Thicker flooring gives you a few key benefits that thinner boards can’t match. First, it just feels more solid. That makes a big difference in open-plan living areas or homes with a slab subfloor. Thicker planks also absorb more sound, so you get better acoustic performance—which matters in multi-level homes or apartments. In terms of durability, a thicker board usually comes with a more rigid core and a stronger locking system, so it’s less likely to move or gap over time. With engineered timber, you also get a thicker veneer, which means more chances to sand and refinish if needed. It’s a good long-term investment for people who want something that can go the distance. It might cost a little more upfront, but you get that back in comfort, performance, and lifespan.

Not really. Whether it’s 8mm or 12mm thick, the install process is pretty similar—especially if it’s using a click-lock system. The main thing to watch is that thicker boards are heavier, so you might need an extra set of hands when moving boxes or laying long planks. Some thicker engineered timber or hybrid floors also come with wider boards, so measuring and cutting accurately becomes a bit more important. Otherwise, if you’ve installed floating floors before, it’s business as usual. And in most cases, thicker flooring actually installs more cleanly because it’s sturdier and has a better interlocking mechanism. You’re less likely to get breakages or chipped edges compared to cheaper, thinner planks.

Yes—one of the biggest upsides to thicker flooring is sound performance. The extra density helps absorb impact noise (like footsteps, furniture movement, or dropped items), which is a huge bonus if you live in a double-storey home or an apartment. Floors over 8.1mm often come with built-in underlay too, which boosts soundproofing even further. If you’re really chasing quiet, look for hybrid or laminate boards that list acoustic ratings or underlay specs. In places like bedrooms, hallways, or media rooms, thicker flooring can make a big difference to how peaceful the space feels. And if you’re doing an upstairs install, it’ll definitely help minimise noise downstairs.

In most cases—yes. The added thickness usually means a stronger core and a better wear layer, especially in hybrid and laminate products. For engineered timber, a thicker veneer on top allows for light sanding and refinishing later down the track, which can extend the life of the floor significantly. That said, durability isn’t just about thickness—it’s also about the material, construction, and finish. A cheap 10mm floor with poor coating won’t last as long as a well-made 8.5mm one with a commercial-grade wear layer. But all things being equal, a thicker board handles dents, impact, and movement better. It also sits more securely in place, especially over larger areas or under heavy furniture.

Thicker flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and even entrances. It’s also great in multi-level homes where you want to reduce sound transfer, or in spaces where comfort underfoot is important—like bedrooms or home offices. If you’re doing a full-home renovation or building from scratch, thicker planks give you a more premium base that adds value and feels more solid day to day. You can also use them upstairs, over concrete slabs, or even over slightly uneven subfloors (within spec). Basically, anywhere you want durability, comfort, and long-term performance—go with over 8.1mm and you won’t regret it.