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Most people choose Laminate flooring for its affordability, durability and ease of installation. However, one crucial factor often gets overlooked; thickness. Laminate flooring thickness can impact everything from durability and comfort to noise reduction and even how your flooring feels underfoot. So, how do you choose the right one? This guide will clearly and concisely explain everything you need to know. Let’s dive in!
Laminate flooring thicknesses are usually measured in millimetres (mm). There are a variety of laminate thicknesses. Some of the most common ones are:
6mm-7mm Laminate flooring is the thinnest option and is usually the most budget-friendly. It is also attractive for DIY enthusiasts! This laminate thickness is suitable for areas with less foot traffic. However, it may not provide as much durability or sound insulation in comparison with thicker options. Additionally, it also tends to be more susceptible to dents, wear and damage over time. It offers less insulation and sound-deadening properties. This thickness is ideal for guest rooms, home offices or storage rooms.
The 8mm laminate flooring is a little thicker, but offers a balance of good sound insulation, durability and affordability. This thickness suits areas with moderate foot traffic, like general household spaces.
A 10mm Laminate flooring thickness provides better durability, insulation and sound-absorbing properties. It’s also a more resilient option for medium-to high-traffic areas, like dining rooms, kitchens and hallways. Naturally, these enhanced properties make 10mm laminate a more expensive option.
12mm laminate flooring offers the highest durability, insulation and sound-deadening properties. It is one of the thickest and most expensive options you can choose from, but closely mimics the feel of hardwood flooring.
A 12mm laminate thickness is the best choice for high-traffic areas, rooms with extreme temperature fluctuations and commercial and industrial-grade scenarios.
In our store we offer 8mm, 10mm and 12mm laminates.
| Thickness | Key Features | Best Suited For |
| 6mm – 7mm | – Budget-friendly, ideal for DIY projects – Thinner, less durable and lower sound insulation – More susceptible to dents and wear | Guest rooms, home offices, storage rooms (low-traffic areas) |
| 8mm | – Good balance of durability andaffordability – Good sound insulation – Suitable for moderate foot traffic | Living rooms, bedrooms, general household areas |
| 10mm | – Increased durability and insulation – Better sound absorption – More resilient for medium to high-traffic areas | Dining rooms, kitchens, hallways |
| 12mm | – Thickest, most durable and best sound insulation – Closely mimics hardwood feel – Suitable for high-traffic and commercial use | High-traffic areas, kitchens, dining rooms, commercial spaces |
Some essential factors like foot traffic, subfloor conditions and household requirements affect the performance of laminate flooring.
The sub-floor condition is a big factor in choosing the right laminate flooring thickness.
Thicker laminate flooring is usually best for unlevel subfloors Enhancing, balancing and lowering the chance of gaps or cracks. A thinner laminate requires a smooth, well-prepped subfloor to avoid warping or an uneven finish.
The right thickness of the underlay is also an essential decision. You should select the correct underlay thickness depending on the laminate thickness and the subfloor condition. A thicker laminate might not need an underlay with a greater thickness, potentially saving you money and installation time.
If sound insulation matters to you, choosing a thicker laminate flooring will help you achieve softer footfall, lower echo, and a more natural sound.
Thicker Laminate Flooring offers enhanced comfort as it creates more stability, cushioning and sound insulation. This makes it ideal for those who plan on using it within high traffic areas.
Laminate flooring comprises four distinct layers: the backing layer, the core layer, the decorative layer and the top wear layer. The wear layer, the topmost layer of laminate flooring, protects the floor from damage. Therefore, thickness is a key factor in determining how well the floor will withstand heavy use and how long it will last.
When choosing the best laminate thickness for your home, define your needs and priorities. Here are four tips you should consider
As you can see, correctly choosing the thickness of laminate flooring plays a key role in creating the right atmosphere in your home. Deciding on a flooring thickness can be affected by subfloor evenness, noise reduction, cost, and durability. Understanding the variety of thicknesses and the features of each option can help you choose more effectively. Here at Flooring Surgeons, our wide range of laminate flooring will cater to all your needs
Check out our range today, or contact our experts to help decide on the best choice for your home and preferences.
If you have any flooring queries, email us at info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk or visit our showrooms in Birmingham and Wolverhampton!
