Your hardwood flooring thickness guide

Your hardwood flooring thickness guide

Hardwood flooring looks simple once it is installed. Under the surface, thickness plays a big role in how the floor feels, how long it lasts, and how many times it can be refinished. At Ritchie's Flooring Warehouse, we have helped homeowners make smart hardwood decisions since 1966. We see one question come up again and again. How thick should my hardwood floor be? 

 

This guide breaks it down in plain language. No fluff. Just the facts you need to choose a hardwood floor that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans. 

 

Why hardwood thickness matters more than you think 

 

Thickness affects more than comfort underfoot. It influences durability, sound, stability, and resale value. A thicker board can often be refinished more times, handle foot traffic better, and feel more solid when you walk across the room. 

 

Thinner boards can still be a great choice. They are easier to install in certain homes and often work better over concrete or radiant heat. The key is knowing what each thickness level offers so you can match it to your space. 

 

Standard solid hardwood flooring thickness options 

 

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood. Most solid hardwood floors fall into a few common thickness categories. 

 

3/4 inch solid hardwood 

 

This is the gold standard. It is the thickest and most durable option on the market. 

 

Benefits include: 

  • Can be sanded and refinished multiple times 

  • Feels solid and substantial underfoot 

  • Ideal for long-term homes 

 

This thickness works best over plywood subfloors and in areas where moisture is well controlled. It is often chosen for main living spaces, hallways, and whole-home installations. 

 

5/8 inch solid hardwood 

 

Slightly thinner but still very durable. 

 

This option: 

  • Offers good stability 

  • Allows for refinishing 

  • Works well where height clearance is limited 

 

It is a popular choice for renovations where matching existing floor heights matters. 

 

1/2 inch solid hardwood 

 

Less common today, but still available. 

 

This thickness: 

  • Reduces floor height buildup 

  • It is typically more budget-friendly 

  • Has limited refinishing potential 

 

We usually recommend this only in specific situations where height restrictions are a concern. 

 

Engineered hardwood flooring thickness explained 

 

Engineered hardwood flooring is made with a real wood surface layer bonded to a plywood or fiber core. Thickness here includes both the wear layer and the core. 

 

Total thickness ranges 

 

Most engineered hardwood flooring falls between: 

 

  • 3/8 inch 

  • 1/2 inch 

  • 5/8 inch 

  • 3/4 inch 

 

The total thickness affects how the floor feels and installs. The wear layer thickness determines how long it lasts. 

 

Wear layer thickness 

 

This is the top layer of real wood. 

 

General guidelines: 

  • 1 to 2 mm allows for light use and no refinishing 

  • 3 mm allows for one light refinish 

  • 4 mm or more supports multiple refinishes 

 

When customers ask us if engineered hardwood flooring can last as long as solid hardwood, the answer often depends on the wear layer. 

 

How thickness affects comfort and sound 

 

Thicker floors tend to absorb sound better and feel quieter. This matters in open concept homes, multi-level houses, and condos. 

 

A thicker board also feels more stable. There is less flex underfoot, which many homeowners notice right away. 

 

That said, proper underlayment and professional hardwood floor installation can make even thinner floors feel comfortable and solid. 

 

Choosing the right thickness for each room 

 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Here is how we guide customers in our wood flooring stores. 

 

Living rooms and hallways 

 

High traffic areas benefit from thicker options. 

  • 3/4 inch solid hardwood 

  • Thicker engineered hardwood flooring with a strong wear layer 

 

Bedrooms 

 

Comfort matters, but traffic is lighter. 

  • 5/8 inch solid hardwood 

  • Mid-thickness engineered hardwood floors 

 

Basements and concrete subfloors 

 

Moisture and stability are key. 

  • Engineered hardwood only 

  • Thickness chosen based on ceiling height and subfloor conditions 

 

Renovations and older homes 

 

Floor height transitions matter. 

  • Thinner engineered hardwood 

  • 5/8 inch solid hardwood when possible 

 

Thickness and refinishing expectations 

 

If you plan to stay in your home long term, refinishing matters. 

 

Solid 3/4 inch hardwood can often be refinished four to six times. Thinner solid boards allow fewer refinishes. Engineered hardwood varies widely. Some can be refinished once or twice. Others not at all. 

 

We always talk through this upfront so there are no surprises ten years down the road. 

 

Your experts on hardwood floors in Dartmouth, NS, and Moncton, NB 

 

Thickness choices should never be made in isolation. Subfloor type, humidity, room use, and installation method all play a role. 

 

At our wood flooring stores in Dartmouth, NS, and Moncton, NB, our educated team and trained installers take the time to look at the full picture. That is how we have built lasting relationships with families across Moncton, NB, Dieppe, NB, Riverview, NB, Shediac, NB, and Amherst, NS.  

 

If you are comparing hardwood flooring options and feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Get in touch with us today! 

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