Laminate Flooring Thickness Explained: Does 8mm, 10mm or 12mm Really Matter?

When customers start looking at laminate flooring, one of the first details they notice is thickness. It is common to see 8mm, 10mm and 12mm boards, and it can be tempting to assume that the thickest option is always the best. In reality, laminate flooring thickness does matter, but it is only one part of the decision.

At Newland Floors and Doors, we speak to many homeowners who want a floor that looks good, feels comfortable and stands up to daily family life. Thickness can affect how the floor feels underfoot, how it deals with small subfloor imperfections and how solid it sounds when walked on. However, the quality of the board, the wear rating, the underlay and the condition of your subfloor are just as important.

This guide explains what laminate flooring thickness means, how 8mm, 10mm and 12mm options compare and how to choose the right floor for your room.

What does laminate flooring thickness actually mean?

Laminate flooring thickness refers to the depth of each board, usually measured in millimetres. A board described as 8mm is 8 millimetres thick from top to bottom. This measurement does not usually include separate underlay unless the product has an attached backing.

A laminate board is made from several layers. The top layer protects against wear, marks and fading. Under that is the decorative layer, which gives the floor its wood, stone or tile effect. The main core gives the board its strength and thickness. The backing layer helps the board stay stable.

Because the visible surface is only one part of the board, a thicker laminate is not always more scratch resistant than a thinner one. Scratch resistance is more closely linked to the wear layer and rating. Thickness is more about the feel, sound and stability of the board.

Is thicker laminate flooring always better?

Not always. A thicker board can feel more solid and may help reduce a hollow sound, especially when paired with a suitable underlay. It can also be more forgiving if the subfloor is not absolutely perfect, although it will not solve major unevenness.

However, a well-made 8mm laminate can outperform a poor quality 12mm laminate. If the board has a strong core, a reliable click system and a good wear rating, it may be a better choice than a thicker board made with weaker materials.

This is why we always recommend looking at the full product, not just the thickness. When browsing laminate flooring, think about where the floor will be fitted, how busy the room is and what level of comfort you want underfoot.

8mm laminate flooring: practical and cost-effective

An 8mm laminate floor is a popular choice for many homes. It is usually more affordable than thicker options, which makes it a good fit for bedrooms, spare rooms, home offices and lower traffic living spaces.

For many households, 8mm is perfectly suitable. It can look just as stylish as thicker laminate and, with the right underlay, it can feel comfortable underfoot. If your subfloor is smooth, dry and level, an 8mm board can sit well and perform reliably.

The main thing to consider is that 8mm laminate may feel slightly less solid than thicker boards, particularly in large open rooms or spaces with heavy use. It may also be less forgiving if the subfloor has small dips or bumps. This does not mean it is a poor choice, but preparation becomes very important.

An 8mm laminate may suit you if you want a good looking floor on a sensible budget, especially for rooms that do not see constant foot traffic.

10mm laminate flooring: a good middle ground

A 10mm laminate floor is often a strong all-round option. It gives a more solid feel than many 8mm boards while still usually being more cost-effective than 12mm laminate. For this reason, 10mm can be a good choice for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways.

The extra thickness can help the floor feel sturdier underfoot. It may also reduce some of the tapping sound that laminate can make when fitted over a hard subfloor, especially when the correct underlay is used.

For many customers, 10mm offers the best balance between price, comfort and everyday performance. It is thick enough to feel substantial, but not so thick that it creates as many height issues at doorways or between rooms.

If you are unsure where to start, 10mm laminate is often worth considering first. It suits a wide range of rooms and gives you a practical blend of value and comfort.

12mm laminate flooring: solid feel and added depth

A 12mm laminate floor is usually chosen by customers who want a heavier, more solid feel. It can feel closer to real wood underfoot, although it is still a laminate product. This thickness is often popular in main living areas, busy hallways and larger rooms where a more substantial board feels right.

Because 12mm laminate is thicker, it can help mask very small subfloor imperfections better than thinner options. That said, it still needs a level base. Laminate flooring should not be used to cover up a poor subfloor. If the floor underneath is uneven, soft or damp, it should be dealt with before fitting.

One thing to watch with 12mm laminate is finished floor height. Thicker boards, plus underlay, can raise the floor level. This may affect doors, skirting, thresholds and transitions into other rooms. It is always worth checking these details before choosing.

A 12mm board may be the right option if you want a sturdy feel, you are fitting in a busy area and the extra height will not cause problems.

