12mm Thick Laminate Flooring
12mm thick laminate flooring is a premium choice for homeowners seeking a floor that combines exceptional durability with a luxurious, solid feel underfoot. This thickness is a significant step up from standard laminates, providing superior stability and a substantial feel that closely mimics real wood flooring. Its robust construction makes it an ideal solution for high-traffic areas and busy family homes, offering long-lasting performance and a high-quality finish.
The construction of a 12mm laminate plank involves multiple layers, starting with a moisture-resistant backing, a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, a highly detailed decorative layer that convincingly replicates natural materials, and a tough, transparent wear layer on top. This wear layer is often rated AC4 or AC5, which means it is designed to withstand heavy residential use and can even be used in commercial settings. This combination of a thicker core and a high-quality wear layer makes 12mm laminate a reliable and long-lasting flooring solution for almost any room in your home.
Laminate flooring is a popular and cost-effective alternative to real wood, offering a durable and stylish solution for many areas of the home. 12mm laminate is a premium option, providing a great balance of durability, stability, and value. The durability of a laminate floor is primarily determined by its usage class and AC rating, which measures the wear layer’s resistance to abrasion, impact, and stains. A high-quality 12mm laminate can be extremely robust and suitable for residential areas with heavy foot traffic, and often for light commercial use as well.
The structure of a laminate plank is composed of several layers. The core, typically made from high-density fibreboard (HDF), contributes significantly to its thickness and stability. A decorative paper, impregnated with melamine resin, gives the floor its aesthetic appeal, mimicking the look of real wood, stone, or tile. This is protected by a tough, transparent overlay which makes the surface resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. The 12mm thickness provides a more solid and substantial feel underfoot and is more forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections, resulting in a more professional and stable installation.
Buying guide for 12mm thick laminate flooring
When considering 12mm thick laminate flooring, it’s important to evaluate how its characteristics align with your home’s needs.
- Room usage / Location: 12mm laminate flooring is an excellent choice for all residential spaces, including high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms. Many 12mm laminates are now available with water-resistant or waterproof cores, making them suitable for bathrooms and utility rooms, but you should always choose a product from a specific waterproof range for these areas.
- Lifestyle: This thickness is a great choice for families with children and pets due to its superior durability and scratch resistance. It provides an easy-to-clean and low-maintenance option that doesn’t trap dust or allergens, which is beneficial for households with allergy sufferers.
- Budget: 12mm laminate flooring is a mid-to-high-range option within the laminate category. It is more expensive than thinner laminates but provides a superior feel and durability, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
- Durability & Maintenance: 12mm laminate with an AC4 or AC5 rating is highly durable and can withstand heavy residential use and even light commercial traffic. To maintain its appearance, you should vacuum or sweep the floor before cleaning with a just-damp cloth.
- Material Type Pros & Cons:
- Pros: 12mm laminate flooring is a very durable and stable option that is more resistant to impact than thinner laminates. It provides a more solid feel underfoot and is more forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections. It is also low-maintenance and resistant to scratches and stains.
- Cons: While it is more affordable than real wood or engineered flooring, it is not as waterproof unless you choose a specific waterproof range. It can also be noisy to walk on, but this can be minimised with a good underlay.
- Aesthetics & Style: 12mm laminate flooring is available in a variety of colours, designs, and textures, including realistic wood-effect and herringbone patterns. This allows you to achieve the look of expensive natural materials like oak or walnut at a much lower cost.
- Comfort & Sound: The 12mm thickness provides a more substantial and solid feel underfoot, which is a key advantage. To improve comfort and reduce the “hollow” or “clicky” sound, it is advisable to use a good quality underlayment specifically designed to reduce sound.
- Underfloor Heating: Many 12mm laminate floors are compatible with both electric and water-based underfloor heating systems. The flooring’s composition allows for efficient heat transfer, making it a suitable choice for keeping your space warm.
- Installation: 12mm laminate often features a click-lock system, which makes it a suitable choice for DIY enthusiasts. Its increased thickness makes the planks more rigid and easier to handle during installation compared to thinner options. A level subfloor is still crucial for a successful installation.
Frequently asked questions about 12mm thick laminate flooring
- Is 12mm laminate flooring durable enough for my home?
- Yes, 12mm laminate is a highly durable option, especially when it has an AC4 or AC5 rating. This rating means it is designed to withstand heavy residential use, making it a great choice for most rooms in a busy family home.
- Can I install 12mm laminate flooring myself?
- Yes, many 12mm laminate floors feature a simple click-and-lock system, which makes them ideal for DIY projects. The increased thickness of the planks makes them more rigid and easier to handle and install than thinner options, providing a more stable and professional finish.
- Is 12mm laminate flooring noisy to walk on?
- Laminate flooring can sometimes produce a “hollow” or “clicky” sound when walked on. This can be minimised by using a good quality underlayment specifically designed to reduce sound, which also improves the floor’s thermal properties and comfort underfoot.
