Laminate flooring thickness guide

With so many types of laminate flooring available, choosing the right option for your home can often be a tough task. One of the key things to be mindful of when ordering new laminate floors is the thickness of the sheets, as it can affect durability and longevity, not to mention cost. 

Not sure what thickness of laminate is right for your kitchen, bathroom, or hallway? We’re here to make the process of buying laminate as smooth as, well, laminate. Our guide can help you find the best laminate flooring for your home – so read on to find out how to pick the right thickness for your laminate floors:

How thick is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring thickness varies depending on what you’ll be using your sheets for. Typically, 7mm will be the thinnest option available, while 12mm is the thickest.

The thickness of your laminate flooring can affect its durability, its cost, the effectiveness of your heating, and more. Different thicknesses are suited best to different environments, so be sure to pick sheets that fit the room you’re looking to re-floor.

What thickness of laminate flooring is best for me?

How thick should your floor be for different rooms in your home? We’ll run through some of the most common thicknesses, with the best use for each, so you can be sure you’re buying the right laminate flooring:

7mm

The thinnest option available, 7mm laminate flooring is also the cheapest on the market. Since its thin properties make it less durable, it’s best used in low-traffic areas where it won’t be worn down as quickly. Consider adding it to guest rooms, home offices, or storage rooms if you’re looking to cut costs.

8mm

8mm laminate strikes a strong balance of looks and functionality, making it ideal for areas like dining rooms and conservatories. It’s more durable than thinner options, but still affordable and comfortable to walk on. It’s a useful all-rounder for rooms that get reasonable use.

9mm

For rooms that get plenty of use, consider using 9mm laminate flooring. This thickness makes for flooring that absorbs sound well, while feeling more solid than other options. Living rooms and hallways are the most common fit for flooring of this size.

12mm

The thickest option available is best used in commercial spaces and especially busy households. It’s especially durable and soundproof, but its hardness can make it an uncomfortable addition to many homes. It’s useful in very high traffic areas, but is best used in commercial and industrial-grade scenarios.

How thick is laminate flooring with underlay?

Underlay is an important addition to your flooring if you’re looking for an even subfloor, but it’s important to take the thickness of your laminate into account when adding it to the thickness of your underlay.

The total thickness will obviously vary depending on how thick your chosen laminate flooring is, but underlay is also available in a variety of options. Typically, a laminate flooring underlay will be between 3mm and 5mm depending on your preference.

Thicker underlay can provide better cushioning for your flooring, and may be needed for subfloors that are particularly unlevel, while thinner options mean your laminate floors won’t take up more space than is needed. On average, a laminate floor with underlay will total a thickness of around 12mm.

What is the best thickness of laminate for underfloor heating?

The thickness of your floors can change how easily heat transfers through your room. Typically, it’s recommended that your underlay and laminate shouldn’t be any thicker than 18mm total when using underfloor heating to warm up your room.

Thicker options for flooring slow down the transfer of heat in a room. This can make your room colder instead of conducting the heat effectively. Consider using thinner laminate sheets for rooms with underfloor heating, but be sure not to choose a laminate that’s too thin to resist foot traffic.

Additionally, too much heat can damage your laminate floors. Keep your underfloor heating to temperatures under 27 ˚C to avoid any issues with your laminate flooring.

Laminate is a great option for most homes, but it’s important to choose floors that will resist repeated use without sacrificing functionality in the process. To sum up: 

• Pay attention to the thickness of your floors, and use thicker options in areas that are likely to see more use. 
• Use thinner sheets in rooms that won’t be worn down as much, or which require underfloor heating
• Reserve your thicker laminate for rooms that may require soundproofing and extra resistance to damage.

Here at Flooring King, our massive range of laminate flooring is sure to have the right sheets to suit your next DIY project, no matter how big or small. Whether you’re choosing 7mm laminate for your spare room, or using 12mm laminate for commercial-grade renovations, our range has options to suit your personal preferences and budget. Browse our collection today, or talk to an expert about how we can help you find your ideal flooring!