The main benefit is its low profile—under 5mm flooring is ideal when you need to keep your floor height down. Maybe you’ve got low-hanging doors, built-in cabinetry you don’t want to mess with, or you’re doing a reno and want to lay straight over existing floors. Thinner floors are lighter, easier to handle, and often more affordable than thicker boards. They also work well in small units or commercial spaces where height tolerances are tight. Another plus? They’re quicker to install, especially if you go with loose lay vinyl or click-lock systems. And while they’re thin, many options still have solid wear layers that resist scratches, moisture, and everyday mess. Just make sure your subfloor is properly prepped—a smooth, flat base is key since there’s less material to mask imperfections. If you’re looking for a practical flooring solution without overcomplicating the job, under 5mm is worth a look.

Not necessarily—but you do need to be realistic about what you’re getting. Under 5mm flooring isn’t as rigid or impact-resistant as thicker hybrid or timber planks, but that doesn’t mean it won’t hold up. Plenty of vinyl and laminate options under 5mm still come with strong wear layers, UV protection, and waterproof properties. They’re fine for everyday use in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and even kitchens—just maybe not ideal for high-traffic commercial zones or areas where you’re dragging heavy furniture. Think of it like this: thinner flooring is about practicality and flexibility, not bulletproof durability. As long as it’s installed properly and used in the right setting, it’ll last for years and look good doing it. And if a plank gets damaged? Easy to replace.

Most flooring under 5mm falls into the vinyl plank or laminate category. You’ll also find some ultra-thin hybrid options around the 4.5mm mark, but vinyl is the main one in this space. Loose lay vinyl is usually around 4–5mm thick and designed to sit flat on the floor without adhesives. It’s a popular pick for rentals or temporary installs. Glue-down vinyl is often even thinner—sometimes around 2–3mm—and it’s used more in commercial or multi-res settings. These thinner floors are still available in plenty of styles: timber-look planks, concrete effects, greys, whites, and warm wood tones. Laminate floors under 5mm are less common but still out there, especially in budget lines. If your goal is to keep things simple, flat, and affordable, there’s no shortage of stylish thin flooring options.

Yes—as long as the existing surface is flat, solid, and clean. That’s actually one of the main reasons people choose under 5mm flooring. It’s ideal for laying directly over old tiles, concrete, vinyl, or timber floors without needing to rip anything up or raise the floor height too much. Just be aware that because these thinner planks don’t have much flex or thickness, they’ll follow whatever’s underneath. So if your tiles are uneven or the subfloor has dips, you’ll need to level it out first. You might also want to use a thin underlay if the product allows for it, to help with acoustic performance and comfort. But overall—yes, under 5mm flooring is one of the best options for going over the top of existing floors without hassle.

It’s best used in places where you don’t want to build up the floor too much. That could be a unit or townhouse with fixed door frames, a renovation where you’re installing over tiles, or a shop where you need something fast, neat, and functional. It’s also popular for investment properties because it’s affordable and quick to install, with enough durability for everyday traffic. Light commercial settings like offices or retail fit-outs use it too, especially glue-down vinyl. One thing to note—under 5mm flooring is better for dry zones. If you're dealing with frequent water (like bathrooms), go for glue-down vinyl and make sure it’s sealed properly around the edges. For kitchens, laundries, hallways, and bedrooms, it’s more than capable. Just match the product to the job and it’ll do the trick.