Halesowen
214A Dudley Road. Halesowen, Birmingham, B63 3NJ
0121 274 8575
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends: 10 AM – 4 PM
Wolverhampton
317 Penn Rd, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV4 5QF
01902 836 666
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sun: Closed
info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk
Patterned flooring is like well-tailored tweed suits. You might say a simple suit can still be chic and classy, but the tweed one has more authenticity, elegance, and real character. Just like a high-end outfit, patterned flooring doesn’t just look good; it is durable, transforms a room’s vibe and even elevates the value of your property! There are various patterns that can be applied to different types of flooring, such as solid wood, vinyl, or laminate. Considering some factors can help you choose the right pattern flooring that is best for your home.
Just like a professional stylist who can help choose the best style for you, considering some factors for patterned flooring can narrow down your options and help you select an excellent pattern for your space.
Even the best tweed suits won’t look perfect if they don’t fit your body! It’s the same with a wood flooring pattern.To choose the right pattern, you need to consider the room size and layout of the space.
Complex patterns work perfectly in large areas, but it’s better to go simple in small spaces. More subtle patterns can also make a small space larger and more welcoming.
It’s important to consider the flooring material as this can heavily impact its durability. For low traffic areas, laminate flooring and vinyl flooring will suffice just fine. However, for high-traffic areas where more stability is needed, you may want to consider using solid wood or engineered wood flooring.
Just like you wouldn’t wear a flashy suit to a business meeting, the patterned wood flooring should match the décor vibe!
Flooring is a fundamental element in interior design. You should ensure that selective patterns harmonise well with the walls and furniture and make a Cohesive design with other elements. If your walls have a neutral, muted colour, choosing a pattern with bold colours can bring a lot of energy to the space. If you already have busy décor, keep the patterned flooring simple to make it balanced.
Colour consideration and natural or artificial light can affect the appearance of patterned flooring. If your home has little access to natural light, a simple pattern with soft colours can make the room larger and brighter. Using busy patterns in low light space makes your room tight and boring. Make sure the colour of your wood flooring matches with the décor palette to keep it harmonious.
At first glance, you may think the pattern chosen won’t affect the cleaning and maintenance of the flooring. However, patterned flooring can affect the way you maintain it.
Flooring with simple, straight patterns is typically easy to clean. They have no angle or groove to hide and collect the dust. However, complex patterns may require more precision and time to be cleaned. You may need a vacuum cleaner with a special nozzle that can access groves and remove dust. Also, it is more likely to get exposed to scratches; it is recommended to use mild cleaning agents and a soft cloth to maintain the appearance and shine of the wood.
Finally, we reach the interesting part of choosing the right pattern for flooring, Where you can walk to the showroom and see patterns. Take a look at some of the most popular flooring patterns.
In a herringbone pattern, the wood planks are installed in a V shape. This pattern can be an excellent choice for smaller rooms.The lines move the eyes and give depth to the space, creating the illusion of a large room. However, herringbone flooring has a complex installation process and tends to cost more. It is better to leave it to professionals if you are not confident with DIY installation. If Herringbone is not installed correctly, it won’t create the same impact. The herringbone pattern is an ideal choice for the living room, office, café, long hallway and kitchen.
In a chevron pattern, the wood planks are arranged in the form of interconnected triangles. This modern pattern creates an artistic look and adds depth to the space. Chevron flooring is bolder than herringbone; if you want to use it in a small room, consider the plank dimensions and the colour. Darker colours may create a closed feel whereas lighter colours can help make the room seem larger and more open. Chevron goes very well in large entrances, dining rooms, long hallways or reception halls.
The straight lay pattern is the easiest pattern to clean and install. The straight and parallel arrangement of wood pieces makes the space appear larger and brighter. It is ideal for small rooms, living rooms and hallways. This pattern is also DIY friendly and more affordable.
Mixed-width is another easy yet elegant wood flooring pattern. You can reach this classic, timeless pattern just by laying different widths with random sequences of the wood plank. This pattern can pair perfectly with rustic decor and adds natural warmth and charm to space.
Geometric pattern flooring offers a striking, modern look that can elevate your interior design. Hexagonal and Square are the most common geometric patterns, which can add character, depth and a sense of openness to large spaces. It’s a good choice for part of your home that you want to make a focal point.
