Flooring thickness — how to choose the right one?

Flooring thickness – what is it?

Flooring thickness is a value measured in millimetres. Most laminate flooring is between 8 and 10 millimetres thick. There are also models available on the market with a different thickness — from 6 to 12 mm. In the case of vinyl flooring, standard values are completely different. Planks are much thinner — manufacturers offer flooring with a thickness of 3-7 mm and guarantee their reliability.

Flooring thickness is often an underestimated parameter. Although manufacturers provide information about it, not every customer is aware of its importance. As a matter of fact, the chosen thickness has a significant impact on every aspect of flooring use. A properly selected thickness will enhance the functionality of the entire room and will help you get the most out of it.

What flooring thickness to choose – key rules

What does the flooring thickness affect? Firstly, the flooring stability largely depends on it. In the case of laminate flooring, the thicker the planks, the more damage resistant the floor. This parameter is also reflected in the price. The thinnest planks are the cheapest. However, they can be damaged quickly – heavy furniture should not be placed on them, and some of them can deform as a result of everyday use, even when walking on the floor.

However, if you really want very thin planks, choose vinyl models, for example from the Ceramin range. This is a very good choice if you plan to install a new floor without removing the old one. As a result, you won’t feel any increase in floor height. Any differences in levels between the rooms that will be created as a result of laying a new layer of floor can be compensated for with the use of special threshold strips. Thin planks are also much lighter. They will therefore be easier to carry and handle during the installation, especially in the case of carrying out DIY renovation.

Thick planks, however, are distinguished by their greater stability. A floor made of them will not deform even under the heaviest furniture. They will also not get disconnected during use. So, if your priority is durability and you want a floor that will last for many years, this will be the best choice for you. Thick planks are stiffer and can handle the load better. They will therefore not let you down if a heavy wardrobe or a multi-piece kitchen furniture set in placed on them.

The choice of flooring thickness is also very much influenced by home heating system you use. In the case of underfloor heating, too thick planks are not recommended. They can impede the distribution of heat and thus reduce the effectiveness of the whole system. It is also worth checking whether a particular model is compatible with underfloor heating. Such information has been certainly provided by the manufacturer.

Fortunately, a compromise can be found: laminate flooring with a thickness of 8-10 mm. They are thick enough to provide the floor with adequate stability and durability, but they will not hinder the operation of underfloor heating. If you choose models equipped with the Megaloc glueless and tool-free installation system, you will not feel their weight when laying the floor. Thinner flooring can be installed in rooms where they will not be exposed to intensive use. However, if you know that the floors will need enhanced protection, choose the thickest flooring available on the market.

When considering the ideal flooring thickness, avoid saving money. Flooring installation is an investment for many years. A solid floor that is resistant to damage will maintain its beautiful appearance and be a decoration of your home. A floor that is too thin, despite its seemingly attractive price, can quickly get damaged and lose its aesthetic value. It will therefore need to be replaced, which usually involves high costs and a lot of effort. This does not apply, however, to vinyl flooring. Due to a different construction, a small thickness can provide high durability. So, if you really want very thin planks, which will serve their function well, vinyl flooring will be the best choice for you.

Quite often more expensive, thicker flooring is also distinguished by a more refined appearance and additional features. You can choose the model best suited to the style of your flat. For example, it will faithfully resemble different wood species, and its surface will be perfectly protected against scratches.

Flooring – what else should we pay attention to?

When searching for the ideal materials, it is worth paying attention not only to the flooring thickness, but to other technical parameters as well. In this way, you will get a durable, scratch-resistant floor that will serve you well for many years.

A feature that has a very large impact on the longevity of the flooring is water resistance. The best choice will be laminate planks distinguished by water resistance for up to 48 hours. This type of floor does not swell or detach from the surface even after prolonged contact with standing water. Liquid does not penetrate into it, because the planks are protected with a hydrophobic coating and laminated. When water is spilt on them, all you have to do is wipe them dry. If you do it within 48 hours, no trace will remain.

Another important parameter is the abrasion class. It determines scratch resistance. Flooring with abrasion class rating of AC4 and AC5 are the most durable. By choosing a model with such rating, which will additionally be characterised by appropriate thickness and water resistance, you will receive a solid, durable floor.

In addition to the flooring durability, its impact on the environment is also very important. The Blue Angel certificate is a guarantee that the flooring is eco-friendly and ensures a healthy atmosphere in the rooms where it is installed. In the case of thin vinyl flooring, make sure to choose models made without PVC and other harmful substances. They are 100% recyclable. An additional useful feature that helps to create a safe space, especially for allergy sufferers, is the anti-static coating. It slows down the settling of dust on the floor surface and makes cleaning easier.

Now you know what flooring thickness is best for your home!

When choosing flooring, it is worth considering many parameters and remembering not to underestimate the thickness. In the text, we have presented a number of aspects that depend on this feature: stability, durability, compatibility with underfloor heating as well as price. All of them have a great impact on the comfort of using the flooring and its resistance to damage. We hope that thanks to our advice you will consciously choose the plank thickness adapted to your needs and that your flooring will serve you well for a long time.