No, Laminate Flooring is perfect from thickness position.
If so, you may wonder if 7mm laminate flooring needs to be thicker. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of 7mm laminate flooring and what to consider when deciding.
Is 7mm Laminate Flooring too Thin?
When it comes to the thickness of laminate flooring, many homeowners often wonder if 7mm is too thin for their needs. While 7mm laminate is slightly thicker than 6mm, it may need to be thick enough to last for any significant amount of time.
8mm laminate flooring is generally regarded as the minimum thickness that should be used in a home installation. However, some people may still opt for 7mm if they have a quality subfloor and are looking for a more affordable option.
While thinner laminate can still be extremely durable, thicker flooring is usually better regarding sound insulation, scratch resistance, water damage prevention, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Source : ceramictechnics.com
What is the ideal thickness for laminate flooring?
As you can see, there is a wide variety of thicknesses to choose from when it comes to laminate flooring. The ideal thickness is largely dependent on your specific needs and preferences.
For most normal home installations, 7mm laminate flooring is a great option as it balances cost and performance. However, 8mm or 10mm laminate flooring may be the best choice if you want long-term durability and strength.
12mm laminate flooring is also an option; however, it tends to be more costly than the other alternatives. Ultimately, it’s important to consider the wear layer and construction of the laminate before deciding on the right thickness for your project.
7 Benefits of thick Laminate Flooring
Thicker laminate flooring looks and feels better and provides a range of benefits that make it a great choice for any home. From increased durability to improved sound insulation, there are several advantages to choosing thicker laminate flooring. Consider seven of the most common benefits of thick laminate flooring.
1. Increased durability
Thicker laminates are more durable than their thinner counterparts, making them great for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and entryways. 8mm is often considered the best all-around option for durability, comfort, and affordability.
10mm would be even better if cost and thickness weren’t an issue. The thicker the floor, the more it can withstand wear and tear. Plus, thicker laminates also have a longer warranty period than thinner ones. As a result, thicker laminate flooring should be considered if durability is a priority.
2. Improved sound insulation
Regarding sound insulation, thicker laminate flooring can provide more sound-dampening performance. This is because it contains a more high-density fiber (HDF) core, which creates a barrier against sound. Swiss Krono USA offers 14 collections with 12 mm of thickness, which can greatly reduce the amount of noise that passes through the floor.
This is especially beneficial for people with pets or a lot of foot traffic in their homes. Additionally, thicker laminate flooring can provide improved comfort underfoot. This is because the thicker base material gives the flooring better impact resistance, so if you drop items like cutlery, it’ll have little effect.
3. Greater resistance to scratches and dents
Scratches and dents are a common problem with thin laminate floors, but thicker laminate flooring is much more resistant to these types of damage. The higher wear layer of thick laminate provides much better scratch and dent resistance, making it the ideal choice for high-traffic areas where it is likely to experience more wear and tear.
Not only does this make it a great choice for busy households, but it also means that your laminate flooring will last longer and look better for longer.
4. Better resistance to water damage
Water damage is a major concern regarding flooring, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Fortunately, thicker laminate flooring offers better protection against water damage due to its greater density.
The higher the thickness of the laminate, the better it can withstand moisture and humidity. On top of that, thicker laminate has a better surface seal that helps to protect it from water seeping through, thus making it more resistant to water damage.
5. More resistance to wear and tear
Thicker laminate flooring also provides more resistance to wear and tear. It is much more resistant to dents and scratches, which is particularly important in high-traffic areas.
Thicker laminate flooring has a longer lifespan and is more durable, meaning it will not need to be replaced as often. This makes it a great option for busy households or commercial spaces.
6. Improved aesthetic appeal
Regarding aesthetics, thicker laminate flooring allows for more intricate designs, giving your interior a more luxurious look. In contrast, narrower boards may not be able to show as much depth.
Additionally, thicker laminate planks are usually heavier than thinner ones, giving them a more substantial feel when walking on them. This is especially important in high-traffic areas of your home, as it adds a sense of luxury and comfort to your home.
7. Enhanced structural integrity
Thicker planks of laminate flooring can also enhance structural integrity, which greatly benefits high-traffic areas. This is because thicker planks are less likely to bend or flex under pressure, and the tongues are less apt to break off.
In addition, thicker planks can bridge minor gaps in the subflooring, providing a more secure and stable foundation for your laminate flooring.
What are the drawbacks of thin laminate flooring?
Thin laminate flooring does have some drawbacks, however. The main issue with thin laminate is that it is more susceptible to damage. Thin laminate is more likely to dent, scratch, and chip if something heavy is dropped.
It can also be more prone to water damage, as the thin material doesn’t provide as much protection against moisture. Additionally, thin laminate is less resistant to wear and tear over time. So if you plan on having your flooring for a long time, consider thicker options.
What is the difference between 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, and 10mm laminate flooring?
Regarding the thickness of laminate flooring, there are many options to consider. From 6mm to 12mm, the question is, how much thickness do you need? 6mm and 7mm are thinner options, while 8mm and 10mm are thicker.
The difference between each option is significant and affects the durability, sound insulation, resistance to scratches and dents, water damage, wear, and tear, and aesthetic appeal of your laminate flooring. 8mm is one of the most common options as it offers better durability and comfort for an affordable price.
However, if you want a more luxurious feel or your subfloor is uneven, 10mm – 12mm laminate might be worth considering.
1. The thickness of laminate flooring and its impact on durability
Regarding the thickness of laminate flooring, there are a few factors to consider. The thicker the plank, the more durable and resistant it will be. However, the thinner planks are more affordable, which is why many people opt for them.
But what we have to remember is that the thickness of the plank will determine its durability, as well as its resistance to wear and tear. So, if you want a floor that will last for years and withstand everyday wear and tear, choose a laminate thickness of 8mm or more.
2. Differences in thickness and wear layer
When choosing laminate flooring, thickness and wear layer are two key factors. The rule of thumb is that the thicker the boards are, the longer they will survive. However, it is important to note that thickness doesn’t necessarily equate to quality.
For example, a 10mm board may not necessarily be better than an 8mm board. The wear layer is just as important – the protective layer helps guard against scratches and fading. When comparing different types of laminate flooring, always compare the same wear layer.
Source: felixwong.com
Summary
In conclusion, 7mm laminate flooring is a little thick for normal home installations, provided it is installed over a quality subfloor. However, it is not recommended for commercial or industrial applications since it needs more structural integrity and durability of thicker laminate flooring. The thickness of laminate flooring has an impact on its durability, so it is important to choose the right thickness for your needs.
As a rule of thumb, 8 mm or thicker is recommended for most situations, although 6 mm or 7 mm may be suitable in certain cases. Ultimately, it is important to consider the type of wear layer and the thickness of the plank or tile when selecting laminate flooring.
