How To Choose Laminate Flooring Thickness

Laminate flooring is highly regarded as one of the best and toughest flooring surfaces in the flooring industry. There are many different styles and grades of laminate flooring available to choose from. Many manufactures will tell you that you shouldn’t base your flooring selection of laminate on the thickness alone, but should base it more on a few different factors to determine the best quality of flooring.

AC Rating

The AC rating indicates how durable your laminate is. It is a standard that measures the resistance to moisture, burns, stains and other conditions. Ratings start at the AC1 level and go up to the AC5 level. The lowest level is recommended for rooms that only have moderate use and traffic. The highest level is usually only used in more commercial locations. Most experts will advise you to choose a rating with an AC3.

Thickness

Thicker laminate flooring doesn’t mean it’s more durable. It will, however, be more resistant to warping and other conditions. A thickness of 8 to 12 mm is one of the most advised thickness levels for laminate flooring.

Other Things To Look For

You also want to be on the lookout for other factors like the backing strength and resistance to surface fading. The backing of your laminate is important also as it is used to help balance your flooring and prevent any bowing from occurring. High-pressure laminate is made from up to five layers and is considered to be one of the most durable.

Advantages Of A Thicker Flooring

Thicker laminate flooring is easier to install. It also can provide you with wonderful acoustics. Impact resistances or resistances to drops are also much better with a thicker flooring material. The thicker your laminate flooring, the higher your cost will be. But it is important to remember that while your investment upfront may be higher, it is worth it in the end.

Conclusion

Choosing a laminate flooring could be quite challenging if you are not familiar with the various types that are available in the market. But when you review the materials above, you can better prepare yourself to make a much more informed purchasing decision to ensure that you make the right choice when choosing your laminate flooring. Consulting with the leading experts at The Floor Shop who can answer all your questions in greater detail as we have the knowledge and experience when it comes to floors.

While you may think thicker flooring is better, it’s best to review the other qualities of the flooring as well to determine the best overall style for you. Thicker flooring does provide better resistance to drops and damage, but it is also more expensive upfront. If you are working on a budget, you may want to review your options and choose a thinner laminate to help work with your budget and needs.