A Guide to SPC Flooring Thicknesses: 5mm, 6mm, 7mm or 8mm

SPC flooring is available in a range of thicknesses, typically from 4mm to 8mm, and choosing the right one affects how the floor performs underfoot, how well it handles subfloor imperfections, and how it transitions with existing flooring in your home. This guide explains what each thickness means in practice, so you can pick the right option from our SPC flooring range with confidence.

What does SPC flooring thickness include?

When a product is described as 6mm SPC flooring, that measurement refers to the entire board, from top to bottom. It is not just the SPC core. The total thickness is made up of several distinct layers:

• SPC rigid core: The limestone and PVC composite layer that gives the board its rigidity and waterproof properties. This is the thickest individual layer in the construction.

• Design layer: A high-resolution photographic film that creates a wood or stone effect appearance.

• Wear layer: A clear protective coating, typically 0.3mm to 0.5mm thick, that sits on top of the design layer and protects against scratches, scuffs, and surface staining.

• Pre-attached underlay (where included): Some SPC products have a foam or IXPE underlay pre-bonded to the base. This contributes to the total thickness figure and affects how the board sits on the subfloor.

The wear layer is a separate specification from the overall board thickness. A thicker board does not automatically mean a thicker wear layer. Always check both figures when comparing products. For more details on how SPC boards are constructed, read our SPC flooring guide.

SPC flooring thickness comparison

5mm SPC flooring

At 5mm, you have the thinnest option that still delivers the full performance characteristics of a rigid SPC board: waterproof construction, dimensional stability, and a click-lock floating installation. The thinner profile makes it a practical choice when transitioning from a room with thicker existing flooring, as it reduces the height difference at door thresholds.

5mm SPC is suitable for bedrooms, home offices, and any dry room with low to moderate foot traffic and a reasonably flat subfloor. Because the board is thinner, it is slightly less forgiving of subfloor irregularities compared to thicker options. If your subfloor has dips or ridges, a 6mm or 7mm board will sit more securely.

The pre-attached underlay on some 5mm products provides a small boost to comfort and sound absorption, but the thinner core means the floor can feel slightly firmer underfoot than a 7mm or 8mm board.

5.2mm SPC flooring

5.2mm sits between the two other options and offers a practical step up in rigidity and subfloor tolerance without the additional height of a full 6mm board. The difference between 5mm and 5.2mm is small but worth noting in rooms where you need a flatter, more stable result over a slightly uneven surface.

It is a good all-around choice for living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms where standard residential foot traffic is expected. The extra 0.2mm of core depth improves the click-lock connection slightly and gives the boards a marginally more solid feel when walked on.

6mm SPC flooring

6mm is the most widely sold SPC thickness in the UK residential market. It offers the right balance of rigidity, comfort, and installation flexibility for the majority of rooms in a typical home.

The additional core depth compared to 5mm gives better tolerance of minor subfloor imperfections and a slightly more substantial feel underfoot. It is suitable for kitchens, hallways, living rooms, bathrooms, and utility rooms: any room where waterproof, hard-wearing flooring is needed.

A 6mm SPC board with a pre-attached underlay is a cost-effective combination for most homes. It keeps total installation costs down by eliminating the need to purchase a separate underlay, while still delivering a comfortable, quiet result. 

7mm SPC flooring

7mm SPC is the choice for busier households. The additional core depth makes these boards more resistant to denting from heavy furniture, more forgiving over uneven subfloors, and more acoustically effective at reducing impact noise between floors.

7mm SPC is also worth considering in first-floor rooms or flats where sound reduction is a priority. The thicker core absorbs more impact noise, and a pre-attached IXPE underlay further enhances this effect.

8mm SPC flooring

8mm SPC is at the premium end of the residential thickness range and is also suitable for light commercial applications. The dense, thick core handles heavy footfall, commercial trolleys, and chair castors better than thinner options, and it delivers the best subfloor tolerance of any standard SPC thickness.

One practical consideration: 8mm boards are heavier and denser, which makes them slightly more difficult to handle during installation. This is not a significant issue for professional fitters, but worth noting for confident DIY installers working alone.

What is the difference between 6mm and 7mm SPC flooring?

