Choosing the right laminate flooring thickness guide can be tricky. If you’re asking, “What’s the best laminate thickness for durability?” you’ve come to the right place. In this laminate flooring thickness guide, we’ll compare 8mm vs 12mm laminate, explore 15mm thickness, cover laminate AC rating explained, discuss noise reduction laminate thickness, and help you pick the best option for high-traffic areas.
Why a Laminate Flooring Thickness Guide Matters
A good laminate flooring thickness guide helps you balance cost, performance, sound, and longevity. Thickness affects how the floor feels underfoot, how well it handles heavy use, and how it dampens noise.
This laminate flooring thickness guide breaks down the numbers so you can choose confidently.
Understanding Laminate Thickness Levels
In laminate, thickness is essentially the height of the plank, including its core and wear layer.
- 8 mm laminate – a standard, economical choice.
- 12 mm laminate – a mid‑range option favored for durability.
- 15 mm laminate – a thicker choice, often labeled heavy-duty laminate flooring.
8 mm vs 12 mm vs 15 mm – the basics
- 8 mm laminate: thin, affordable, ideal for low-traffic zones.
- 12 mm laminate: balanced, reliable, perfect for most rooms.
- 15 mm laminate: heavy-duty build, best for large gatherings or open-concept homes.
In this laminate flooring thickness guide, we’ll explore these options and more.
8 mm Laminate: Good for Budget & Light Use
Pros of 8 mm
- Cheapest option—great for rentals or guest rooms.
- Easy to cut and install.
- Works well when paired with quality underlayment.
Cons of 8 mm
- Less robust—wears faster in busy areas.
- Thinner core may flex or creak over time.
- Offers lower noise reduction laminate thickness.
Where to use 8 mm
Use 8 mm in kids’ playrooms, home offices, or spare bedrooms. It’s good where you won’t host parties or heavy foot traffic. It can still deliver a nice look when installed well.
12 mm Laminate: The Popular Middle Ground
Many people consider 12 mm the sweet spot in this laminate flooring thickness guide.
Pros of 12 mm
- Best laminate thickness for durability in most homes.
- Feels solid and stable underfoot.
- Better noise reduction laminate thickness compared to thinner options.
- Still easy to install and cost-effective.
Cons of 12 mm
- Slightly higher cost than 8 mm.
- Heavier boards might be tougher to handle for beginners.
Best use cases
12 mm is ideal for living rooms, hallways, kitchens—anywhere you need a strong, durable floor. It checks boxes for thick vs thin laminate pros and cons.
15 mm Laminate: Heavy-Duty Performance
For maximum durability, consider 15 mm laminate.
Pros of 15 mm
- Marketed as heavy-duty laminate flooring for very busy spaces.
- Excellent rigid feel and sound insulation.
- Often rated high for laminate AC rating explained, like AC4 or AC5.
Cons of 15 mm
- Highest price per square foot.
- Slightly more difficult to install due to weight.
- Overkill in small or lightly used rooms.
Best use cases
Use 15 mm in open-concept homes, basements, or commercial-like settings. Anywhere you need the best laminate flooring for high-traffic areas, this thickness excels.
Laminate AC Rating Explained
In our laminate flooring thickness guide, the laminate AC rating explained is important. “AC” stands for Abrasion Class—a measure from AC1 to AC5 of how well the wear layer resists scratches and dents.
- AC1–AC2: light traffic (bedrooms).
- AC3: residential use—living rooms, kitchens.
- AC4–AC5: commercial/residential—offices or heavy‑use areas.
Selecting the right thickness and laminate AC rating explained go hand in hand: a good barrier against wear begins with both factors.
Noise Reduction & Underlayment
This laminate flooring thickness guide also covers noise reduction laminate thickness and underlayment.
- Thicker laminate naturally absorbs more sound.
- Underlayment helps reduce footfall noise and hides subfloor imperfections—look for products labeled as thickness and underlayment.
For best soundproofing, pair 12 mm or 15 mm laminate with quality underlayment. It improves your home’s quietness and comfort.
