Laminate Flooring Thickness Explained: What 8mm, 10mm and 12mm Really Mean in Everyday Use

May 14, 2026

It’s easy to assume that 12mm flooring is going to be the best compared to 8mm and 10mm. And while thickness does matter to a certain extent, everyday durability also depends on wear rating, board quality, subfloor preparation and underlay. 

Basically, we need to think of thickness as one part of the flooring setup, not a quality score on its own. 

Here, we explain laminate flooring thickness and show you when different thicknesses make more sense. 

Quick answer: Which laminate thickness should you choose?

Key takeaways 

• Thicker laminate is not automatically better. 12mm can feel more solid and premium, but 8mm or 10mm may be the smarter choice for lower-traffic rooms.

• Durability depends on more than thickness. Wear rating, board quality, the locking system, underlay and fitting all affect how well your floor performs over time.

• 8mm, 10mm and 12mm each have their place. 8mm suits bedrooms and spare rooms, 10mm is a great all-rounder; and 12mm works well in hallways, living rooms and larger spaces.

• The subfloor matters just as much as the board. Laminate needs a dry, level and stable base to avoid movement, creaking, gaps or joint damage.

• Always factor in the underlay and finished floor height. The right underlay improves comfort and performance, while the total height can affect doors, thresholds and skirting.

What does laminate flooring thickness actually mean?

Laminate flooring thickness is the depth of each plank. They most commonly come in 8mm, 10mm and 12mm options, although other depths can be available. 

The measurement refers to the board itself, not the underlay underneath it. So, if you choose a 10mm laminate and a 2mm underlay, the total finished floor height will be 12mm. 

Thickness may affect how the floor feels underfoot. A thicker plank will feel more solid and comfortable. It also reduces the hollow sound you often associate with laminate flooring. 

But thickness isn’t the full picture. Thickness doesn’t tell you how scratch-resistant, water-resistant or long-lasting the floor will be. For that, you’ll have to look at the board quality, the wear rating, the locking system, the underlay, and the condition of the subfloor. 

Is thicker laminate flooring always better? 

A thicker laminate floor isn’t always the best choice. 

A 12mm laminate will feel more stable than an 8mm; it can be quieter underfoot and give a more luxurious look. But it doesn’t mean everyone needs a 12mm laminate throughout the house. 

In a spare bedroom, home office or low-traffic room, a good-quality 8 or 10mm laminate may do just as good a job. Meaning you end up paying extra for thickness that’s not really needed. 

Plus, just because you have a thicker board doesn’t mean you should skimp on floor preparation. If the floor is uneven, damp or poorly fitted, even a thick laminate can move, creak or wear badly over time. 

8mm laminate flooring: When it makes sense 

8mm laminate flooring can be a smart choice for homeowners who want a practical, attractive floor without pushing the budget too far. It’s one of the most common thicknesses available, so you’ve got your pick when it comes to colours and styles. 

8mm laminate flooring works well in: 

• Bedrooms 

• Spare rooms 

• Dressing rooms 

• Home offices 

The biggest advantage of 8mm laminate is value. It can give you the look of a stylish wood-effect floor at a more affordable price, making it ideal if you’re updating more than one room or have a clear budget set out. 

Remember, though, you’ll still need good floor preparation. Because the board is thinner, it can be less forgiving on uneven surfaces. If there are dips, bumps or loose floorboards underneath, these should be sorted before fitting. 

10mm laminate flooring: The best middle ground for many homes 

For many people, 10mm laminate flooring gives the best balance of price, comfort and durability. It feels more substantial than the 8mm, and it costs less than 12mm, giving you a great middle ground. 

10mm laminate flooring is ideal for: 

• Living rooms

• Dining rooms 

• Home offices 

• Children’s bedrooms 

This thickness is a great choice for those who want a robust floor but don’t necessarily need the thickest board available. For many homes, especially where the subfloor is reasonably level and a suitable underlay is used, it ticks all the boxes. 

12mm laminate flooring: When the extra thickness is worth it 

12mm laminate flooring is the thickest of the common household options, and it’s a must for those who want a solid, premium feel. 

Use 12mm in: 

• Hallways 

• Living rooms 

• Open-plan spaces 

The extra thickness can help the floor feel stronger and more stable. Plus, with the right underlay, you can reduce noise and have a comfortable feel underfoot. 

