Imagine buying an engineered timber flooring that fits ‘just right’ to the subfloor. You must buy a flooring with the suitable measurements to make this possible. However, the definition of choosing the right measurements for an engineered flooring is not limited to length and width. Instead, it is also about choosing the right thickness.
The right density makes this type of a flooring durable, easy to install, compatible with an underlying subfloor, and suitable for refinishing. But how thick an engineered flooring must be is still the question.
In this blog, you will discover the typical thickness standard of an engineered wood flooring. Also, you will learn the elements to consider when choosing the right thickness, pros and cons of some common engineered wood thickness, and final considerations. So, keep reading the blog till the end.
Construction of an Engineered Flooring
When you visit or shop for an engineered flooring online, you’ll most often see the dimensions in the format: 1900mm x 190mm x 15mm.
The 15mm denotes the total thickness of an engineered flooring. Besides this, you’ll also find a separate thickness for a veneer layer. Before understanding their individual standard thickness, breaking down the engineered flooring construction is crucial.
This type of flooring consists of 6 or 9 layers of plywood or hyper-density fibreboard and are known as core layers. Above these layers is a hardwood veneer layer which remains visible and wears out with time. The core layers must be thick enough to sustain the foot traffic but so must be the top layer, if not the same.
Typical Thickness of an Engineered Flooring
The veneer layer’s thickness usually ranges from 2mm to 6mm. However, the total thickness comes in the form of 7mm to 21mm measurements. The difference is the density of the core layers.
Elements of Floor’s Thickness to Keep in Mind:
Before you understand the different elements to decide on the right thickness, let's remember one thing. Thicker planks do not always ensure durability and thinner ones do not always fail to meet the expectations. The right thickness of an engineered timber floor depends on many factors as follows.
•
Type of Subfloor:
Engineered flooring is one of the few types suitable for any subfloor. However, the condition and material of the subfloor impacts the thickness of a flooring.
If the subfloor contains uneven and rigid concrete, it is better to go for thicker (15mm to 21mm) floors. It covers the imperfections of the concrete and stabilizes the floor’s structure. On the other hand, evenly subfloors like tile or timber with no signs of cracks sit well with thinner planks.
•
Installation Method:
The technique of installing engineered planks also determines its thickness. Nail-down or glue-down installations require thicker planks.
That is because securing a nail on a thinner plank can split the nail within a few seconds or damage the plank itself. The same goes for glue-down installations which require 12mm or thicker planks to bond with the subfloor. However, floating planks (often require interlock or clip-lock installation systems) in thinner sizes secure beautifully over even surfaces.
•
Refinishing Requirements:
You are required to sand and refinish an engineered flooring to maintain its appearance and resilient quality. The more you are able to do this, the better is the end result.
Refinishing happens only on the top veneer layer and removes 1mm of the layer during the process. So, you must only consider the thickness of the top layer which must be at least 3mm - 6mm. This allows you to refinish the layer multiple times.
•
Foot Traffic:
Your chosen flooring must be thick enough to withstand the weight of the daily movements. If your intended location is low-traffic areas like bedrooms or guest rooms, it is fine to go with a 10 mm - 15mm of total thickness and 2mm - 3mm of veneer thickness.
However, if there is a regular physical movement and frequent activities in your chosen area, it is suitable to look for over 15mm thickness in this flooring type.
•
Underfloor Heating:
If you are installing engineered timber over underfloor heating pipes, it is best to opt for 12mm to 15mm of thickness. It supports the underlying structure and product heat quickly. However, thinner versions are good for regulating the temperature and retaining the heat for a long period.
•
Installation Height Restrictions:
Last but not the least consideration is to measure the floor’s installation height with the door thresholds or bottom kitchen cabinets. Thicker or long planks might create issues in door opening or fit in the kitchen’s appliances.
As a matter of right solution, thinner engineered boards of 10mm - 14mm is ideal for areas with limited height, especially in kitchen or hallways.
Final Considerations Before Buying
Before you buy engineered wood flooring, here are a few tips to remember.
• Always check the total thickness along with the density of the veneer layer.
• Look for the suitable methods of installing your chosen engineered flooring.
• Plan where you are going to use the flooring to decide the right thickness.
• Ask your supplier for the detailed installation specifications and refinishing advice.
• Consider any warranty limitations as per the thickness.
The most popular thickness sizes of engineered wood are 15mm and 20mm. Each has its pros and cons. The thinner planks require subfloor for even support while thicker ones are safe to install over the joint directly.
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, engineered flooring is highly popular for durability and longer lifespan. But the right thickness compliments the durability, preserves its refinishing capability, and elongates its lifespan.
So, take the next step and choose a reliable supplier like
Greenhill Timber, spanning worldwide Australia, to find the right flooring for your needs. If you need to customise your order, their team allows this benefit at an affordable price as well. Contact the team today to learn more about their different flooring options.
