What Thickness of Engineered Wood Flooring Do You Need?

When shopping for engineered wood flooring, one of the most common questions people ask is: How thick should the boards be? While colour, texture, and finish are all important style choices, the thickness of your flooring has a big impact on performance, durability, and long-term value.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about engineered wood flooring thickness—from board structure to room-by-room recommendations—so you can make the right decision for your space and budget.

Engineered Wood Anatomy: Total vs. Wear-Layer Thickness

When choosing engineered wood flooring, it’s important to understand that the term “thickness” can refer to two things: the total thickness of the board and the thickness of the wear layer. Both play a role in how the flooring looks, feels, and performs over time.

Total board thickness includes all layers—typically a hardwood top layer bonded to multiple layers of plywood or HDF for stability. Common overall thicknesses range from 12 mm to 20 mm, with thicker boards offering better support and a more solid underfoot feel.

The wear layer is the top hardwood surface, usually between 2 mm and 6 mm thick. This is the layer you walk on, and it determines how many times the floor can be sanded and refinished in the future. A thicker wear layer typically means a longer lifespan.

To explore a variety of sizes and constructions, view our complete selection of engineered wood flooring in multiple thickness options.

Why Thickness Matters

The thickness of engineered wood flooring isn’t just a technical detail—it directly affects how your floor performs and how long it lasts. Thicker boards typically offer greater stability, better acoustic insulation, and longer-term durability, especially in areas of heavy use.

One key advantage of thicker engineered boards is their ability to be sanded and refinished more than once, thanks to a thicker wear layer. This is especially important if you want your floor to last for decades or you’re installing it in a high-traffic space like a hallway or kitchen.

Floor thickness also influences installation. For example, a thicker floor may be more suitable over joists or uneven subfloors, whereas thinner boards work well on top of flat concrete. Additionally, the overall height of your flooring can affect transitions between rooms and door clearances—something worth considering if you're replacing old floors without adjusting thresholds or doors.

Common Thickness Options Explained

Engineered wood flooring comes in a range of thicknesses, each offering different benefits depending on your needs and the space you're renovating. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options:

• 12–14 mm: These thinner boards are ideal for areas with lower foot traffic, such as bedrooms or upper-floor installations. They’re also a good choice when you need to match existing floor heights or work around fixed furniture and appliances.
• 15–16 mm: A versatile middle-ground option suitable for most rooms, offering a solid feel underfoot and a wear layer thick enough for light refinishing. Perfect for living rooms, dining areas, and dry kitchens.
• 18–20 mm: Thicker boards offer a more premium feel and are well-suited for high-traffic areas like hallways and entrance zones. They usually come with a thicker wear layer, making them a great long-term investment if you want the option to sand and refinish the surface in the future.

Room-by-Room Recommendations

Different rooms in your home place different demands on your flooring, which is why choosing the right thickness for each space can improve both comfort and longevity. Here's a room-by-room guide to help you decide:

• Kitchens and Hallways: These high-traffic areas benefit from thicker boards (18–20 mm), which offer a sturdier feel and greater durability over time. The added wear layer allows for refinishing if scratches or wear occur.
• Living Rooms and Dining Areas: A mid-range thickness (15–16 mm) provides a perfect balance of strength and comfort underfoot. It’s a versatile choice for family spaces used daily, but without excessive moisture or heavy impacts.
• Bedrooms and Lofts: For low-traffic areas, thinner boards (12–14 mm) are more than sufficient. These options are also ideal when you want to minimise floor height, especially in loft conversions or second floors.
• Basements (if moisture-controlled): Choose engineered boards around 15 mm with a stable multi-layer core. Avoid solid wood in basements altogether, but engineered flooring can work well if the space is properly ventilated and dry.

Cost vs. Longevity: Finding the Sweet Spot

As with most home improvements, engineered wood flooring is an investment, and the thickness you choose can affect both the upfront cost and the long-term value. Thicker boards generally come at a higher price point due to the added material and thicker wear layer. However, they also tend to offer a longer lifespan and better performance, especially in busy areas of the home.

If you're installing flooring in a rental property, a thinner and more budget-friendly option may make sense. But for your own home—or any space where longevity and future refinishing are priorities—paying slightly more for thicker boards can save money in the long run.

Ultimately, the best thickness is the one that fits your lifestyle, room conditions, and budget. Fortunately, our range of engineered flooring offers quality options across every thickness level.

Recommended Collections by Thickness

To make your decision easier, here are some of our most trusted engineered wood flooring collections, organised by thickness. Each range offers high-quality construction and a variety of finishes to suit your interior style:

• 12–14 mm: Quick-Step Engineered Flooring – Ideal for bedrooms and upper floors with reliable construction and beautiful modern finishes.
• 15–16 mm: Chene Engineered Wood Flooring – A versatile choice for most areas, balancing strength, comfort, and style.
• 18–20 mm: Tradition Engineered Wood Flooring and Evolve Engineered Wood Flooring – Perfect for kitchens, hallways, and busy living spaces with added durability and refinishing potential.

All of these ranges offer dependable performance and timeless wood aesthetics to suit any room in your home.

Conclusion

When choosing engineered wood flooring, thickness is more than just a technical detail—it plays a key role in how your floor looks, feels, and performs over time. From wear resistance and refinishing potential to installation height and cost, the right board thickness can make all the difference.

Whether you're fitting out a high-traffic kitchen or creating a cosy bedroom retreat, you'll find suitable options across our wide range of engineered wood flooring. Still unsure which thickness is best for your home? Contact our team for expert advice and product recommendations tailored to your project.