Choosing the right engineered wood flooring thickness can make a significant difference in how your floors perform and feel underfoot for years to come. With 14mm and 18mm options being the most popular choices on the market today, many homeowners find themselves weighing the pros and cons of each. Engineered wood flooring, with its clever layered construction, offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and practical performance, but which thickness is the good choice for your specific needs?
Whether you’re renovating your home, working on a new build, or simply replacing flooring in a single room, this decision deserves careful consideration. The thickness you choose affects everything from durability and heat transfer to installation requirements and refinishing potential. The benefits of each flooring option include aesthetic appeal, ease of installation, resilience under heavy foot traffic, and long-term value addition to properties. This comprehensive guide will walk you through expert recommendations on both 14mm and 18mm engineered wood flooring, helping you make an informed decision that you won’t regret.
Understanding Engineered Wood Flooring Thickness
Before diving into comparisons, it’s important to understand what these measurements actually represent. The thickness measurement of engineered wood flooring refers to the total vertical dimension of the board, including both the solid wood wear layer on top and the core layers beneath.
This wood flooring consists of multiple layers: a real wood veneer on top (the wear layer), followed by multiple core layers of plywood or high-density fibreboard arranged in a cross-grain pattern. These layers of wood bonded together provide excellent dimensional stability while maintaining the authentic look and feel of solid hardwood.
The natural wood top layer not only mimics the appearance of solid wood but also offers aesthetic appeal and durability, making it a popular choice for various applications, including areas with underfloor heating.
The difference between 14mm and 18mm primarily lies in the thickness of these core layers, which adds stability, rather than the wear layer itself. While the wear layer can range from 2mm to 6mm regardless of total board thickness, the overall thickness affects structural integrity, installation options, and compatibility with various subfloors.
Many people mistakenly believe that thicker always means better, but the reality is more nuanced. The right choice depends on your specific requirements, budget, and the conditions of your property.
Key Differences Between 14mm and 18mm Engineered Flooring
Construction and Stability
The 4mm difference between these options might seem minimal, but it significantly impacts construction. The 18mm boards typically feature additional core layers, offering increased rigidity and structural support, making them ideal for installation over joists due to their load-bearing capabilities. This translates to greater dimensional stability, the ability to maintain shape despite environmental changes.
These engineered wood flooring options can be laid over various surfaces, including directly over joists or onto a subfloor, using methods such as tongue and groove fittings, or a click system for easier installation .
The thicker 18mm boards generally provide better resistance to warping and cupping when exposed to humidity fluctuations. This is particularly beneficial in areas with seasonal climate variations or in homes without consistent climate control. The 14mm options, while still engineered for stability, may be slightly more reactive to extreme environmental changes.
Both options are considerably more stable than solid wood flooring, but the added thickness of 18mm boards provides an extra measure of confidence for challenging environments.
Durability and Lifespan
When it comes to impact resistance, the thicker 18mm boards have a natural advantage. They can better absorb the impact of dropped objects and heavy furniture, making them less prone to denting or damage from everyday activities.
The weight-bearing capacity of the wood also favours the thicker option. In high-traffic areas or rooms with heavy furniture, 18mm flooring distributes weight more effectively, reducing the risk of compression damage over time. This makes 18mm an excellent choice for family homes, busy hallways, or commercial spaces.
With proper care and maintenance, both thicknesses can last for decades, ensuring the longevity of your flooring.
Performance with Underfloor Heating
Heat Transfer Efficiency
Underfloor heating systems have become increasingly popular in UK homes, making compatibility an important consideration for determining the optimal thickness for your flooring choice . Contrary to what some might expect, thinner boards actually offer better heat transfer efficiency. The 14mm engineered flooring allows heat to pass through more quickly, warming your room faster and potentially reducing energy costs.
The 18mm boards, while still compatible with underfloor heating and suitable for various environments , provide additional insulation that can slightly slow down the transfer of heat. This means your heating system might need to work a bit harder and longer to achieve the same room temperature.
Expansion and Contraction Concerns
All wood flooring expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. The tongue and groove fitting profile can also impact how the wood flooring handles expansion and contraction. The 18mm boards tend to handle these fluctuations better due to their greater structural mass. They’re less likely to develop gaps between boards during heating cycles. However, proper installation with appropriate expansion gaps is essential for both options.