Thick vs Thin Laminate Pros and Cons
Many homeowners wonder about the cost difference between 8mm vs 12mm laminate flooring. While we’re not diving into exact prices, here’s what to keep in mind:
- 8mm laminate is generally the most affordable option.
- 12mm laminate tends to cost slightly more but offers better durability and sound performance.
- 15mm laminate is considered a premium product, often chosen for long-term value and high-traffic environments.
From an investment point of view, stepping up from 8mm to 12mm or 15mm may bring greater long-term comfort, strength, and stability, especially in busy households or open spaces. In this laminate flooring thickness guide, we always recommend balancing your budget with how much use your floors will get.
Best Laminate Thickness for Durability
If your goal is long-lasting floors, aim for best laminate thickness for durability:
- 12 mm covers most homes for around 10–15 years.
- 15 mm offers even better durability, especially with a high AC rating explained.
But if you’re on a budget and don’t need heavy-duty floors, 8 mm still works well in many rooms.
Laminate Flooring for High-Traffic Areas
When choosing thickness for hallways, kitchens, or entryways, this laminate flooring thickness guide recommends:
- 12 mm with AC3 or AC4
- 15 mm with AC4 or AC5
This ensures your laminate can handle the footfall without showing early wear.
Thickness and Underlayment = Better Floors
Combining thickness and the right underlayment makes a difference in sound and feel.
If you pair 12 mm or 15 mm laminate flooring with a quality 2–3 mm underlayment, you’ll notice:
- Reduced echo in rooms
- Smoother feel underfoot
- Better insulation against cold concrete
This is critical for anyone searching “laminate flooring thickness guide for noisy floors” or “best underlayment with thick laminate flooring.”
Cost Difference: 8 mm vs 12 mm Laminate Flooring
Thick vs Thin Laminate Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick breakdown of how 8 mm, 12 mm, and 15 mm laminate flooring compare:
8mm Laminate
- Most affordable option
- Best for light-traffic areas
- May flex or creak slightly
- Basic sound insulation
- Easiest to install
12mm Laminate
- Mid-range in pricing
- Ideal for everyday home use
- Feels stable underfoot
- Offers good sound reduction
- Easy to install for most DIYers
15mm Laminate
- Premium-grade option
- Designed for heavy-duty or commercial use
- Extremely solid and stable
- Best for noise reduction
- Slightly heavier, moderate install effort
These points highlight the pros and cons of thick vs thin laminate in a simple, readable format.
Is 15 mm Laminate Worth It?
If you’re asking “is 15mm laminate worth it?” consider these long-term benefits:
- Better laminate flooring for high‑traffic areas
- Less noise—critical in open homes or multi-story buildings
- Stronger core, less prone to dents
A quality 15 mm laminate flooring thickness guide backed by a high AC rating is generally worth the splurge in busy households.
Our Final Tips
- Use this laminate flooring thickness guide to match your needs.
- Pick thickness based on room use, noise concerns, and budget.
- Never skip good underlayment—it’s key.
- Match thickness with laminate AC rating explained for long life.
- When you need durability and quiet, 12 mm is the best mid‑range choice; 15 mm is best for heavy-duty use.
Conclusion
This laminate flooring thickness guide has shown:
- 8 mm is alright for low-traffic, low-cost spaces
- 12 mm is the best choice for most homes
- 15 mm is for heavy-duty, high-performance needs
Remember, thickness matters—but so do AC rating, underlayment, and room use. Combine them well, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, durable floor for years.
FAQ
Q: How thick should laminate flooring be for family homes?
A: We recommend 12 mm—great for living rooms, playrooms, and kitchens.
Q: Does thicker laminate reduce noise?
A: Yes, a thicker plank dampens footfall and echo—use 12 mm or 15 mm plus underlayment.
Q: Laminate flooring thickness comparison 8mm 12mm 15mm—what’s best?
A: 8 mm is budget-friendly, 12 mm offers balance, and 15 mm is premium and heavy-duty.
Q: What is the cost difference 8mm vs 12mm laminate flooring?
A: 12mm laminate is usually priced higher than 8mm because of its added strength and sound resistance.