When you’re picking out engineered hardwood flooring, it’s easy to get caught up in the colours, textures, and finishes. But one detail that often gets overlooked—until it’s too late—is thickness. And no, it’s not just about how “thick” it feels underfoot. It actually affects how your floor performs, how long it lasts, and even how it’s installed.
So, how thick should engineered wood flooring really be? Let’s make sense of it, without the jargon.
Let’s Talk Layers (Yes, There’s More Than One)
Engineered wood isn’t a single slab of timber. It’s a smartly layered product. On top, you have a thin slice of real hardwood (called the wear layer)—oak, walnut, maple—whatever species you choose. Beneath that? A plywood or HDF core that gives the floor its structure and helps it stay stable through temperature changes and moisture.
Now, here’s where people get confused: some focus only on the total plank thickness (say, 14mm or 20mm), while others look at just the wear layer (like 3mm or 6mm). You actually need to pay attention to both.
What’s a Good Thickness for Most Homes?
If we’re talking general home installations—your living room, bedrooms, even kitchen—a plank thickness of 14mm to 18mm works well. That gives the floor enough structure to feel solid, without being too bulky for transitions between rooms.
The top layer is equally important. For light foot traffic or upstairs bedrooms, a 2mm wear layer may be enough. But if you’ve got pets, kids, or just high-traffic zones, go for something closer to 4mm to 6mm. That extra thickness lets you sand and refinish the surface if it ever gets dull or scratched. It’s like futureproofing your floor.
Where You Live Also Plays a Role
Homes in humid climates—or even just older buildings in places like London or Glasgow—can shift more than you expect. Wood expands and contracts depending on the weather. A thicker board (18–20mm) handles that better than a thinner one. Some installers I’ve worked with in Brighton always recommend thicker planks for seaside homes because of the moisture in the air.
If you’re laying the floor over underfloor heating (common in newer UK builds), engineered wood is a safer bet than solid wood anyway—but you’ll still want something that balances heat transfer with stability. 14mm planks with a 3–4mm top layer are a sweet spot here.
The Type of Subfloor You Have Matters Too
Let’s say you’re installing over concrete. You’ll likely use a glue-down method, and in that case, a minimum of 14mm thickness is your friend. The plywood core helps the floor hold shape and stay flat.
If you’re working with a wooden subfloor and plan to nail or staple the boards, you might want 15mm to 20mm thick planks. They anchor better, and you’ll feel the difference underfoot—no creaking, no flex.
Floating installations? These click-lock systems are simpler and more DIY-friendly. Here, 12mm to 15mm often does the trick. Add a good-quality underlay, and you’ve got both comfort and acoustic insulation.
Real Talk: Is Thicker Always Better?
Not necessarily. Sure, thicker boards offer better durability and sound insulation, but they’re also heavier and more expensive. If you’re doing a full renovation, it might raise your floor level and cause headaches with door clearances or skirting boards. In some flats, especially those with height restrictions or shared heating systems, thinner flooring (around 12mm) may be more practical.
That said, if you’re after longevity, spending a bit more for a 4mm to 6mm wear layer can save you money in the long run. Think of it like choosing a coat you’ll wear for years instead of replacing every season.
What About Commercial or High-Traffic Areas?
If you’re fitting flooring in a busy salon, shop, or even a rental property, go thick. We’ve seen clients in Leeds and Manchester go with 20mm engineered oak planks and a 6mm wear layer for boutique spaces. Why? Because it can be refinished multiple times and takes a beating without looking worn after six months.
You may also want to consider boards with a multi-ply core, which offers excellent resistance to shifting or cupping. It’s like adding shock absorbers to your flooring.
Product Tip (Feel Free to Swap This In)
One product that’s impressed some of our readers is the Kährs Avanti Tres Collection—offering 15mm boards with a solid 3.5mm top layer. It balances quality with affordability, and it’s suitable for floating installations over underfloor heating. If you prefer UK-based brands, V4 Wood Flooring offers a wide range with thickness options across the board.
Things No One Tells You About Floor Thickness
- Sanding limits: Once your wear layer is gone, that’s it—you can’t refinish engineered wood beyond its limit.
- Door gaps: A thicker plank means higher floors. Plan ahead if you don’t want to trim doors or adjust thresholds.
- Room transitions: If different rooms have different flooring types or levels, your floor height will impact whether you need transition strips or not.
I once worked with a homeowner who picked out 12mm engineered walnut because it was on sale. It looked stunning—at first. But within two years, the thin wear layer started to show wear, especially in high-traffic zones like the hallway. Now they’re planning to replace it, which means pulling up and reinstalling everything. If they’d gone with a slightly thicker plank and wear layer, they could’ve just refinished it.
Ideal Plank Thickness for Different Rooms
Here’s a quick breakdown by room type:
| Room Type | Ideal Total Thickness | Wear Layer Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 14–18mm | 3–6mm |
| Kitchen | 15–20mm | 4–6mm |
| Bedroom | 12–15mm | 2–4mm |
| Basement | 14–18mm | 3–6mm |
| Hallway / High-traffic | 15–20mm | 4–6mm |
Final Thoughts (But No Generic Wrap-Up Here)
Here’s the deal: don’t just follow a “one size fits all” guide. Look at your space. Consider how you live. Are you the kind of person who throws dinner parties every weekend? Do you have a giant dog who thinks the floor is a racetrack? Or maybe you live alone and prefer slippers to shoes indoors. Your lifestyle should shape your choice.
A good middle ground for most people is 14–16mm total thickness with a 3–4mm wear layer. That gets you durability, comfort, and a floor that looks great for years without going over budget.
And hey—if you’re still unsure, talk to a trusted installer. A quick on-site consultation can save you from a costly mistake later.
