Best Thickness for Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Why 3/4″ Beats Thinner Options
Posted: April 14, 2025Author – Ryan Palma Owner/CEO Sustainable Lumber Co.
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Why Engineered Hardwood Thickness Matters
When it comes to engineered hardwood flooring, thickness matters more than you might think. While thinner options like 1/2″ or 3/8″ have their place, a 3/4-inch-thick engineered hardwood flooring often takes the crown for durability, versatility, and that premium feel. If you’re weighing your flooring options, here’s why this engineered hardwood thickness might just be the superior choice.
3/4″ Thick Engineered Hardwood Flooring: More Wear Layer, More Lifespan
Engineered hardwood isn’t solid wood all the way through, it’s a real hardwood top layer (called the wear layer) bonded to a sturdy core of plywood or fiberboard. With a ¾” thick engineered hardwood flooring, the wear layer is usually 4mm or more, compared to the 1–2mm on thinner floors. Why does this matter? More refinishing! A thicker wear layer can handle multiple rounds of sanding and refinishing caused by scratches, dings, dents, and wear over the years. This means you can keep your flooring looking fresh for longer! Some 3/4″ floors can last a lifetime with the right care, while thinner ones might tap out sooner.
Stability, Strength, and Seasonal Performance
Thicker floors aren’t just about the surface. A ¾-inch thick engineered hardwood flooring offers more material overall to resist the twists and turns of life. In most climates, humidity spikes in the summer and drops in the winter. A ¾-inch-thick engineered floor’s multi-layer construction helps prevent warping, cupping, or bowing better than thinner options. It will also perform much better over radiant floor installations. A thinner floor (like 1/2″ or 3/8″) has less structure to hold everything steady, making it more vulnerable to movement or damage over time.
Installation Flexibility and Comfort Underfoot
Here’s where the 3/4″ thickness flexes its muscles: you can nail it down, glue it down, or even float it in some cases, just like solid hardwood. That gives you options to match your subfloor, your style, or your contractor’s skills. Thinner floors are stuck with floating or glue-only installs, which might not work for every space. Plus, the 3/4″ profile plays nice with uneven subfloors or transitions, making it a go-to for trickier projects.
Ever walked on a thin floor and felt like you’re tap-dancing on a drum? Thinner engineered floors can have that hollow vibe. A 3/4″ thick floor feels substantial underfoot and sounds quieter, more like the real hardwood deal. It’s a small detail that adds up to a big difference in how your home feels day-to-day.
Resale Value, Longevity, and Final Thoughts
Let’s talk resale. Buyers notice quality, and a ¾-inch-thick engineered hardwood floor screams “built to last.” It’s closer to the look and longevity of solid hardwood, which can nudge up your home’s appeal (and price tag). Thinner floors might save you money upfront, but they can come off as a budget shortcut to savvy shoppers.
Thinner Floors vs. 3/4″ Engineered Hardwood: Which Is Best?
Pros of a Thinner Engineered Floor: They’re cheaper, lighter, and good for tight spaces, like if you’re layering over an existing floor and can’t afford extra height. But if you’re in it for the long haul, craving that refinishing flexibility, or just want a floor that feels like an investment, 3/4″ is tough to beat.
A 3/4″ thick engineered hardwood floor isn’t just thicker, it’s stronger, more adaptable, and built to age gracefully. Whether it’s the thicker wear layer, the solid feel, or the installation freedom, it’s a choice that pays off in durability and style. So, next time you’re shopping for flooring, don’t just look at the finish, check the thickness. Your future self (and your home) will thank you.
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Our knowledgeable team is here to answer any additional questions you may have. Call us today for a free quote on our sustainable wide plank hardwood flooring at 406-642-7120 or click here to submit an inquiry online. We look forward to helping you with your next project!