ColorCore is a popular laminate flooring brand known for its durability and wide range of color and style options. Many homeowners wonder what the thickness of ColorCore laminate flooring is and how it compares to other brands. The thickness of laminate flooring is an important factor that impacts the floor’s overall quality, longevity, and performance.
Standard Thickness of ColorCore Laminate Floors
The majority of ColorCore laminate floors are between 6 and 12 millimeters thick. This falls within the typical range for most laminate flooring brands. Here is an overview of the standard ColorCore laminate flooring thicknesses:
- 6mm – Entry-level product line with basic styles and colors
- 8mm – Mid-range offering with more variety and realistic wood looks
- 10mm – High-end collection with premium styles and durable construction
- 12mm – Top tier extra-thick flooring with the most realistic wood grains
12mm ColorCore floors are the thickest option. They contain the most laminate layering and provide the most durable and luxurious floor. On the other end, 6mm products are the thinnest and most affordable choice for low-traffic areas.
How ColorCore Thickness Compares
ColorCore’s thickness range is on par with other leading laminate flooring brands such as Pergo, Shaw Floors, and Armstrong. Here is how ColorCore stacks up:
- Pergo – Offers laminate in 6mm to 12mm thickness
- Shaw Floors – Products range from 6mm to 12mm thick
- Armstrong – Carries entry level at 6mm up to premium 12mm floors
- ColorCore – Similar scale from 6mm to 12mm thickness
There are a few brands like Mohawk and Quick-Step that offer laminate flooring up to 13mm and 15mm thick. However, 12mm is still considered a top tier extra-thick product among most manufacturers.
Benefits of Thicker ColorCore Floors
Opting for a thicker ColorCore laminate floor provides several advantages:
- Durability – More layering makes planks more dent, scratch and moisture resistant.
- Stability – Thicker floors are less prone to buckling or warping.
- Noise reduction – Extra mass helps block sound transmission.
- Realism – Added thickness provides a more authentic hardwood feel.
- Higher traffic areas – Up to 25 years lifespan for commercial settings.
For homeowners, 10-12mm products offer the best combination of longevity, performance, and value. These medium to thick floors can withstand active families and pets. They also contain cushioning underlayment for comfort.
Recommended Thickness by Room
ColorCore offers laminate floors suitable for rooms of any size and function. Here are the recommended minimum thicknesses by room:
| Room | Minimum Thickness |
|---|---|
| Living Room | 8mm |
| Dining Room | 8mm |
| Kitchen | 10mm |
| Bedroom | 6mm |
| Hallway | 8mm |
| Bathroom | 8mm |
| Basement | 10mm |
Kitchens and basements call for extra thickness due to potential spills and moisture. High traffic living spaces also need thicker construction. Bedrooms can use entry level 6mm floors since they receive lighter use.
Thicker Floors Cost More
There is a direct correlation between laminate flooring thickness and cost. The thicker the plank, the more raw materials and manufacturing required. Here are some average price ranges for ColorCore floors by thickness:
- 6mm – $1 to $3 per square foot
- 8mm – $2 to $4 per square foot
- 10mm – $3 to $5 per square foot
- 12mm – $4 to $7 per square foot
At the low end, basic 6mm products can be purchased and installed for under $2 per square foot. On the upper end, premium 12mm floors cost $4 to $7 per square foot depending on style. There are also some coloring and detailing techniques like hand-scraping that can increase costs slightly.
Is Thicker Always Better?
While thicker laminate floors have clear benefits, they are not necessarily the best choice for every home. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Room size – Thicker floors help minimize sound in large, open spaces.
- Subfloor – Thinner floors may flex more on uneven surfaces.
- Traffic – Thicker floors withstand more abuse from pets, kids, parties.
- Moisture – Bathrooms and basements benefit from 10-12mm water resistance.
- Budget – Thinner floors provide big savings for low-use areas.
Finding the right balance for your home is key. An 8 or 10mm floor offers excellent thickness for most residential needs and budgets. Stepping up to 12mm is recommended for homes with heavy traffic, plumbing leaks, large pets, or sound issues.
Tips for Installing Thicker Floors
While thicker laminate floors are straightforward to install, there are a few tips to ensure proper setup:
- Acclimate the flooring – Let planks sit in the room for 72 hours to adjust to temperature and humidity.
- Clean subfloors – Remove debris and old adhesives so the floor sits flat.
- Include underlayment – Cushioning underlay levels the subfloor and absorbs sound.
- Provide expansion space – Leave 1/4″ gap between floor and walls for natural movement.
- Follow staggered pattern – Offset end joints by 6-8 inches between rows.
With proper acclimation, underlayment, and expansion room, thick laminate floors can be installed as easily as thinner options. The plank clicking system allows DIY installation in most cases.
FAQs
Does thickness affect installation method?
No, thicker floors can be floated over underlay just like thinner floors. All ColorCore laminate uses the same tongue-and-groove locking system for easy DIY or pro installation.
Can you refinish thicker laminate floors?
Unfortunately, laminate floors cannot be refinished or sanded down like real wood. The laminate wear layer is too thin to sand. When damage occurs, planks must be replaced individually.
Do thicker floors feel different underfoot?
Yes, thicker laminate feels more substantial and wood-like. Floors 10mm or thicker have less flex and provide better force reduction than thin versions.
Is special construction needed for 12mm floors?
Not typically. As long as subfloors are flat and sturdy without flex, 12mm floors can be installed just like thinner laminate. Proper underlayment helps smooth any minor subfloor imperfections.
Conclusion
When choosing a ColorCore laminate floor, thickness is an important factor to consider. While thinner 6-8mm floors have a place in low-traffic areas, most homeowners are best served by 10 or 12mm products. The extra thickness provides better wear resistance, stability, noise reduction, and realism to mimic real hardwood. Careful acclimation and underlayment allows smooth installation of thick floors. Going with a medium to thick ColorCore laminate floor ensures long-lasting beauty and performance for active households.