6mm SPC is the standard choice for most residential rooms and delivers solid performance across most domestic applications. 7mm adds extra core depth, improving subfloor tolerance, reducing impact noise more effectively, and giving the floor a more substantial feel underfoot. For busy households or rooms with imperfect subfloors, 7mm is worth the modest additional cost.

How thick is SPC flooring compared to laminate?

SPC flooring typically ranges from 4mm to 8mm. Laminate flooring is generally thicker, ranging from 7mm to 12mm. However, laminate is not waterproof, so SPC is the more practical choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms with moisture exposure, regardless of thickness.

Does a thicker SPC board last longer?

The overall lifespan of an SPC floor is determined primarily by the wear layer thickness, not the board thickness. A 5mm board with a 0.5mm wear layer will outlast an 8mm board with a 0.3mm wear layer in terms of scratch and scuff resistance.

Board thickness affects structural performance: how well the floor resists denting from heavy loads, how forgiving it is of subfloor imperfections, and how much impact noise it absorbs. Wear layer thickness determines surface durability.

When comparing SPC products, check both the total board thickness and the stated wear layer. Both figures matter.

Related: What is the best underlay for SPC flooring?

Is thicker SPC flooring better?

Thicker SPC boards offer greater structural performance: better tolerance of subfloor imperfections, improved sound absorption, and more resistance to denting from heavy loads. However, surface durability is determined by the wear layer thickness, not the overall board thickness. A thicker board with a thin wear layer will not last as long as a thinner board with a thicker wear layer.

Does board thickness affect underfloor heating compatibility?

SPC flooring across all thicknesses is generally compatible with underfloor heating, but its thermal resistance increases with thickness. A thicker board takes slightly longer to reach temperature and requires the heating system to work slightly harder to push warmth through the floor.

The tog rating of the floor and any underlay is the figure to check, not the board thickness alone. Most manufacturers specify a maximum combined tog value for use with underfloor heating, typically 0.15 to 0.25 tog for the floor and underlay together. Thicker boards with higher tog ratings may require a more powerful underfloor heating system to deliver effective results.

If underfloor heating is in place, check the product specification before purchasing and confirm compatibility with the heating system manufacturer.

How does board thickness affect transitions between rooms?

Where SPC flooring meets a different floor type at a doorway, the height difference between the two surfaces determines which transition profile is needed. A thicker SPC board creates a more pronounced height difference at its interface with a lower flooring product.

In most cases, a standard door bar or threshold strip bridges this difference neatly. If you are fitting SPC into a room that connects directly to existing ceramic tiles or engineered wood at a similar height, a 5mm or 6mm SPC will create the smallest transition step. If the SPC is replacing a carpet that was notably higher, a thicker board can help close the height gap.

Which SPC thickness is right for your room?

The right thickness comes down to three practical factors: the level of foot traffic, the condition of your subfloor, and whether sound insulation is a priority.

• Low-traffic rooms (bedrooms, home offices): 5mm, 5.2mm, or 6mm SPC is sufficient. The subfloor needs to be reasonably flat for a 5mm product.

• Standard rooms (living rooms, kitchens, hallways): 6mm is the practical standard and covers the majority of domestic situations.

• Busy households or imperfect subfloors: 7mm offers better tolerance and a more substantial feel without a significant price increase.

• High-traffic or commercial use: 8mm is the right choice for floors that need to handle heavy, consistent footfall or commercial-grade loads.

For further guidance on choosing between SPC and other flooring options, read our comparison of SPC vs LVT flooring. 

What thickness SPC flooring should I buy?

The right answer depends on what you’re looking for. 6mm SPC is the most versatile option for standard residential use and covers most rooms and subfloor conditions. For high-traffic areas or rooms with uneven subfloors, 7mm is a better choice. 5mm suits lower-traffic rooms with a flat subfloor, and 8mm is suited to commercial or semi-commercial use.

Browse our range of SPC flooring in 5mm, 5.2mm, and 6mm thicknesses. You can also compare with our wider range of LVT flooring, available in thicknesses from 2.5mm to 6.5mm. If you have questions about which product is right for your specific room, our team is available via the contact page, or you can order free samples to compare board options at home before committing.