What Is the Best Thickness for Engineered Wood Flooring?

What Is the Best Thickness for Engineered Wood Flooring?

​When shopping for engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto, many homeowners focus on colour, style, and finish—but one key detail often gets overlooked: thickness. The thickness of engineered wood plays a critical role in how the floor performs, how long it lasts, and how it should be installed. Whether you’re planning a full-home upgrade or updating your condo flooring, choosing the right thickness ensures better comfort underfoot, improved stability, and greater value in the long run.

Understanding Engineered Hardwood Thickness

Engineered hardwood flooring comes in a variety of thickness options, but there are two main aspects to understand:

• Total Thickness: This refers to the full height of the plank, including the top veneer (the real wood layer) and the core layers beneath it. Total thickness usually ranges from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch.

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• Veneer (Wear Layer) Thickness: This is the actual hardwood surface layer. Veneers typically range from 1mm to 4mm, and a thicker veneer means the floor can be sanded and refinished more times over its lifespan.

Both of these measurements influence the flooring’s performance, stability, and installation method. For example, thinner planks may work well for glue-down installs in condos, while thicker 3/4” planks are preferred for nail-down installs in homes with plywood subfloors.

Most Common Thickness Options Available in Toronto

In the Toronto flooring market, engineered hardwood planks are commonly available in the following thicknesses:

• 1/2 inch (12mm – 13mm):
  This is a standard entry-level thickness. These planks are affordable, easier to handle, and suitable for glue-down or floating installations, especially in condos or apartments where subfloor height is limited. However, they typically come with a thin veneer (around 1.5mm – 2mm), which limits refinishing potential.

• 5/8 inch (15mm – 16mm):
  A popular mid-range option, these planks offer a thicker core and often a 2mm or greater wear layer. They strike a good balance between durability, cost, and refinishing capability. This thickness is well-suited for both residential homes and condos, and can be installed using nail, glue, or float methods.

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• 3/4 inch (18mm – 20mm):
  The premium and most recommended thickness for long-term performance. These planks come with veneers ranging from 1mm to 4mm, allowing for multiple refinishing cycles for thicker vaneer options. They provide superior stability, underfoot feel, and lifespan—especially for high-traffic areas or custom layouts like herringbone. Ideal for nail-down or glue-down installations over plywood subfloors.

Each of these options serves a different need, and your choice should depend on the installation method, subfloor type, and how long you plan to stay in your home.

Does Thicker Always Mean Better?

Not necessarily. While thickness is an important factor when selecting engineered hardwood flooring, thicker isn’t always the best option for every situation. Here’s why:

• Core vs. Veneer Thickness: A thicker plank may offer more stability, but what really matters is the wear layer (top veneer). A 5/8-inch board with a 4mm veneer may be more durable long-term than a 3/4-inch board with a 2mm veneer.

 

• Installation Method Compatibility: If you’re doing a floating or glue-down hardwood flooring installation, thicker planks can offer better acoustics and underfoot feel. But for nail-down installs, the subfloor may already provide most of the support, so thinner planks may be fine.

 

• Height Constraints: In condos or renovations where floor height matters (e.g., matching existing floors, door clearances), a thinner engineered plank may be a more practical solution.

 

• Cost-Efficiency: Thicker engineered planks are usually more expensive. In some cases, a thinner plank with a thick veneer offers a better balance of performance and budget.

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• Refinishing Needs: If you plan to refinish the floors multiple times over the years, thicker veneer is more critical than total thickness.

In summary, while 3/4 inch planks are generally preferred for premium, long-lasting installations, your ideal thickness depends on your subfloor, installation type, lifestyle, and budget.

Use-Case Recommendations by Thickness

To help you choose the right engineered hardwood plank thickness for your home or condo, here’s a breakdown of common scenarios and what works best:
For Toronto Condos & Apartments

• Recommended Thickness: 1/2" – 5/8"
• Why: Condos often have height restrictions, so thinner engineered planks are ideal. Many buildings also require glue-down or floating installs, which work well with mid-thickness planks.
• Bonus Tip: Opt for a 2-4mm wear layer for longer durability.

For Renovation Projects

• Recommended Thickness: 5/8" – 3/4"
• Why: If you're upgrading from tile or laminate and have the floor height flexibility, a thicker plank provides better acoustic insulation and underfoot feel.
• Bonus Tip: Check transition heights with existing floors.

For Full Home Installations (Main Floor + Second Floor)

• Recommended Thickness: 3/4"
• Why: Offers the most structural stability, excellent for high-traffic areas and multi-room installations.
• Bonus Tip: Nail-down or nail-and-glue assist installation is recommended.

For Basements or Moisture-Prone Areas

• Recommended Thickness: 1/2" – 5/8"
• Why: Most basements in Toronto tend to have very low ceiling height, and thinner floors might work better for these height issues
• Bonus Tip: Always install over a proper moisture barrier.

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For Commercial floors or High-Traffic Spaces

• Recommended Thickness: 3/4"
• Why: Heavy foot traffic requires maximum durability and a plank that can withstand wear and tear.
• Bonus Tip: Prioritize a thick veneer (3mm+) over just total thickness.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Thickness

When selecting the right thickness for your engineered hardwood flooring, it’s not just about thicker being better — it’s about choosing the best fit for your space, lifestyle, and budget.

• For long-term value, 3/4" planks offer unmatched durability and refinishing options.

 

• For condos or areas with height restrictions, thinner options like 1/2" or 5/8" can still perform very well — especially if they have a thicker wear layer.

 

• For glue-down hardwood flooring installations, any thickness from 1/2 inch and above would work perfectly fine.

 

• For floating or click installations, just like with glue down, anything starting from 1/2 inch and above would work fine.

Ultimately, consider how long you plan to stay in your home, the amount of traffic your floors will endure, and whether you may want to refinish them down the line.
Consulting with a flooring expert (like our team at Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring LTD.) can help ensure you’re choosing the most suitable product for your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is thicker engineered hardwood better?
A: Not always. While thicker planks (like 3/4") offer more stability and refinishing options, thinner planks with a quality top veneer layer can perform just as well — especially in condos or over radiant heating systems.

Q: What is the most common thickness of engineered hardwood flooring?
A: The most common thicknesses range between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch, with 3/4 inch being the most recommended for its durability and potential to refinish.

Q: Can I install thin engineered hardwood (like 3/8") in my Toronto condo?
A: Yes, but be cautious. Thinner planks may be more prone to movement or reduced lifespan unless they have a high-quality core and wear layer. Always confirm with your condo board and an installer.

Q: How does veneer thickness impact the overall quality?
A: Veneer (top layer) thickness is critical. A thicker veneer (e.g., 3mm+) allows for future sanding and refinishing, increasing the floor’s lifespan — regardless of total plank thickness.

Q: Which thickness is best for glue-down vs. click installation?
A: For glue-down, any thickness from 1/2 inch and above works well and is stable. For click (floating) installations, same applies.

Q: Can thicker engineered hardwood increase my home value?
A: Yes. Premium thicker planks — especially with wide widths and high-end finishes — are considered more luxurious and can increase the perceived value of a Toronto home.