6mm,8mm,10mm laminate. Does it matter?

Hi all,

Just looking at laminate flooring. Surely it's the surface of the laminate that matters, and not how thick the board is? Especially when it's being put down on a solid base. Is the surface on a 10mm board more durable/thicker and hence longer lasting than the surface of a 6mm board? They look all the same to me!

Thanks,
Matt

They look the same but wear very differently.
6mm stuff is rock bottom cheap. For a house the better is 8mm.

The problem for the thinner stuff is the levelness of the floor underneath,
not how solid it is. If there is any dips in the floor, the thinner stuff will bend a lot
and break the joints. The thicker floor can cope better.
Having said that, you should ensure the floor is as smooth as possible.
Check for dips with a long straight edge. Don't just blast it down in an hour.
If you need to, use levelling compound or cardboard to even the dips.
If its for bedrooms, you can go for the lower end of the range.
Downstairs flooring will stand you better if you spend money on the good stuff.
I can buy 6mm laminate for €5 a square metre. Small bedroom grade.
The good 8mm starts around €12 a square metre.
It's hard not to buy the thinner but it is a false economy if you are putting it in
an area where it will get wear and tear.

In theory an engineered wood can be sanded and varnished in future when the surface gets worn. You'll get more sandings out of a thicker board. In practice you might not care.

dub_nerd said:

In theory an engineered wood can be sanded and varnished in future when the surface gets worn. You'll get more sandings out of a thicker board. In practice you might not care.

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I might be wrong but I don't think you can sand down laminate flooring, real wood can be sanded.
The technology in laminate flooring is all about the layers that make its appearance, finish and protection, don't see how anyone could sand it..
Graftgirl

We have a holiday home. We put the thickest laminate all over the downstairs and a mid-range one upstairs. Huge difference.

emeralds said:

We have a holiday home. We put the thickest laminate all over the downstairs and a mid-range one upstairs. Huge difference.

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Hi Emeralds,
Can I ask what thickness the laminate you used downstairs is? I am asking as I am looking at laminates at the moment and Hubby has almost convinced me to put it in the kitchen and living areas, would be a large enough space too.