Is thicker laminate flooring always better?

There is a common belief that thicker laminate is always better, but this oversimplifies how laminate performance works. Laminate thickness typically ranges from 6mm to 12mm or more, and while thickness is a factor, it is not the most important one. What thickness affects: 1. Sound absorption: Thicker planks can absorb slightly more sound and feel more solid underfoot. However, the underlayment has a much greater effect on noise reduction than plank thickness. 2. Subfloor tolerance: Thicker laminate can bridge minor subfloor imperfections better than thinner laminate. If your subfloor has slight dips or unevenness, a thicker product may be more forgiving. However, proper subfloor preparation is always preferred over relying on thickness to compensate. 3. Insulation: Thicker planks provide slightly better thermal insulation, which can be noticeable over concrete subfloors. Again, the underlayment also contributes to this. 4. Feel underfoot: Thicker laminate can feel more substantial and less flexy when walked on, especially over an uneven subfloor. What thickness does NOT determine: 1. Surface durability: The AC rating measures how well the wear layer resists scratches, abrasion, and impact. A 7mm AC4 product will resist surface wear better than a 12mm AC3 product. Thickness and AC rating are independent. 2. Water resistance: Thickness does not determine how well the product handles water. That depends on the core construction and joint design. A thin waterproof laminate will outperform a thick standard laminate in wet conditions. 3. Visual realism: The thickness of the plank has no bearing on how realistic the wood or tile pattern looks. Realism depends on image quality, EIR texture, pattern variation, and edge design. 4. Joint strength: The locking system design matters more than thickness for joint integrity. A well-engineered thin plank can have stronger joints than a poorly engineered thick one. When comparing laminate products, consider these factors in order of importance for your needs: - AC rating (for durability and scratch resistance) - Water resistance (if relevant to the installation area) - EIR texture (for visual realism) - Core density and quality - Underlayment type (attached or separate) - Warranty terms - Plank thickness A 8mm or 10mm AC3 or AC4 laminate from a reputable brand is a good choice for most homes. Going thicker than 12mm does not provide meaningful benefits for residential use unless you need the subfloor tolerance. Always follow the manufacturer's installation and care instructions.

Key considerations

• Thickness affects sound, subfloor tolerance, and feel — but not surface durability or water resistance.
• AC rating is a better predictor of scratch and wear performance than plank thickness.
• A 7mm AC4 product will outlast a 12mm AC3 product in surface durability.
• Underlayment quality has a greater effect on noise reduction than plank thickness.
• Proper subfloor preparation is always preferred over relying on thickness to compensate for unevenness.

A common misconception

Many homeowners believe that a 12mm laminate is inherently superior to an 8mm laminate. In reality, a high-quality 8mm product with a good AC rating, quality underlayment, and EIR texture can outperform a thicker budget product in durability, appearance, and comfort.

Practical recommendations

Do not choose laminate based on thickness alone. Prioritize the AC rating for durability, water resistance for the installation area, EIR texture for realism, and a quality underlayment for sound. Choose a reputable brand and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. For most homes, 8mm to 10mm is adequate. Always follow the manufacturer's care recommendations.

What to check on site

An in-home evaluation can help you assess subfloor flatness (which affects whether thicker planks are needed), compare products across all performance factors, and recommend the best combination of AC rating, underlayment, and thickness for your budget and needs.