Engineered wood flooring thickness guide

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Natural and unique, there’s no denying that engineered wood is stunning, but choosing the right engineered wood flooring is about more than just what it looks like. We go over everything you need to weigh up in our engineered wood flooring buying guide, from the wood colour and grade to the plank style and finish. One of the factors to consider is what engineered wood flooring thickness you’re going for.

Engineered wood thickness is more than just a technical detail – it affects how well your flooring handles everyday life, whether it can be sanded in the future, and even how compatible it is with underfloor heating. Get it right, and you’ve got a floor that looks beautiful and performs brilliantly for years.

To help you decide, we’ll break down the different types of thickness options, the pros and cons of each, and what to consider when choosing the right thickness for you.

In this guide:

How thick is engineered wood flooring?
What is the best thickness for engineered wood?
Pros and cons of engineered wood thickness
What to consider when choosing engineered wood thickness
Comparing engineered wood thickness

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How thick is engineered wood flooring?

There are two types of engineered wood thicknesses we need to consider: the total plank thickness and the thickness of the top wear layer.

Total Plank Thickness: Engineered wood thickness usually ranges from 10mm to 20mm. This is made up of a plywood or high-density fibreboard core and a real, solid wood top layer.
Wear Layer Thickness: The wear layer thickness can vary from 2-6mm and determines whether the engineered wood plank can be refinished. Thicker engineered wood planks usually have a thicker top layer so can be refinished multiple times.

The breakdown of engineered wood plank construction is covered in much more detail in our engineered wood flooring guide. How thick the plank is will determine the durability, insulation, subfloor type, and ultimately, cost.

10-12mm plank

10mm thinner engineered wood planks are a practical choice as anything that’s around 12mm thick or under is less likely to need any door easing (but every home is different). 10-12mm engineered wood planks are also a good option to go over underfloor heating as the heat can transfer into the room much more easily than a thicker plank.

14-16mm plank

The most common thickness, 14mm thick engineered wood planks are a good middle-ground for stability, durability, and cost. They usually have a 3mm top layer, which allows your wooden floor to be refinished later down the line. 14mm planks can also be used with underfloor heating - the maximum recommended thickness is 15mm.

18-20mm plank

Thicker planks feel very luxurious – often reflected by their higher price point. 18mm engineered wood is good at insulating rooms, but it’s too thick to be used with underfloor heating. Thanks to their sturdy construction, weight bearing properties, and the fact they can be sanded down and refinished multiple times, 18mm thick planks are a wise choice for busy areas of your home. They usually come with the longest wear guarantee as well.

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What is the best thickness for engineered wood?

Most people want to know what’s the best thickness for engineered wood planks, but the question you should be asking is ‘what’s the best wear layer thickness for engineered wood flooring’. Top wear layers that are 3mm or above are often recommended, so a 14mm engineered wood plank with a 3mm top layer is the best thickness for engineered wood, as it ticks the boxes for durability, performance, and cost.

Pros and cons of engineered wood thickness

Every plank thickness has pros and cons to weigh up. Make sure you take a look at these factors below before choosing your engineered wood thickness.

Thicker engineered wood (15mm or more)

Pros

Longer wear for hight traffic areas areas
Can be sanded & refinished multiple times

Cons

Higher cost than thinner planks
Heavier weight so harder to install
Not suitable for underfloor heating

Thinner engineered wood (14mm or less)

Pros

Suitable for underfloor heating
Lower cost

Cons

Can only be lightly sanded and refinished once
Less sound absorption

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What to consider when choosing engineered wood thickness

Now you might be thinking that you should go for the thickest one with the thickest wear layer, so it lasts the longest, but do you really need the highest spec flooring for your home? Consider these factors:

How long are you staying in your home? Wooden flooring can add value to your home but if you’re not planning on living there forever, a thinner plank will look just as good
Will it be laid over underfloor heating? A thinner plank is a better heat conductor, while a thicker plank will stop the heat coming into the space, increasing your energy bills without making your home any warmer
What room is it being fitted in? Busier rooms like hallways and kitchens will benefit from a thicker plank for better sound insulation, comfort, and durability
How are you installing it? Floating click fit floors are easier to install using lighter, thinner planks, while nailed down installations require thicker planks. Note that the style of engineered wood you choose often dictates the installation for example, herringbone or random length tongue and groove planks should be fully stuck or nailed down
How much maintenance does it need? All engineered wood needs some maintenance and an oiled finish is less forgiving than a lacquered one when it comes to showing scuffs and marks. If you like the character of a well-worn wooden floor and think you’re unlikely to sand and refinish it, then go for a thin to medium thickness engineered wood plank to save on cost

Comparing engineered wood thickness

Engineered Wood Thickness	10-12mm	14-16mm	18-20mm
Top layer	2-3mm	3-4mm	4-6mm
Wear guarantee	15 years	15 years	20 years
Cost*	£74.99 m2	£49.99 - £94.99 m2	£74.99 - £114.99 m2
Compatible with underfloor heating	Yes	Yes (up to 15mm)	No
Door easing required	No	Yes	Yes
Fitted on stairs	Yes	Yes	Yes

Explore engineered wood thickness at Tapi

If you’re still unsure about which engineered wood thickness to choose, then a visit to your nearest Tapi store to explore our wood flooring might help. Our floorologists can show you different engineered wood thicknesses side by side, and chat to you about your budget and lifestyle to narrow down your options. Our engineered wood care guide tells you how to keep your wooden floor looking incredible, but if you want the wood-look on a budget, check out our laminate vs engineered wood comparison.

*Prices taken at time of publishing.