At Wood and Beyond, we offer wood flooring in thicknesses ranging from 10mm to 20mm. A question we frequently encounter is: Is thicker wood flooring superior? The answer to this query isn’t straightforward and hinges on the type of wood flooring you’re planning to purchase, as well as the specific room where it will be installed. Allow us to elucidate.
Type of Wood Flooring
Wood flooring is available in two primary forms: solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring. Solid wood flooring is crafted from pure wood, whereas engineered wood flooring consists of a top layer of real wood affixed to a base of MDF, Ply, or Softwood. You might wonder why this is relevant?
To maintain structural integrity, solid wood flooring needs to have a minimum thickness of 16mm. On the other hand, engineered wood flooring can be as thin as 10mm without compromising on structural soundness due to its lesser utilisation of real wood.
In other words, your preconceived thickness preferences may be influenced by the type of wood flooring you choose. For instance, if you opt for solid wood flooring, you’ll have no option but to install boards that are at least 16mm thick.
Are There Benefits to Thick Wood Flooring?
When discussing thick wood flooring, we refer to solid wood flooring that is 18mm or thicker, or engineered wood flooring that is 16mm or thicker. There are distinct advantages that thicker wood flooring offers over thinner variants.
- Longevity: The lifespan of wood flooring is often determined by the number of times the floorboards can be sanded and recoated. This renovation process involves removing a 1mm layer of the existing surface to reveal a fresh layer beneath. Naturally, the thicker the floorboard, the more frequently this process can be executed.
- Durability: Wood is an exceptionally robust material, so it stands to reason that the thicker the floorboard, the more resilient the surface. For example, if you’re considering wood flooring for areas with high foot traffic, such as hallways or kitchens, thicker options will be better equipped to withstand wear and tear.
- Subfloor Imperfections: Thicker floorboards are advantageous for masking irregularities in the subfloor. If the subfloor is uneven or not perfectly smooth, installing a thicker board will help to camouflage these issues, resulting in a more comfortable walking surface.
Are There Drawbacks to Thick Wood Flooring?
- Cost: Undoubtedly, the most significant disadvantage of opting for thick wood flooring lies in the expense—both for the flooring material itself and for installation. The more wood used, the higher the cost. Furthermore, thicker floorboards are compatible with fewer fitting methods; usually, you’re restricted to nailing, gluing, or stapling, which are notably more costly compared to floating or click-fit systems.
What’s the Optimal Thickness?
We recommend tailoring the thickness of your flooring to your specific needs. Once the flooring is installed, neither you nor anyone else will be able to discern its thickness. For solid wood flooring, 16mm and 18mm tend to be suitable for most applications. In the case of engineered wood flooring, 14mm and 15mm offer a balanced blend of value for money, durability, and practicality.
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FAQ
What Types of Wood Flooring are Available?
Two main types of wood flooring are available: solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring. While solid wood flooring is made entirely of real wood, engineered wood flooring has a top layer of wood bonded to a base layer of MDF, Ply, or Softwood.
What Thickness is Recommended for Solid and Engineered Wood Flooring?
For solid wood flooring, a minimum thickness of 16mm is usually recommended to ensure structural integrity. Engineered wood flooring can go down to a thickness of 10mm without sacrificing structural stability.
Are There Advantages to Choosing Thicker Wood Flooring?
Yes, thicker wood flooring usually offers more longevity and durability. Thicker boards can be sanded and recoated more frequently, and they are generally better equipped to withstand high levels of foot traffic.
Are There Disadvantages to Choosing Thicker Wood Flooring?
The primary disadvantage of thicker wood flooring is its cost, both for the material itself and for its installation. Also, thicker wood boards are usually less versatile in terms of fitting methods, often requiring more expensive options like nailing, gluing, or stapling.
What is the Ideal Thickness for My Wood Flooring?
The optimal thickness will depend on your specific needs and the type of wood flooring you opt for. While 16mm and 18mm are commonly recommended for solid wood flooring, 14mm and 15mm are usually suitable for engineered wood flooring.