When choosing hardwood flooring for your home, one key consideration is its thickness. The thickness of hardwood flooring affects its durability, longevity, and suitability for specific applications. Whether you’re considering solid hardwood or engineered hardwood, understanding their differences in thickness can help you make an informed decision.
Solid Hardwood Flooring Thickness
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood and is known for its durability and timeless appeal. The thickness of solid hardwood flooring is typically 3/4 inch and sometimes you may find thinner flooring around 5/8 inch.
- Standard Thickness: The most common thickness for solid hardwood flooring is 3/4 inch, offering excellent durability and the ability to be refinished multiple times. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas or spaces where you want your floors to last for decades.
- Thinner Options: Some manufacturers produce solid hardwood flooring in thinner profiles, such as 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch. While these thinner options can still be refinished, they are less robust and may not last as long as thicker flooring. Additionally thinner material is more likely to cup especially if it is wider plank flooring.
Why Thickness Matters:
Thicker solid hardwood flooring can withstand more sanding and refinishing over its lifetime, making it a better investment for long-term use. Additionally, thicker boards provide better sound insulation and a more solid feel underfoot. Thicker floor planks are also less prone to cupping.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Thickness

Engineered hardwood flooring consists of a top layer of real hardwood (known as the wear layer) bonded to multiple layers of plywood. This construction provides enhanced stability, making it less susceptible to warping or expanding due to changes in humidity and temperature.
- Total Thickness:
Engineered hardwood flooring is typically available in thicknesses ranging from 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch. - Wear Layer Thickness:
The wear layer is the most critical aspect of engineered hardwood. It generally ranges from 0.6mm to 6mm. Thicker wear layers (3mm or more) allow for light sanding and refinishing, extending the floor’s lifespan.
Common Thickness Categories:
- Thin Engineered Flooring (3/8 inch):
Ideal for installations where height clearance is limited, such as over concrete slabs or radiant heating systems. - Standard Engineered Flooring (1/2 inch):
Offers a balance of stability and a moderately thick wear layer. - Thick Engineered Flooring (5/8 inch):
Close in total thickness to solid hardwood, providing excellent durability and refinishing potential.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardwood Flooring Thickness
- Installation Method:
- Thinner engineered hardwood is often preferred for floating or glued installations.
- Thicker solid hardwood is typically nailed or stapled to a subfloor.
- Refinishing Potential:
- Solid hardwood and engineered hardwood with a thick wear layer can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending their lifespan.
- Thinner options may not be suitable for refinishing and might need replacement after surface wear.
- Subfloor and Clearance:
- Evaluate the height of door thresholds, existing flooring, and subfloors when choosing thickness. Thinner flooring can be advantageous in areas with height constraints.
- Application:
- For high-traffic areas, thicker flooring ensures durability.
- Engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for basements or areas with fluctuating humidity.
Conclusion
The thickness of hardwood flooring, whether solid or engineered, plays a crucial role in its performance and lifespan. Solid hardwood, with its standard thickness of 3/4 inch, provides unmatched durability and the ability to be refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood offers versatility, with options ranging from thinner, cost-effective styles to thicker, more durable designs.
When selecting hardwood flooring, consider your specific needs, budget, and the environment where it will be installed. Both solid and engineered hardwood offer beautiful, long-lasting options, but choosing the right thickness ensures your floors stand the test of time.