When it comes to engineered wood flooring, thickness is more than just a number—it can affect everything from durability to how the floor feels underfoot. With options ranging from 10mm to 20mm, choosing the right thickness is an important part of getting the best floor for your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore what flooring thickness really means, how it influences performance, and which thickness is right for different types of spaces. Whether you're tackling a full renovation or a single-room upgrade, this beginner-friendly breakdown will help you feel confident in your choice.
What Does Thickness Mean in Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is made up of multiple layers, and its overall thickness typically refers to the combined depth of those layers—from the bottom ply base to the top hardwood veneer. Two key parts affect the floor’s quality:
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Overall Thickness: The full depth of the board (e.g., 13mm or 20mm).
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Top Layer (Wear Layer): The thickness of the real hardwood surface, which can vary depending on the board’s total depth.
The thicker the wear layer, the more times it can be sanded and refinished in the future. The overall thickness, meanwhile, affects durability, sound insulation, and how well the floor performs over time.
Why Thickness Matters
There are several reasons to pay attention to the thickness of your engineered flooring:
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Durability: Thicker boards tend to last longer and are more resistant to movement or damage.
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Refinishing Potential: A thicker wear layer allows for future sanding and refinishing.
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Installation Needs: Thinner boards are ideal for areas with limited floor height, while thicker boards are perfect for floating floors or uneven subfloors.
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Comfort & Acoustics: Thicker boards generally feel more solid and offer better sound insulation.
A Closer Look at the Thickness Options We Offer
At Flooring365, we offer engineered wood flooring in a variety of thicknesses to suit every type of space and budget. Here’s a closer look at each option:
10mm Engineered Wood Flooring
This is our thinnest option and ideal for areas where height is a concern—such as when matching existing floors or working around doorways and thresholds.
Best For:
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Apartments and flats.
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Upstairs rooms with limited floor depth.
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Budget-conscious renovations.
Benefits:
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Lightweight and easy to install.
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More affordable.
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Works well with underfloor heating.
Considerations:
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Typically has a thinner wear layer, meaning it may not be suitable for sanding and refinishing.
13mm and 13.5mm Engineered Wood Flooring
These mid-range options offer a balance between low profile and durability. A step up from 10mm, they’re still slim enough for tight spaces but with a bit more substance.
Best For:
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Multi-level homes.
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Hallways or bedrooms with moderate foot traffic.
Benefits:
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Slim profile for easy installation.
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Slightly thicker wear layer than 10mm.
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Suitable for underfloor heating.
Considerations:
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May have limited refinishing potential depending on the wear layer.
14mm Engineered Wood Flooring
14mm is one of the most popular choices, offering great durability without being too thick. It’s a versatile, reliable option for most residential spaces.
Best For:
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Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms.
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Homes where underfloor heating is used.
Benefits:
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Comfortable underfoot.
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Good structural strength.
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Excellent all-rounder.
Considerations:
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May not offer as much sound insulation as thicker boards, depending on the subfloor.
15mm Engineered Wood Flooring
A small step up from 14mm, 15mm flooring provides extra depth, stability, and a slightly thicker wear layer. It's a smart choice for those wanting a floor that lasts.
Best For:
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High-traffic areas like hallways.
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Homes with children or pets.
Benefits:
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Longer lifespan.
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Better resistance to everyday wear.
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Often allows for light refinishing.
Considerations:
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Slightly heavier and may require more subfloor prep.
18mm Engineered Wood Flooring
This thickness is ideal if you’re looking for something ultra-durable and built to last. It’s particularly suited to busy homes and large open-plan spaces.
Best For:
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Ground-floor installations.
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Open-plan kitchens and living spaces.
Benefits:
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Excellent underfoot feel.
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Greater sound and thermal insulation.
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High-quality wear layer suitable for refinishing.
Considerations:
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Thicker profile may require trimming of doors or skirting boards.
20mm Engineered Wood Flooring
Our thickest and most premium option, 20mm flooring is built for long-term performance and high-end installations. It’s ideal for homeowners looking for longevity and the ability to refinish their floors in the future.
Best For:
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Period properties or high-value renovations.
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Family homes and high-use areas.
Benefits:
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Extremely stable and solid.
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Typically includes a wear layer up to 6mm—perfect for sanding.
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Adds a luxurious feel to any room.
Considerations:
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Heavier and may need professional installation.
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Not always necessary for low-traffic areas.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Home
When deciding on thickness, ask yourself the following:
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Where is the flooring going?
Bedrooms and upstairs rooms may suit thinner boards, while high-traffic zones need something sturdier. -
What’s your subfloor like?
Uneven or suspended floors may benefit from thicker boards that help bridge minor imperfections. -
Do you have underfloor heating?
Most thicknesses are compatible, but check the specs—thinner boards tend to heat up faster. -
Do you plan to sand the floor in future?
Go for a thicker wear layer (usually found in 15mm+ boards) if refinishing is important to you. -
What’s your budget?
Thinner boards are more affordable but may not last as long. Consider it an investment in your home.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right thickness for your engineered wood flooring ensures you get a floor that not only looks beautiful but also performs well for years to come. Whether you opt for the practicality of 10mm or the enduring strength of 20mm, we’ve got options to suit every need, home, and budget.
Explore the full range at Flooring365.co.uk or get in touch—we’re always happy to help you find the perfect fit.
