Laminate flooring comes in various thicknesses, typically ranging from about 6mm up to 12mm (and sometimes 14mm). The thickness of the laminate plank can impact installation ease, durability, and how solid the floor feels. Here’s how to think about it:

• 6-7mm Laminate: These are on the thinner end and are usually budget laminates. They tend to be less expensive, but they may also feel a bit more flimsy. Thinner laminates can work in low-traffic or temporary situations, but they might not click together as robustly and can telegraph subfloor imperfections (meaning if your subfloor isn’t perfectly flat, a thin plank might flex to the contours more). They also can sound a bit more hollow because there’s less material to absorb sound.

• 8mm Laminate: This is often considered the standard minimum for a decent quality laminate. 8mm floors can perform well in many situations and are widely available. Many good mid-range laminates are 8mm thick.

• 10-12mm Laminate: Thicker laminates (10mm, 12mm) are generally higher quality and more premium. They have a more solid feel underfoot – closer to the feel of real hardwood. The extra thickness can improve the durability of the locking mechanism (more material for the click-lock profile) and often results in better sound absorption (the floor may sound more “solid” and less hollow). They are also a bit easier to install, as the planks have more heft and tend to snap together securely. From a visual standpoint, the edges of thicker laminates (especially beveled edges) can look more like real wood planks.

• 14mm Laminate: There are a few products around 14mm which typically include an attached underlayment pad or are just very high-end. These are quite thick for laminate and will definitely feel sturdy.

Is thicker always better? Generally, thicker laminate is considered better quality​. It often correlates with a more durable product (though you should also consider the AC rating and wear layer quality). Thicker floors can handle slight subfloor irregularities better and provide a more forgiving install. They also may have deeper embossing for texture. However, a high-quality 8mm laminate can outperform a cheap 12mm one if the 8mm has a superior wear layer and locking system. So thickness is one factor, but not the only determinant of quality.

Other considerations:

• If matching heights with other flooring (like tile or hardwood in adjacent rooms), the thickness could matter to make transitions smooth.

• Thicker planks are a bit heavier, which usually isn’t an issue except you’ll carry heavier boxes.

• Cost: Thicker laminates will cost a bit more due to more material. But the cost difference is often worth it for the improved feel and durability.

As a recommendation, 8mm is a practical minimum, and if budget allows, 10-12mm laminate is great for a better feel and longevity. For busy households, the thicker options paired with a good underlayment can make the floor both durable and comfortable. If you’re trying to decide, read reviews on the specific product line – some 8mm floors are very well-engineered. But if someone asks “Is thicker laminate worth it?” – in most cases, yes, the thicker products tend to perform and sound better.