Laminate flooring thickness - is thicker worth the extra $$?

14 years ago

We have found a good deal online for a floor that we like. We have a choice between a 14mm AC5 wear rating, and a 10mm AC3.

The 14mm is about 30% higher cost, and budget is an issue in our build. Is it really worth the extra money? THis will be a residential installation, basically just DH and I plus the dog. No heavy traffic, etc.

Thoughts?

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Comments (5)

al_horses
14 years ago
With the info you have given, I can tell you that the 14mm is a better product than the 10mm because of the AC5 wear rating.

Can I assure you the 14mm AC5 will be a better laminate for you....NO. You will not know UNTIL after the floor is installed and you have a few months wear & tear on it. BUT I CAN tell you that from the AC rating you should get better wear from the AC5 than the AC3.

Each AC# higher than 1 translates into appromixtly 60% heavier wear layer. The AC3 should be safe for any residential area. The AC5 is considered safe for commercial settings.

GoodLuck
t-mac-mo
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, al horses. One thing in particular that I wondered is if the extra 4mm thickness would make a noticeable difference, in feel, sound, etc., that would be so much better to make it worth the extra 30%.

Thanks for your input.
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al_horses
14 years ago
The extra 4mm will make some difference in feel. The sound issue is controlled mostly by your underlayment. Those open_cell underlayments (they are called 2-in-1) are nothing more than junk, so stay away from those. Research underlayments and find one that is closed-cell and research the ones with sound muffling qualities. Your going to spend more for the better underlayment... however, in the long run you will be much happier with the way your floor sounds when you walk on it. Good Luck.
t-mac-mo
Original Author
14 years ago
THanks, that is very helpful.

-t
t-mac-mo
Original Author
14 years ago
THanks, that is very helpful.

-t

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Laminate flooring thickness - is thicker worth the extra $$?

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Laminate flooring thickness - is thicker worth the extra $$?

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