A decorative surface covering element has a height of 4 mm or less from its top surface to the bottom surface. The surface covering element is configured as a multi-layered compound with a polymer-based core layer laminated between a backing layer and a wear layer, the core layer comprising a core material having a lesser shore hardness than the backing layer and the wear layer. The surface covering element comprises a first connecting profile, integral with the multi-layered compound, that extends along at least one of the edges of the surface covering element. The first connecting profile comprises at least one protrusion realized in the core layer, the protrusion having side surfaces for being seized between opposite surfaces of a recess in a second connecting profile, configured for mating with the first connecting profile, of another decorative surface covering element.