Panel Thickness – What the Choice Involves
Panel thickness is not just a matter of millimeters, but primarily concerns durability and resistance to damage. Floor panels on the market come in thicknesses ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm. The most commonly chosen thicknesses for residential spaces are 8 mm and 10 mm.
As panel thickness increases, so does resistance to damage, but naturally, the price tends to rise as well. It’s not advisable to save excessively here because an improperly chosen thickness for a given room can lead to the need to replace the floor sooner than expected.
How to Choose the Ideal Panel Thickness for Yourself
When considering the needs of specific rooms, one of the key factors is the level of foot traffic. Therefore, the panel thickness in entryways or halls should generally be higher than in bedrooms. Usually, it’s recommended to pay attention to the abrasion class (with AC5 or AC6 considered very good). In general, thicker panels often have a higher abrasion class.
Thicker panels also offer better acoustics, greater comfort underfoot, and increased load resistance. Thus, when wondering how to choose floor panels, always consider your individual needs and whether underfloor heating is present. Manufacturer specifications and packaging usually indicate parameters including thermal conductivity. Some rooms may be fine with 8 mm thickness, while others require 10 or even 12 mm. Remember also that the total floor height above the screed increases by the thickness of both the panels and the underlay and PE foil used.
Panels with the highest thickness (up to 12 mm) are usually necessary for commercial spaces such as offices or hotel rooms.
Panel Thickness and Appearance
While thickness itself doesn’t directly affect the panel’s appearance, thicker panels generally feature more attractive designs. This is due in part to superior surface structure and finishing layers that realistically mimic natural materials, as well as V-groove edging around each plank.
A good example is the De Lux collection of floor panels, offering panels up to 12 mm thick along with elegant and visually appealing patterns. Higher-quality panels in the 10-12 mm range also guarantee that their pristine appearance will last for many years.
