Q: I read an article in your blog explaining why thicker wood doesn’t mean better and/or that will have better durability. Does the same apply for laminates? Also, while researching for laminates I came upon a number of 12 mm options versus the usual 8 mm but realized that top brands do not have 12 mm products. Any specific reason?
Last but not least, if the 12mm laminate does stack better against the 8mm , do you know of any reviews for these type of laminates?
Thanks!
A: The same is definitely true with laminate flooring. The thickness of a laminate does not define its quality. Some of the best laminate flooring in the industry is only 8mm thick. What thickness will tell you in laminate flooring is about how much of a hollow or “clicky” noise you can expect from your floor without a premium underlayment. Thicker floors will have a bit less of this noise.
Now, certain manufacturers do not make laminate as thick for various reasons. Part of it is a matter of cost, by making a very high quality floor on a thinner core board, they can keep pricing competitive while still offering good product. A great example here would be Quick Step Perspective vs Westhollow South Pacific. Perspective is 9.5mm thick whereas the South Pacific is 12mm, but both scored similarly on independent lab testing (amongst the best floors in the laminate industry mind you). Both floors have great moisture resistance, good locking systems and excellent finishes, the difference comes down to a matter of how the floors will sound when being walked over, but with a great underlayment you will be unable to tell the difference.