Testing and Finalising Your Choice
Just like wearing suits in front of the mirror, you should test your patterned flooring to make sure it looks good for your space. Unfortunately, pattern flooring testing is not as easy as trying on a suit!
Try to use physical samples in different parts of your home and notice how the light and size of the space can affect your selective pattern sample. You can also ask flooring experts to show you examples of previous projects that are similar to your space. This can help you to have a better view of how the pattern works.
Choosing the right pattern for flooring requires precision and time. You have to consider everything from room size to light, colour, your home decor, type of wood flooring and maintenance to make sure that your choice will remain useful and durable in the long term. Need more help finding the perfect patterned flooring? We’re here to help you pick the best choice, even at weekends!
If you have any flooring queries, email us at info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk or visit our showrooms in Birmingham and Wolverhampton!
Halesowen
214A Dudley Road. Halesowen, Birmingham, B63 3NJ
0121 274 8575
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends: 10 AM – 4 PM
Wolverhampton
317 Penn Rd, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV4 5QF
01902 836 666
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sun: Closed
info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk
The kids are racing around the house, running up and down the stairs at full speed and your energetic pet single-handedly increases the foot traffic in your home. Suddenly, you spill some water in the kitchen and then, here come the guests. Which flooring can withstand such heavy traffic, along with spills and scratches that can easily be removed?
Well, there’s only one flooring that can successfully win this challenge: Laminate! With its unmatched durability, beauty, and unique qualities,
Let’s take a closer look to see what factors make laminate the best flooring for high-traffic areas.
The areas in your home or business with more foot traffic/activity are known as high-traffic areas. These include stairs, kitchens, entryways, living rooms and hallways. Unlike solid wood, which is made from a single piece of real wood, Laminate is made from several layers;
The Bottom Layer, which is moisture resistant and is near the subfloor, The core layer, which is made of MDF or HDF,The Design Layer, that can offer you an appearance mimicking wood, stone or marble and wear layer on the top, to make laminate moisture and scratch resistance and acts as a protective shield against them.
The layers of Laminate are made to be resilient and withstand these pressures without fading. With good maintenance, the average laminate lifespan is between 15 to 25 years.
Of course, there are other flooring options for your high-traffic areas, but what features make the Laminate the best one compared to others?
Both flooring options have moisture resistance, are easy to install, and give the space a luxurious look. But Luxury Vinyl offers less durability and does not withstand heavy traffic as well as Laminate.
Compared to solid wood, Laminate is less durable against severe abrasions and doesn’t offer a sense of natural warmth.
But, it is more resistant to stains and moisture and is easy to install. More than that, Laminate is budget-friendly compared to solid wood.
This table helps you compare the 3 flooring options better.
| Features | Laminate | Luxury Vinyl | Solid Wood |
| Price | Affordable | Mid-range | Expensive |
| Durability | Moderate to High | High | Very High |
| Scratch Resistance | Good | Good | Good |
| Water Resistance | Good | Excellent | Poor |
| Installation | Easy (Click-lock system) | Easy (Glue-down, click-lock) | Requires professional installation |
| Maintenance | Low (requires occasional cleaning) | Low (requires occasional cleaning) | High (needs refinishing and regular maintenance) |
| Best for High Traffic Areas | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Moisture-Prone Areas | No | Yes | No |
When you want to choose the best laminate for high-traffic areas, several factors should be kept in mind.
The Abrasion Criteria (AC) indicates how much the flooring can resist abrasion, impact, stains, and burns. Regarding high-traffic areas, the AC rating should be at least AC3 for homes and AC4 or AC5 for commercial spaces to ensure durability and compatibility with heavier foot traffic. you can find AC4 laminate flooring in our showroom.
Laminate flooring comes in different thicknesses. The thicker the laminate, the better the sound insulation and the more durable it feels. It is also a great alternative to solid wood.
A thickness of 10mm and above is considered ideal for high-traffic areas.Thicker laminate stays firm on the ground, while thinner laminate may have a spring-like feel over time.
you can explore different laminate flooring thickness here:
8mm laminate flooring
10mm laminate flooring
12mm laminate flooring
Water and moisture resistance is one of the most important factors when choosing Laminate flooring. The wear layer should be moisture-resistant enough to protect the flooring when you enter your home with a wet umbrella or when kids run around with damp feet. A waterproof laminate flooring prevents water from penetrating the inner layers, reducing the risk of swelling or damage over time.