Installation Considerations
Subfloor Requirements
The thickness of your engineered flooring plank affects the subfloor preparation required. The 14mm options are more forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections and require less stringent levelling. For 18mm boards, ensuring a perfectly level subfloor becomes more critical to prevent movement or creaking.
Both options work well with moisture barriers, which are essential when installing over concrete subfloors. However, the thinner 14mm boards may offer more flexibility in rooms with height restrictions, as they add less height to your existing floor when installed .
Transitions and Room Height
Door clearances can be a deciding factor when choosing flooring thickness. The 14mm option adds less height to your floor, which means less likelihood of needing to trim doors or modify existing thresholds. This can be particularly important in period properties or during renovations where minimising disruption is a priority, especially in spaces with lower room heights.
The 18mm flooring, while adding more height, can help level out minor differences between rooms and provides a more substantial feel underfoot that many homeowners appreciate, particularly in larger spaces. Additionally, the right type of hardwood and surface finish can complement different room designs, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space.
Cost Analysis: Is Thicker Always Better?
Initial Investment
Generally speaking, 18mm engineered wood flooring commands a premium price over its 14mm counterpart.
For a typical UK living room of 20 square metres with wood flooring , this could mean an additional cost of £100-£300 for choosing the thicker option. Installation costs may also be marginally higher for 18mm flooring due to the additional cutting difficulty and handling requirements.
Long-term Value
When considering long-term value, durable flooring becomes important. Both options can be refinished, but the number of possible refinishes depends primarily on the wear layer thickness rather than the total board thickness.
That said, the 18mm boards often come with slightly thicker wear layers, potentially allowing for one additional refinishing over the lifetime of the floor. This could extend the floor’s functional lifespan by 10-15 years, offsetting the higher initial cost.
From a property value perspective, quality engineered wood flooring of either thickness, regardless of style, is generally viewed positively by potential buyers. The difference in perceived value between 14mm and 18mm is minimal compared to other factors like wood species, finish quality, and installation workmanship.
Refinishing Potential
Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the top layer of real wood that can be sanded and refinished. It's important to note that this thickness varies independently of the total board thickness.
Typically, 14mm engineered flooring comes with wear layers ranging from 2-4mm, while 18mm options often feature 4-6mm wear layers. Each millimetre generally allows for one complete refinishing process.
A 4mm wear layer could potentially be refinished 2-3 times over its lifetime, adding significant value and extending the floor's useful life. Always check the specific wear layer thickness of any flooring you're considering, as this varies by manufacturer.
Refinishing Process Differences
The refinishing process itself is quite similar for both thicknesses, involving sanding down the existing finish, repairing any damage, and applying new stain and topcoat.
The main difference lies in the confidence level during sanding. With thicker wear layers, often found on 18mm boards, sanders can work more aggressively without risk of sanding through to the core layers. This can be particularly important when dealing with deeper scratches or damage that requires significant material removal.
For DIY enthusiasts, the thicker wear layer provides more margin for error during the refinishing process.
Conclusion: Making Your Final Decision
When choosing between 14mm and 18mm engineered wood flooring, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your specific circumstances, priorities, budget, and style. For most UK homes, where climate considerations are important, either option can perform admirably when properly installed and maintained.
If your priority is underfloor heating efficiency, height restrictions, or initial cost savings, the 14mm option offers excellent performance. If you’re more concerned with maximum durability, sound insulation, or the substantial feel of traditional hardwood, the 18mm boards will better meet your needs.
Additionally, consider the aesthetics and colour of each flooring option. The 14mm engineered wood flooring not only provides durability and affordability but also enhances the visual appeal of various spaces, striking a balance between beauty and practicality compared to solid wood flooring . The 18mm boards offer a more substantial feel and can elevate the overall look of your home or commercial environment.
Remember that the quality of the manufacturing, installation workmanship, and the thickness of the wear layer often matter more than the difference between 14mm and 18mm total thickness. Focus on selecting a reputable brand and professional installation for the best long-term results.
Ready to see and feel the difference yourself? Lumber King offers both 14mm and 18mm engineered wood flooring in a range of species and finishes. Stop guessing and start experiencing the actual difference underfoot. Request your free samples today and take the first step toward beautiful, lasting floors that perfectly match your lifestyle and home.
