Navigating Laminate Flooring Thickness: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to the world of laminate flooring with New Doors & Floors, where the thickness you choose can make all the difference in the comfort, durability, and aesthetics of your home. We are going to try and help answer a question we get all the time in our showrooms, and that is ; "What thickness laminate floor do I need?". The available options range from 6mm to 14mm, offering a huge number of choices for homeowners seeking the perfect laminate floor for their home. In this guide, we'll explore the factors influencing thickness decisions and help you make an informed choice.
Understanding Laminate Flooring Thickness in the Market:
When it comes to laminate flooring, the available thickness options (ranging from 6mm to 14mm) provide homeowners with a great array of choices. Each thickness has its unique characteristics, catering to different needs and preferences.
Factors Influencing Thickness Choice for Homes:
- Budgetary Considerations:
Understand how budget constraints play a role in the decision-making process, and discover cost-effective options without compromising quality. Generally thicker laminates work out more expensive than thinner laminates, but this is not always the case. Certain manufacturers specialize in specific thickness of flooring. Balterio, as an example are a high end laminate manufacturer who mainly produce 8/9mm laminate boards. Their boards are some of the leading choices when it comes to moisture resistance and a natural look.
- Subfloor Imperfections:
This is probably the biggest influence on your choice for a new laminate floor. Consider choosing a thicker laminate floor to make subfloor imperfections less noticeable. Thicker laminates provide better stability and can compensate for minor imperfections in the subfloor, resulting in a smoother overall appearance. If you have a lesser quality subfloor compared to a freshly poured screed. You may require a thicker laminate to help mask the imperfections. If you were to choose a thinner board you may be able to see and feel these imperfections as you walk across your floor. If you floor is in a bad condition always to make sure it adheres to the manufacturers specifications and tolerances.
- What was there before:
It can be important to consider what thickness the flooring you are replacing is when you are purchasing a new floor. If the floor is joining up with another floor, going through doorways or meeting external entrances. You might be limited in how thick or thin you can go in your decision. Your doors may need to be shaved if you opt for a thicker floor than was there before.
Laminate Thickness Options:
- 6mm and 7mm Flooring:
Ideal for those seeking an affordable option, thinner laminates suit areas with less foot traffic such as bedrooms. More often than not though there will not be a large increase in price to step up to an 8mm floor. If it is affordable for you it can be a worthwhile investment to make.
- 8mm and 10mm Flooring:
Balancing affordability with durability, mid-range thickness options are suitable for various rooms and lifestyles. AC ratings will start to come into play here and are definitely worth while getting familiar with. A good quality 8/10mm AC4 board will preform much better than a lower quality AC3 board. The AC rating is a score that is given to laminate flooring which outlines its suitability for certain areas and the level of traffic it receives.
- 12mm and 14mm Flooring:
Explore the benefits of thicker laminates, such as enhanced durability and a luxurious feel, making them perfect for specific environments or preferences. A good quality 12mm AC4+ board is always a popular choice with our customers but its not the most important factor. A 12/14mm laminate is only required where the sub floor is not in the best condition. If you have a quality sub floor an 8mm floor is more than enough.
Conclusion:
In summary, selecting the right laminate flooring thickness is a crucial decision for homeowners. Consider the unique factors influencing your choice, from interior design trends to subfloor imperfections. Whether you opt for the affordability of 6mm or a 12mm floor with all the bells and whistles, make an informed decision that suits your needs.