How thickness affects sound

One common reason people look for thicker laminate is sound. A thicker board can sound more solid than a thinner one, but thickness alone will not guarantee a quiet floor.

The underlay plays a major role. A good quality underlay can help reduce impact sound, soften the feel underfoot and make the room more comfortable. The right underlay will depend on the room, the subfloor and whether there are any moisture concerns.

For example, a room with a concrete subfloor may need a moisture barrier or an underlay with moisture protection. A room upstairs may need underlay that helps reduce sound travelling to the room below.

If sound is one of your main concerns, choose the laminate and underlay together rather than treating them as separate decisions.

How thickness affects comfort underfoot

A thicker laminate board can feel more comfortable because it tends to have a sturdier core. It may feel less flexible and more stable when walked on. This can make a difference in busy family rooms where the floor is used every day.

However, comfort is also affected by underlay and subfloor preparation. A thin board over a high quality underlay can feel better than a thick board over poor underlay. A smooth, level subfloor will also make any laminate feel better.

This is why we encourage customers to think about the full flooring set-up. The board matters, but so does what sits beneath it.

How thickness affects durability

It is easy to assume that 12mm laminate must be more durable than 8mm laminate, but durability is not only about thickness. For daily wear, you should also look at the wear rating, surface protection and suitability for the room.

A busy hallway needs a laminate designed to handle regular foot traffic. A bedroom may not need the same level of wear resistance. If you have children, pets or a busy entrance area, the surface rating will be especially important.

Thicker laminate can feel stronger, but a suitable wear rating is what helps the floor cope with everyday use. When choosing laminate flooring, always consider thickness alongside the product’s wear rating and intended use.

What about doors, skirting and room transitions?

Floor height is often forgotten until the fitting stage. A thicker laminate board can create practical issues if it raises the floor too much. Doors may need trimming, thresholds may need changing and transitions between rooms may need careful planning.

This is particularly important if your new laminate will meet carpet, vinyl, tiles or existing wood flooring. A large height difference between floors can look untidy and may create a trip point if not finished properly.

Before choosing between 8mm, 10mm and 12mm, measure the current floor height and think about what will be removed. If you are replacing carpet and underlay, the change may be straightforward. If you are fitting laminate beside a tiled floor, the finished height may need more attention.

Which laminate thickness is best for each room?

There is no single answer that works for every home, but there are some useful starting points.

For bedrooms and lighter use rooms, 8mm laminate is often enough, provided the subfloor is in good condition. It gives a clean finish and helps keep the project budget under control.

For living rooms, dining rooms and general family spaces, 10mm laminate is a reliable middle option. It feels more solid than 8mm while staying practical for most homes.

For hallways, busy areas and larger rooms, 12mm laminate can be a good choice if you want a weightier feel and the extra height is not an issue. It can give the floor a more substantial feel, which many customers like in main areas of the home.

The importance of subfloor preparation

No laminate thickness can make up for a poor subfloor. If the base is uneven, damp or unstable, the finished floor may creak, move or fail sooner than expected.

Before laminate is fitted, the subfloor should be clean, dry and level. Any loose boards should be secured. Any high spots or dips should be corrected. Concrete should be checked for moisture where needed.

This preparation is one of the biggest factors in how well your floor performs. A carefully fitted 8mm laminate on a well-prepared subfloor can often feel better than a 12mm laminate fitted over a poor base.

How to choose the right laminate thickness

Start with the room. Ask how much use it gets, whether pets or children will be using it and whether sound or comfort is a concern. Then think about the existing subfloor and the finished height.

If you want an affordable floor for a quiet room, 8mm may be enough. If you want a safe middle choice for everyday living, 10mm is often a strong option. If you want a more solid feel for a busy or larger space, 12mm may be worth considering.

It also helps to look at colours, plank sizes and finishes at the same time. The best choice is the one that suits your room, your home and the way you live.

Shop Laminate Flooring Online

Laminate flooring thickness does matter, but it should not be the only thing you look at. An 8mm, 10mm or 12mm board can all work well when chosen for the right room and fitted over the right subfloor.

At Newland Floors and Doors, we want customers to feel confident when choosing a new floor. Whether you are comparing thickness, finishes or room suitability, our team can help you narrow down the options and find a practical choice for your home.

You can explore our range of Laminate Flooring online or contact us today if you would like help choosing the right thickness for your room.