Does Laminate Floor Thickness Make a Difference?

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners seeking a durable, stylish, and easy-to-install floor. When shopping for new laminate products, one of the first specifications you’ll notice is the thickness, usually expressed in millimeters (mm).

This number is often correlated with the quality and performance of the product, leading many to wonder: Does laminate floor thickness matter? The answer is an undeniable yes, for several important reasons.

Laminate plank thickness generally ranges from 6mm to 12mm, not including any attached underlayment. While the surface image and wear layer (AC rating) determine the look and scratch resistance, the core thickness dictates the overall feel, stability, and acoustic quality of the floor.

The Importance of Laminate Flooring Thickness

The total thickness of a laminate plank is made up of four layers, but it’s the High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) core that accounts for the majority of the measurement.

1. Stability & Durability

• Thicker Planks (10mm – 12mm): A thicker HDF core provides greater dimensional stability, which makes the laminate planks more robust and less prone to warping or bending when the subfloor isn’t perfectly level. Your floors can span small imperfections more easily, leading to a smoother, more professional-looking laminate installation.

• Thinner Planks (6mm – 8mm): While more economical, these thinner planks are less rigid. They are more likely to echo minor subfloor irregularities and can feel slightly less substantial underfoot.

2. Underfoot Feel & Sound
Thickness dramatically affects the floor’s acoustics and feel.

• Better Sound Absorption: Thicker laminate absorbs impact and sound better, which will significantly reduces the hollow, “clacky” sound often associated with low-quality laminate. A 12mm plank, especially one with an attached pad, will feel and sound much more like real hardwood.

• Firmer Feel: A thicker plank provides a sturdier, more dense feel when walked on, which enhances the perception of quality and comfort.

3. Locking System Strength
The thickness of the plank directly influences the size and strength of the tongue-and-groove locking mechanism.

• Stronger Joints: Thicker planks allow for a more substantial, robust locking system, which makes the installation process easier and ensures the joints are much less likely to separate over time, even with heavy foot traffic.

What Is a Good Laminate Floor Thickness?

While a thinner plank might suffice for a low-traffic spare room or a quick flip, here’s a guide for general use:

For most Bay Area homeowners looking for a quality floor that will last and feel substantial, 10mm to 12mm is a good laminate floor thickness to aim for.

Find Laminate Flooring at The Floor Store

Remember to always look at the AC Rating (abrasion class) of laminate flooring products for scratch and wear resistance. If you’re unsure how different thicknesses will feel and sound in your home, let us help! Take advantage of the ease of shop-at-home. Our experts can bring samples of various thicknesses and ratings directly to your home, allowing you to feel the difference and test the sound under your normal conditions.

When you are ready to get started, feel free to call our flooring experts or visit one of our 10+ convenient showrooms across Northern California, including locations in Concord, Fairfield, San Rafael, and Albany/Richmond. Our team is ready to demonstrate why laminate floor thickness matters for long-term satisfaction.