Here is the top AC5 Laminate flooring option you can consider for your high-traffic areas:
Malmo Herringbone laminate flooring, with AC5 core and 12mm thickness, offers a sturdy feel under your feet that matches both contemporary and classic interior styles. With its waxed joints, you can choose it for the kitchen or bathroom with peace of mind.
Craft 12mm Helsinki Herringbone AC5 Laminate offers you enough waterproof and abrasion-resistant capabilities to safely use it in high-traffic areas with a risk of moisture. With stylish and timeless herringbone patterns, you can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your place and ensure durability.
Another luxury Scandinavian style for laminate flooring is Craft 12mm Bergen Herringbone AC5 Laminate. It is the best choice for high-traffic areas, and with an AC5 score, you can easily install it using a floating method without worrying about water resistance.
The Cambridge 12mm Nude Oak AC5 Laminate Flooring is a combination of the aesthetic appeal of natural hardwood with water-resistance and toughness of Laminate. With DIY-friendly installation, it is an affordable, durable and stylish choice for modern interiors.
Proper installation and regular maintenance are key to protecting laminate flooring, ensuring its appearance and durability, helping it to last much longer.
Laminate flooring, with its tempting features, including affordability, beauty, and moisture resistance, has a high rank among the best flooring for high-traffic areas. From kids to pets and moisture, it is worry-proof and can withstand it all with proper maintenance. At Flooring Surgeons, we provide the best quality laminate flooring with various colours, textures, and patterns that can help you choose the perfect style to complement your space.
If you have any flooring queries, email us at info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk or visit our showrooms in Birmingham and Wolverhampton!
Halesowen
214A Dudley Road. Halesowen, Birmingham, B63 3NJ
0121 274 8575
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends: 10 AM – 4 PM
Wolverhampton
317 Penn Rd, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV4 5QF
01902 836 666
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sun: Closed
info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk
Solid wood is one of the most popular flooring choices. It brings depth, warmth, and a sense of connection to nature to interior décor, and it has been a favourite for generations. Whether you’re looking to enhance your living room or transform your hallway, solid wood flooring can elevate your interior décor. If this is your type, too, and you want to know more about how to install solid wood flooring, we prepared a full guide for you to learn everything from zero to a hundred.
Before solid wood installation, ensure that both the space and the solid wood floorboards are properly prepared
Measure the room size in square meters (length x width = m²) to determine how much flooring you need, then add 10-15% extra for cutting and wastage.
Ensure the room width is divided by the width of a panel, accounting for expansion gaps. If the last row is under 60mm, trim the first board along its length for a seamless finish.
read more: How to measure a room for flooring
After determining how much flooring is needed, start cleaning any debris or dust from the subfloor. Check any nails or screws and make sure they are not protruding and completely secured. and old adhesives must be removed.
Use a long, straight edge and spirit level to check the subfloor’s level, ensuring it doesn’t vary by more than 3mm over 1 metre. if you notice uneven spots, try to fix them by using a self-levelling compound or proper underlayment to ensure thay are smooth and solid wood can install properly.
Upon receiving the flooring, it’s important to check a few pieces.
As natural wood can vary significantly between batches, it’s essential to inspect the grading, finish, and quality to ensure the product meets your expectations.
Now it’s time for the solid wood to get to know their new space! Therefore, you should leave unopened packs flat for at least 7 days. Stack them with spacers between the packs for airflow. Avoid leaning the packs against a wall or stacking them more than three high. Normal living conditions must be maintained; the room should have a humidity level between 45-65%. If the room is usually heated, keep the heating on as normal.
For solid wood flooring, it’s essential to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Leave a 10-12mm expansion gap around the room’s perimeter, including walls, skirting boards, pipes, and doorframes. Limit the installation width to 5m and the length to 7m across the grain. In larger rooms, use expansion bars or spacers to manage wood expansion and maintain a professional finish.
Here’s a list of essentials and suggestions to ensure the job runs smoothly:
Essential Items for solid wood installations
Recommended Tools:
The important tip to know how to install solid wood flooring on concrete correctly is to make sure it’s completely dry before installation. As concrete is porous, check moisture levels using a professional meter—acceptable moisture levels should be below 3% on a moisture meter or 12% on a prong test. Some meters use different scales, so always check the documentation. Installing a damp-proof membrane is essential to protect wooden boards from moisture.
