Thickness of Hardwood Flooring: What You Need to Know

When it comes to choosing hardwood flooring for your home, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important elements in the decision-making process is the thickness of the hardwood flooring. The thickness of your hardwood flooring affects its durability, stability, and overall appearance. Whether you are a homeowner looking to upgrade your floors or a contractor working on a project, understanding the different thickness options will help ensure you make the right choice for your space.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the thickness of hardwood flooring, the different types available, and how to choose the best option for your home. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how hardwood flooring thickness affects the quality and longevity of your floors.

Introduction

The thickness of hardwood flooring is an essential consideration when selecting the right material for your home. Hardwood floors come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) to 3/4 inch (19 mm). Thicker hardwood floors offer advantages in terms of durability and the ability to be refinished multiple times, while thinner floors may be more cost-effective and easier to install.

The best thickness for your hardwood flooring will depend on various factors, including the type of wood, the subfloor material, the expected foot traffic, and your budget. Thicker floors are generally better for high-traffic areas, while thinner options may be ideal for lower-traffic spaces. Additionally, the installation method—whether it’s nail-down, glue-down, or floating—can impact the ideal thickness for your flooring.

In this guide, we’ll break down the various thickness options available and help you understand their pros and cons to ensure you make the best decision for your home.

What Is Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is a natural wood product that is cut from trees and milled into planks to be used as flooring in homes and commercial spaces. It’s a popular choice for its natural beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. There are two main types of hardwood flooring:

1. Solid Hardwood Flooring: Made from a single piece of wood, solid hardwood flooring is the traditional option and is known for its longevity. It’s available in various species, including oak, maple, cherry, and hickory.
2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Composed of a real wood veneer layer on top of a plywood or composite core, engineered hardwood flooring offers added stability and moisture resistance. This type of hardwood is particularly well-suited for environments with fluctuating humidity levels, such as basements.

The thickness of hardwood flooring is an important consideration for both solid and engineered wood options, though the thicknesses available for each may differ slightly.

The Importance of Hardwood Flooring Thickness

The thickness of hardwood flooring plays a significant role in several aspects of its performance:

• Durability: Thicker hardwood flooring is generally more durable and less prone to damage. It can handle more foot traffic and is better able to resist wear and tear over time.
• Refinishing Potential: One of the key advantages of thicker hardwood floors is the ability to sand and refinish them multiple times. Thicker floors have more material to work with, allowing for repeated refinishing, which helps extend the life of the floor.
• Stability: Thicker flooring tends to be more stable, making it less likely to warp or buckle due to changes in temperature or humidity.
• Comfort: Thicker hardwood floors offer better insulation and are more comfortable to walk on compared to thinner options.
• Cost: Thicker hardwood floors are generally more expensive than thinner ones, both in terms of material costs and installation.

Understanding how thickness affects these factors is key to selecting the best hardwood flooring for your home.

Common Hardwood Flooring Thickness Options

Hardwood flooring is typically available in two categories based on its thickness: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Each of these types comes in a range of thicknesses, and we will break them down below.

1. Solid Hardwood Flooring Thickness

Solid hardwood flooring comes in a variety of thicknesses, but the most common options range from 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) to 3/4 inch (19 mm). These are the typical thicknesses available for solid hardwood planks:

• 5/16 Inch (7.9 mm): This is the thinnest option for solid hardwood flooring. It is less common but still available in some hardwood species. This thinner option may be appropriate for homes where the subfloor is already level and there isn’t a need for extensive sanding or refinishing.
• 3/8 Inch (9.5 mm): This thickness is somewhat more common and is often used for both residential and light commercial applications. It’s a solid choice for areas with moderate foot traffic.
• 1/2 Inch (12.7 mm): A mid-range thickness that offers a balance between durability and cost. It’s durable enough for most residential applications and is often used in homes where a thicker floor is unnecessary.
• 5/8 Inch (15.9 mm): This thickness is commonly found in higher-end solid hardwood flooring. It offers greater durability, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas or commercial spaces.
• 3/4 Inch (19 mm): This is the most common thickness for solid hardwood floors and is the standard choice for most residential installations. It offers excellent durability, the ability to be refinished multiple times, and a long lifespan. It’s especially popular for kitchens, living rooms, and hallways.

2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring Thickness

Engineered hardwood flooring typically comes in thicknesses ranging from 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) to 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). However, thicker options (up to 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch) are available, especially for higher-end engineered floors.

• 3/8 Inch (9.5 mm): This is the thinnest option for engineered hardwood, suitable for residential spaces with lower foot traffic. It is more affordable and lighter, making it easier to install.
• 1/2 Inch (12.7 mm): A common thickness for engineered wood, providing a good balance between durability, ease of installation, and affordability. This is often used for residential flooring and light commercial spaces.
• 5/8 Inch (15.9 mm): This thicker engineered wood is used for higher-traffic areas and offers greater durability and stability. It can also provide a more authentic wood feel due to a thicker veneer layer.
• 3/4 Inch (19 mm): Though less common, engineered hardwood flooring can come in this thickness for areas that require added durability and a thicker appearance. It’s especially beneficial for installations over radiant heating systems, as thicker engineered planks can better handle temperature fluctuations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardwood Flooring Thickness

The thickness of your hardwood flooring depends on a variety of factors. Here are the most important ones to consider when making your decision:

1. Traffic Levels

High-traffic areas, such as hallways, kitchens, and living rooms, require thicker hardwood flooring to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. For these spaces, 3/4 inch (19 mm) thick flooring is typically the best choice. For lower-traffic areas like bedrooms or offices, thinner options such as 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) or 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) may be sufficient.

2. Subfloor Condition

The condition of your subfloor plays a role in determining the thickness of your hardwood flooring. If the subfloor is uneven or damaged, you may need thicker flooring to provide extra stability and support. A higher thickness can also help mask any imperfections in the subfloor.

3. Budget

Thicker hardwood flooring tends to be more expensive both in terms of material and installation. If you’re on a budget, thinner flooring may be a cost-effective option without compromising on quality. However, for areas with high traffic, investing in thicker flooring will provide long-term durability and longevity.

4. Refinishing Potential

If you plan to refinish your floors in the future, opting for thicker hardwood is ideal. Thicker planks allow for more sanding and refinishing, which can extend the life of your floors. This is particularly true for solid hardwood floors, which can be refinished multiple times, unlike engineered wood.

5. Climate and Humidity

Thicker hardwood floors tend to be more stable and less susceptible to warping or cupping due to changes in humidity and temperature. If you live in a region with fluctuating humidity levels, a thicker hardwood floor may provide more stability over time.

Conclusion

The thickness of hardwood flooring is an important factor to consider when selecting the best flooring for your home. Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, the right thickness will depend on your budget, the level of foot traffic, the condition of your subfloor, and your long-term maintenance plans. For most residential applications, 3/4 inch thick hardwood flooring provides the durability and stability needed for high-traffic areas, while thinner options like 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch are suitable for lower-traffic rooms.

By understanding the different thickness options and how they impact your floor’s performance, you can make an informed decision that ensures your hardwood floors look beautiful and last for years to come.