Verdict
12mm laminate tends to feel more solid and quieter underfoot and can be a little more forgiving over minor subfloor imperfections; 8mm is lower cost and perfectly good for many rooms. For durability, check the AC wear rating, not just the thickness.
Laminate thickness is one of the first things people compare, but it's widely misunderstood. Thickness affects feel and sound more than surface durability — the AC rating tells you how the top layer copes with wear.
So the honest comparison isn't 'thicker is better'; it's 'what does the extra thickness buy you, and does this room need it?'
Side by side
| Factor | 8mm laminateLower cost, lighter board | 12mm laminateMore solid, quieter feel |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Budget-friendly rooms | Living areas & comfort |
| Feel underfoot | Slightly less solid; fine over a good subfloor | More solid and substantial |
| Sound | Can sound a little harder; underlay helps | Often quieter, especially with good underlay |
| Subfloor tolerance | Needs a good flat base | A little more forgiving of minor imperfections |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Durability | Driven by AC rating, not thickness | Driven by AC rating, not thickness |
| Explore | 8mm laminate | 12mm laminate |
Best for
8mm laminate
- Bedrooms and lower-traffic rooms
- Budget-conscious projects with a good flat subfloor
- Where an appropriate AC rating is chosen for the traffic
12mm laminate
- Living rooms and hallways where feel matters
- Rooms where a quieter, more solid floor is wanted
- Where the subfloor has minor imperfections
Potential drawbacks
8mm laminate
- Can feel and sound a little harder underfoot
- Less forgiving over minor subfloor unevenness
- Thin boards still need the right AC rating for the room
12mm laminate
- Costs more than 8mm
- Extra thickness doesn't guarantee a tougher surface
- Greater height may need more door easing
Preparation implications
- Both need a flat, dry subfloor and correct underlay; thicker board is slightly more forgiving but not a substitute for levelling.
- Check door clearances — a thicker floor plus underlay may mean easing or trimming doors.
Maintenance implications
- Identical for both: sweep or vacuum and damp-mop, avoiding standing water.
- The AC rating and quality of the wear layer affect how the surface holds up, not the thickness.
Fitting implications
- Both are floated over underlay with expansion gaps and finished with scotia/beading and door bars.
- Thicker boards can have a more robust locking system, which can make for a solid join.
Questions to ask before choosing
- What's the AC wear rating, and does it suit the room's traffic?
- How flat is the subfloor?
- Does the room warrant the more solid feel of a thicker board?
- Will door clearances cope with the extra height?
Frequently asked questions
Is 12mm laminate more durable than 8mm?
Not necessarily. Surface durability comes from the AC wear rating and the quality of the top layer, not the board thickness. A 12mm board with a low AC rating can wear faster than a well-rated 8mm board. Always check the AC rating for the room's traffic.
Does thicker laminate need less floor preparation?
A thicker board is slightly more forgiving of minor imperfections, but it's not a substitute for a flat subfloor. Significant unevenness still needs addressing before either thickness is fitted.