Laminate Thickness
Laminate thickness refers to the total thickness of the laminate flooring, which includes the wear layer, the design layer, and the core layer. The thickness of laminate determines its durability, comfort underfoot, and its ability to resist wear and tear over time. Choosing the right thickness ensures the flooring performs well in different environments, from residential to commercial spaces.
Here's a breakdown of common laminate thicknesses:
Thin Laminate (≤ 7 mm):
Characteristics: These are typically budget-friendly laminate options, offering flexibility and easy installation. They are thinner, making them less durable and less insulating compared to thicker options. Thin laminate floors are easier to handle during installation but are not as resistant to impact or wear.
Best Suited For: Low-traffic areas like bedrooms or offices where comfort and heavy-duty durability are not top priorities. Ideal for residential spaces with limited foot traffic.
Standard Laminate (7 mm – 9 mm):
Characteristics: A common thickness for most residential laminate flooring. This thickness offers a good balance of durability, comfort underfoot, and sound insulation. It can handle moderate foot traffic and provides better impact resistance compared to thinner laminate.
Best Suited For: Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and hallways – areas with moderate foot traffic that still require durability but want to maintain a balance of cost and performance.
Thicker Laminate (9 mm – 12 mm):
Characteristics: Thicker laminate is more durable, providing a better cushioned feel underfoot and improved sound insulation. It is also more resistant to wear, scratches, and dents, making it ideal for higher-traffic areas. Many premium laminate products fall into this category, offering more comfort and noise reduction.
Best Suited For: High-traffic areas like entryways, family rooms, or commercial spaces where the flooring needs to withstand heavy use and provide more comfort.
Premium Laminate (≥ 12 mm):
Characteristics: This is the thickest laminate option, offering superior durability, better sound insulation, and an enhanced cushioned feel underfoot. Premium laminate typically features an advanced core layer for added stability and resilience, and is designed to perform well in both heavy-duty residential and commercial environments. These are the most expensive options, offering the highest performance.
Best Suited For: Heavy-traffic commercial areas, large family homes with high foot traffic, or spaces where both durability and comfort are critical, like open-plan living areas or high-end retail environments.
How Laminate Thickness Affects Performance:
Durability: Thicker laminate tends to last longer, withstands damage better, and is more resistant to dents and scratches, especially in high-traffic areas.
Comfort: Thicker laminate provides better comfort underfoot due to the additional cushioning in the core. It also offers better sound absorption, reducing the amount of noise in the room.
Noise Reduction: The thicker the laminate, the better it can help reduce noise from foot traffic. This is especially beneficial in apartments or spaces with multiple levels.
Installation: Thicker laminate can be more challenging to install due to its rigidity, but it provides better support, making it a great option for areas with uneven subfloors.
