Seattle, tenants complained about loud footsteps from above units. We installed 11mm laminate with an attached cork underlayment that cut noise complaints by nearly 30% compared to previous floors.
Comfort Underfoot
Thicker floors also feel softer and more pleasant underfoot. When you spend time standing in the kitchen or playing with kids on the floor, thickness makes a difference.
Underlayment Adds Another Layer
Many laminates come with pre-attached foam or cork underlayment adding 1-2mm thickness. If yours doesn’t, plan on adding underlayment separately for comfort and soundproofing.
Remember: total floor height = laminate thickness + underlayment thickness.
Expert Tip #4: Installation Considerations Affect Thickness Choices
How thick your laminate is affects how easy it is to install and what tools or adjustments you’ll need.
Floating Floors Are Most Common
Laminate floors usually float over existing floors without nails/glue. Most floating floor manufacturers recommend planks between 8-12mm for best balance of durability and ease of installation.
Very Thick Laminate (Above 12mm)
While some laminates go thicker than 12mm for commercial use or specialty applications, these may be harder to snap together due to tight locking systems.
I once helped a DIY customer in Dallas who bought 14mm thick planks without realizing their door clearance would be affected. We had to trim doors and add transition strips—extra work and cost that could have been avoided with thinner flooring.
Door Clearance and Transitions
Check your total flooring height including underlayment against door clearances—usually around 80-90 mm from floor to bottom of door. Thicker floors might require trimming doors or modifying thresholds.
Expert Tip #5: Budget vs Quality — Finding Balance
Thicker laminates tend to cost more because they contain more material and often better core technology.
Here’s a rough breakdown of costs based on several projects I’ve handled across different cities (prices include materials only):
| Thickness (mm) | Cost Range per Sq Ft (USD) |
|---|---|
| 6-7 | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| 8-10 | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| 11-12 | $2.00 – $3.00 |
Installation labor usually adds $1.50 to $3 per square foot depending on location and complexity.
Real-Life Budget Example
For a 700 sq ft living room and kitchen remodel in Atlanta:
- Choosing 7mm laminate at $1.20/sq ft + $2 installation = $2.20/sq ft total = $1,540
- Choosing 12mm laminate at $2.50/sq ft + $2 installation = $4.50/sq ft total = $3,150
The client paid roughly double for thicker laminate but got improved durability, soundproofing, and comfort that matched their lifestyle.
When Not to Skimp on Thickness
If you have kids or pets or expect heavy traffic, going thinner might save money now but lead to repairs sooner—costing more eventually.
How Thickness Impacts Durability and Lifespan
The core layer of laminate flooring is what really determines durability. Thicker laminates tend to have cores made from high-density fiberboard (HDF), which resist dents and swelling better than thinner MDF cores.
My Observations on Durability
In homes with thin laminate (6-7mm), I’ve seen faster edge swelling near moisture-prone areas like kitchens or bathrooms when spills aren’t cleaned up quickly.
Thicker laminates (10+ mm) tend to hold up better in similar conditions because their core density slows moisture absorption.
Measuring Thickness Accurately When Shopping
Don’t just rely on marketing terms like “premium” or “commercial grade.” Always check product specs for actual plank thickness in millimeters.
Also check if thickness includes:
- Pre-attached underlayment
- Wear layer thickness (usually ranges from 0.2 mm up to 0.5 mm for heavy commercial use)
Some brands sell separate underlayment; factor this into your total height calculation if you plan on adding it after purchase.
Underlayment: How It Adds Height and Value
Underlayment is essential for soundproofing, comfort, moisture barrier protection, and minor subfloor leveling.
Common types:
- Foam: Most common; adds cushioning but less soundproofing.
- Cork: Eco-friendly; great sound absorption.
- Rubber: Superior soundproofing; used in apartments/hotels.
If your laminate doesn’t have attached underlayment:
| Underlayment Type | Thickness Added (mm) | Cost per Sq Ft (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | 1 – 2 | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Cork | 2 – 3 | $0.75 – $1.25 |
| Rubber | 3 – 4 | $1.00 – $2.00 |
For example, adding cork underlayment under an 8mm laminate brings total height closer to about 10 mm—giving benefits close to buying thicker planks but often at lower material cost.
Additional Insights from My Projects Across Locations
I’ve worked in various climates—from humid Florida homes where moisture resistance matters greatly to cold Minnesota basements where insulation value is key.
Humid Climates
In places like Miami or Houston:
- Choose thicker laminates with moisture-resistant cores.
- Use vapor barriers beneath laminate floors.
- Consider attached cork/rubber underlayment for extra protection against moisture penetration and mold risk.
Cold Climates
In Minnesota or Vermont basements:
- Thicker laminates combined with insulating underlayment help reduce cold floor feel.
- Floating floors work well over radiant heating systems if you choose planks rated for it.
Urban vs Rural Settings
In urban apartments:
- Soundproofing is critical—go thicker with acoustic underlayment.
In rural homes:
- Budget might allow thicker laminates that provide durability against dirt/grit tracked inside frequently.
FAQs About Laminate Flooring Thickness
Q: Can I install too thick laminate flooring?
A: Yes, very thick planks (above 12mm) can be harder to work with due to locking system tightness and may need door modifications.
Q: Does thicker laminate flooring mean better quality?
A: Not always—quality also depends on wear layer thickness and core density. But generally thicker floors are more durable.
Q: What happens if my underlayment adds too much height?
A: You might need to trim doors or adjust thresholds for smooth transitions between rooms.
Q: Is there a minimum thickness for warranty?
A: Some manufacturers require minimum thickness (usually around 7mm) for their warranty coverage; always check product details.
Wrapping Up My Thoughts on Laminate Flooring Thickness
Choosing the right laminate flooring thickness shapes your floor’s look, feel, durability, and longevity. From my hands-on experience and data-backed insights:
- For light use: 6-8mm works well
- For moderate/high use: Aim for 10-12mm
- Factor in subfloor condition before deciding
- Include underlayment thickness when planning total height
- Balance budget vs long-term value carefully
Every home is different—your lifestyle, climate, subfloor conditions all matter when picking thickness.
If you want my advice tailored specifically for your project—drop me your details! Getting this right means fewer headaches and a beautiful floor that lasts for years.
Feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences! Flooring isn’t just about covering floors—it’s about making homes comfortable and stylish one plank at a time.
