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Hybrid Flooring Thickness Explained — 6.5mm vs 8mm vs 9.5mm, Which Should You Buy?

Oct 20
3 min read

Quick answer: Thickness mostly changes how solid the floor feels underfoot and how well it handles a less-than-perfect floor underneath. 6.5mm is great value for flat concrete slabs and rentals. 8mm is a sweet spot for most family homes. 9.5mm feels the most solid and is a premium choice for older homes, big open areas and anyone who wants that "real timber" feel. Thickness isn't the same as scratch resistance — that's the wear layer.

What makes up the thickness?

The total thickness listed on a box includes every layer:

  1. Wear layer — the clear protective top (usually 0.3–0.55 mm).

  2. Timber-look layer — the printed design.

  3. Rigid SPC core — the biggest part of the thickness.

  4. Attached underlay — usually 1–1.5 mm of foam on the back.

So a "9.5mm" plank might be an 8mm core plus a 1.5mm underlay. When you compare products, check whether the number includes the underlay.

Thickness vs wear layer — the most common mix-up

Many people think a thicker plank is more scratch resistant. Not quite:

  • Thickness = how solid it feels and how well it bridges small bumps.

  • Wear layer = how well the surface resists scratches and wear.

A 6.5mm plank with a 0.5mm wear layer can resist scratches better than a 9.5mm plank with a 0.3mm wear layer. Learn more in our wear layer guide.

6.5mm hybrid — smart value

Best for: flat concrete slabs, apartments, rentals, granny flats, bedrooms.

  • Good: Lighter and usually the best price per m²

  • Good: Lower height — easier transitions to tiles and under doors

  • Good: Still waterproof and tough on top

8mm hybrid — the all-rounder

Best for: most family homes, living areas and kitchens.

  • Good: Noticeably more solid feel than 6.5mm

  • Good: Handles small subfloor imperfections a little better

  • Good: Great balance of feel and price

9.5mm hybrid — premium feel

Best for: older homes, timber subfloors, large open-plan rooms, and anyone who wants the most "real timber" feel.

  • Good: The most solid and quiet underfoot

  • Good: Bridges small dips and board edges best

  • Good: Often comes in longer, wider planks for a high-end look

Quick chooser

  • Flat slab, budget matters — Our usual pick: 6.5mm

  • Rental or granny flat — Our usual pick: 6.5mm with a 0.5mm wear layer

  • Family home, living + kitchen — Our usual pick: 8mm

  • Older home with timber floors — Our usual pick: 9.5mm

  • Big open-plan, want premium — Our usual pick: 9.5mm

  • Tight door clearances — Our usual pick: 6.5mm

Does a thicker floor need more preparation?

Every hybrid needs a firm, reasonably flat base. Thicker planks are a little more forgiving of small imperfections, which can mean less levelling in some older homes. Your installer checks this at the measure and quote.

Does thickness affect noise?

Yes, a little. Thicker planks with a good attached underlay usually feel and sound more solid. In apartments, the acoustic underlay matters most — see our Coffs Harbour strata guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is thicker hybrid flooring always better?

Not always. Thicker floors feel more solid, but for a flat slab or a rental, 6.5mm is often the smartest value. Choose the wear layer based on wear, and the thickness based on feel and your subfloor.

Will a 9.5mm floor make my doors stick?

New floors add height, so some doors may need a small trim off the bottom. We check door clearances when we measure.

Can I mix thicknesses in one house?

It's best to keep one product through connected rooms so the height and look stay the same. Different floors can meet at a doorway with a trim.

Feel the difference in your hand

Order up to three free samples ($19.90 flat postage) in different thicknesses and compare them at home. Or browse all hybrid flooring and book a free measure and quote.

 
 
 

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