If you’re in the market for hybrid flooring, one of the first decisions you’ll probably come across is thickness.
7mm or 9mm?
At first glance, the answer seems obvious. Surely the thicker floor must be stronger, more stable and better overall. Well, not necessarily. And no, the thinner one is not the best option either. The truth is, while thickness does matter, it isn’t the only factor that determines whether a hybrid floor is right for your Melbourne home.
In this guide, we’ll compare 7mm hybrid flooring and 9mm hybrid flooring, including how they feel underfoot, how stable they are, what you can expect to pay and where each option works best.
What Does 7mm Or 9mm Actually Mean?
The numbers simply refer to the overall thickness of the hybrid flooring plank. So, a 7mm hybrid flooring board is approximately 7mm thick, while a 9mm hybrid flooring board is approximately 9mm thick.
Each plank is made up of a few layers, namely:
- The wear layer, which sits on the top surface of the plank and protects the decorative layer from wear.
- The decorative layer, which gives the hybrid flooring its appearance.
- The core, which makes the plank stable and moisture resistant.
- The backing or underlay, which is the lower surface that gets in contact with the floor.
Remember that the additional 2mm may simply mean the 9mm option has a thicker core or backing, rather than a thicker wear layer. This is important because the wear layer and core construction can have a significant impact on how the hybrid floor installation performs.
7mm Hybrid Flooring: What Are The Benefits?
1. Usually More Budget-Friendly
One of the biggest advantages of 7mm hybrid flooring is price. If you’re flooring a large area, even a small difference per square metre can add up. It’s a fantastic choice for homeowners who want the benefits of hybrid flooring on a budget.
2. Easier To Work With In Some Renovations
A thinner board can be useful where floor height matters. That said, when considering door clearances, transitions, and the relationship between different flooring surfaces, you may want to explore 7mm hybrid flooring.
3. Plenty Of Style Options
Choosing 7mm hybrid flooring doesn’t mean you have to compromise on appearance. Hybrid ranges are available in a variety of timber-inspired colours and patterns, including oak, blackbutt and spotted gum styles.
9mm Hybrid Flooring: What Are The Benefits?
1. A More Substantial Feel
One reason homeowners choose the thicker 9mm hybrid flooring is the feel underfoot. A well constructed 9mm floor can feel more substantial, particularly when installed over a suitable subfloor.
2. More Material Between You And The Subfloor
A thicker plank gives you additional material between the finished surface and the subfloor. This can contribute to a more solid feel, but it doesn’t magically fix an uneven or poorly prepared floor.
3. Premium Product Options
9mm hybrid flooring options can often sit towards the higher end of a product range. If you’re already planning a premium renovation, the extra cost may be worthwhile depending on the product specification and how the floor will be used.
Which One Feels Better?
This is where things get slightly subjective. Some homeowners prefer the more substantial feeling of a thicker 9mm hybrid floor, while others won’t notice a major difference once the flooring is professionally installed.
The subfloor underneath has a huge influence.
A perfectly prepared subfloor with good installation can make a 7mm hybrid flooring product feel excellent, while a poorly prepared subfloor can make a much thicker floor feel less than ideal.
This is why it’s worth asking your hybrid flooring installer to explain the entire floor system rather than simply recommending a thickness.
Comparing Stability
Thickness can contribute to stability, but you shouldn’t assume that every 9mm hybrid flooring product will outperform every 7mm hybrid flooring product. Stability depends on the complete construction.
The core material, plank dimensions, locking system, backing and installation all play a role. Floating floors also require appropriate expansion gaps and a reasonably level subfloor.
So, if you’re choosing between two products, compare their technical specifications rather than relying on thickness alone.
How Durable Is Each Option?
Durability has more to do with the wear layer, and a thicker plank doesn’t automatically mean a thicker wear layer. For a family home with children and pets, you should look at the wear layer alongside the core and overall construction.
That said, a 7mm hybrid flooring plank can be more durable than a 9mm hybrid flooring plank and vice versa.
How Much Will It Cost You?
For some homeowners, this is where the decision becomes much easier to make. If the project budget is tight, 7mm hybrid flooring may offer better value. However, if you’re comfortable spending more for a thicker product and prefer the additional feel or specification, 9mm hybrid flooring could make sense.
However, hybrid floor installation also adds to the final cost, so take time to compare service providers near you.
We always recommend asking as many questions as you can, along with proof of work and online reviews, to ensure they can get the job done right. After all, poor hybrid floor installations almost always lead to major costs down the line.
Quick Hybrid Flooring Comparison
| 7mm Hybrid Flooring | 9mm Hybrid Flooring | |
| Upfront product cost | Generally lower (around $35/m²) | Generally higher (around $45 – $48/m²) |
| Feel underfoot | Solid with good installation | More substantial |
| Floor height | Lower | Higher |
| Wear layer | Depends on product | Depends on product |
| Stability | Depends on construction | Depends on construction |
| Best for | Budget conscious renovations | Premium renovations |
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Choose 7mm hybrid flooring if:
- You’re working with a tighter budget.
- Floor height is a concern.
- You have found a well specified product with a suitable wear layer.
- You want a practical bamboo or timber-look floor without paying for unnecessary extras.
Choose 9mm hybrid flooring if:
- You prefer a more substantial feel.
- The additional thickness works with your existing floor levels.
- You’re happy with the higher product cost.
- The particular 9mm product offers better specifications for your project.
And if you’re still stuck between the two, talk to a professional hybrid floor installer for an expert recommendation.
The Verdict
The thickest hybrid floor isn’t necessarily the best hybrid floor. Your home’s subfloor, foot traffic, budget, desired feel, wear layer and installation requirements should all be part of the decision.
The important thing is choosing the product that actually fits your home rather than paying more simply because the number is bigger.
Ready to shop around? Take a look at our latest 7mm and 9mm hybrid flooring options or connect with our experienced hybrid floor installers to discover what’s right for your space.