The heavier and denser feel of a 12mm laminate feels closer to real wood compared with thinner boards, too. So if you want a floor that feels as good as it looks, 12mm can be the best choice. 

But remember, a thicker board will raise the finished floor height, so take into account the underlay too. This can affect doors, skirt, radiator pipes and how your flooring sits against other flooring in nearby rooms. It’s typically easy to manage, but it’s something to think about before you start fitting. 

Thickness vs wear rating: What actually affects durability 

Thickness can make laminate feel sturdier, but the wear rating is what tells you more about how well the surface is likely to handle daily life. 

Laminate flooring is built in layers. The top layer is the one that takes the brunt of shows, furniture, pets, dropped toys, chair legs and general foot traffic. This is why two floors with the same thickness can perform very differently. One 10mm laminate may be better suited to a busy hallway than another 12mm board if it has a tougher surface rating and better construction. 

When comparing laminates, look for the AC rating. This is a durability classification used to show how suitable the surface is for different levels of use. As a general rule, lower ratings are better for lighter domestic areas, while higher ratings are better suited to busy homes and commercial-style wear. 

If durability is your main concern, don’t judge a floor by thickness alone. A well-chosen laminate should suit your lifestyle, not just look good on the sample board. 

The subfloor question: Why the floor underneath matters

The floor you see is only part of the job. What sits underneath it can affect how well your laminate performs. 

Laminate is a floating floor, which means it’s not usually glued or nailed down across the whole surface. Instead, boards are locked together to sit over the subfloor with underlay underneath. 

For this, you need a stable base that is dry and level. If not, problems like movement, bouncing, creaking, gaps, and joint damage can show up later. 

A thicker laminate can help disguise imperfections, but it can’t solve a poor subfloor. If there are obvious dips, high spots, loose boards or crumbling areas, these need attention before the new flooring goes down. Skipping this step can shorten your floor's lifespan, even if you’ve chosen a quality product. 

Different subfloors will need their own preparation: 

• The concrete subfloor should be checked for moisture 

• Timber floorboards may need securing if they’re loose or noisy 

• Existing tiles would need to be firmly fixed, level and free from cracks 

• The old carpet should be removed 

Underlay: The hidden part of the decision 

Underlay can be easy to overlook because you don’t see it once the floor is fitted, but it can make a big difference to how the laminate feels, sounds and performs. 

If you choose an underlay that is too soft, too thick or unsuitable, the laminate can move too much when it’s walked on, which puts stress on the click joints. 

Underlay should be picked for the specific room it’s going in: 

• Upstairs bedrooms, landing areas or flats should opt for acoustic underlay 

• Ground-floor rooms with concrete could opt for a damp-proof membrane or moisture-resistant underlay 

• Underfloor heating needs a compatible underlay so heat can pass through properly 

Finished floor height 

Finished floor height is one of those details that is easy to miss when choosing laminate, but it can make a big difference once fitting starts. 

The finished height is the combined depth of the laminate board and the underlay beneath it. A 10mm laminate with a 2mm underlay gives you an overall height of 12mm; it might not sound like much, but when you’re thinking about doors, skirting boards and adjoining rooms, it can make a big difference. 

• Check door clearance first. Internal doors may need trimming so they can easily open and close. 

• Thresholds need planning. Where laminate meets carpet, tiles, or another hard floor, they may not sit at the same level. A door bar or profile can give you a neat transition. 

• Removing and refitting skirting will give you a cleaner finish, but beading around the edge of the room can be a smart move. 

Finished height is not a reason to avoid a thicker laminate, but it’s something that you want to plan for. 

Which laminate thickness is best by room? 

Final recommendation: Do not buy by thickness alone 

Laminate thickness comes in useful for comparison, but it shouldn’t be the one deciding factor when you’re picking one out. 

The better question is now, “Which is the thickest?” It is, “Which floor is right for this room?” 

Before you make your final choice, think about: 

• Foot traffic

• Subfloor condition 

• Quality of the underlay 

• Wear rating 

• Finished floor height 

Get these right, and even a modestly priced laminate can perform well. Ignore them, and even a thicker board may disappoint. 

Not sure whether 8mm, 10mm or 12mm is right for your home? Visit Mersey Flooring or speak to our team for practical advice tailored to your room, subfloor, and budget.