If the floorboards are clean, dry, and level, solid wood flooring can be laid directly on them. The best method for securing boards to timber subfloors is secret nailing at 90 degrees to the existing floorboards. If the floorboards are uneven, a 12mm plywood subfloor should be installed. Avoid laying solid wood flooring directly onto chipboard, as chipboard lacks strength and moisture resistance.
Choosing your installation method (Nail-Down, Glue-Down, Floating)
depends on the type of your subfloor
Nail-Down: This is Suitable for timber subfloors, where planks are secured using nails through the tongue of each board.
Glue-Down: This is best for concrete subfloors, using adhesive to firmly bond planks. This method is ideal for tongue-and-groove parquet flooring.
Floating: In this method, planks are not attached to the subfloor but interlock via a tongue-and-groove system, allowing flexibility and easy replacement.
Now it’s time to get started with laying solid wood flooring. Lay the planks parallel to the longest wall or the main light source for a seamless look. Measure and cut the planks carefully, ensuring clean edges. The final row may need trimming to fit properly.
Glue-Down Method: Start from one corner and spread adhesive along the subfloor. Position the first row with the tongue facing away from the wall, using 10-12mm spacers for an expansion gap. Ensure the row is perfectly straight, as this sets the direction for the entire floor. Apply adhesive 1 metre ahead of each row.
Nailing Method: Secure the first row with a nail gun. Then, use a powered flooring nailer or Tongue-Tite screws to fix each plank through the tongue, ensuring hidden nails. Continue staggering the joints for a natural look.
Floating Method: This method uses no nails or glue—just click planks together over underlay. Maintain a 10-12mm expansion gap and stagger joints.
For all methods, place spacers consistently to maintain a uniform expansion gap from the sidewalls.
Use pre-cut boards for staggered joints. When fitting around pipes, position them at the centre of a plank for easier cutting.
The final row may need to be trimmed for a proper fit. Secure it tightly with a pull bar and rubber mallet. If necessary, surface nail the last row. For floating floors, ensure the last plank clicks securely into place.
For the glue-down method, leave the floor for 24 hours before using the space. To maintain a straight line, always check the alignment of the planks
For solid wood flooring, a protective finish is important to preserve the wood. Common finishes include Polyurethane and Natural Oils.
After learning how to install solid wood flooring correctly, proper maintenance is key to keeping it in excellent condition. To prevent scratches, attach felt pads or castors to the bottom of chairs and tables. To maintain the superb natural look of the wood, avoid using abrasive cloths or excessive water when cleaning. Instead, opt for dry brushes, vacuum cleaners, or specialist wood flooring maintenance products designed to protect the finish and extend the lifespan of your floor.
If you’re not familiar with how to fit solid wood flooring, you may make some mistakes. Here are common mistakes you should be aware of.
Different types of wood have unique characteristics that impact durability and appearance. Ensure you select the right wood for your needs based on traffic levels and room conditions.
Choosing an unsuitable finish can lead to rapid wear and tear. For high-traffic areas, a durable finish, such as polyurethane, is recommended to protect your flooring from everyday damage.
It’s crucial to check the moisture levels in your subfloor before installation to avoid future issues like shifting floorboards or cracks.
Acclimating the wood helps prevent issues such as expansion or shrinkage, which could cause structural damage or warping of the floorboards.
For correct installation, you must leave expansion gaps to allow for wood movement over time. Without proper spacing, your floor could buckle or loosen. Ensure a ¾ inch gap along walls for hardwood and ½ inch for engineered wood. Additionally, the distance between nails or staples should be 10 to 12 inches, with at least two nails per floorboard, to prevent uneven movement.
The easiest way to avoid costly hardwood flooring mistakes is by hiring a professional flooring contractor. Skilled professionals use the right techniques to ensure your installation meets industry standards. Leave the installation of your flooring to the expert fitting and enjoy a flawless, long-lasting result!
If you have any flooring queries, email us at info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk or visit our showrooms in Birmingham and Wolverhampton!
Halesowen
214A Dudley Road. Halesowen, Birmingham, B63 3NJ
0121 274 8575
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends: 10 AM – 4 PM
Wolverhampton
317 Penn Rd, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV4 5QF
01902 836 666
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sun: Closed
info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk
