Choosing the right timber flooring thickness affects everything from durability and comfort to installation flexibility and long-term value. While it’s not immediately visible once the floor is laid, thickness plays a significant role in how your flooring performs over time.
Understanding floor board thickness options will help you make the right call for your space. This applies to family home renovations just as much as commercial fit-outs. Let’s take a closer look!
In Australia, timber flooring thickness typically ranges from 10mm to 22mm, though you’ll find variations depending on whether you’re working with solid or engineered timber. For the purpose of this article, we will be discussing floor thickness in mm.
Thickness range: 12mm to 22mm
The undeniably classic and organic aesthetic makes solid timber a crowd favourite, but under the surface, the thickness of the floorboards directly impacts their comfort and lifespan. Solid timber usually sits in the thicker range, which gives you enough material to sand and refinish multiple times over the floor’s lifespan. Thicker boards are more durable, making them a longer-lasting investment for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces.
Total thickness range: 12mm to 21mm
Timber veneer thickness range: 0.6mm to 7mm
Engineered timber offers a high degree of customisation. The floor thickness includes a hardwood veneer (the visible layer) bonded to a plywood or composite base. Thicker wear layers provide a greater margin for sanding and refinishing, improved insulation, and better structural integrity. Like solid timber, the higher the engineered timber flooring thickness, the more substantial it will feel underfoot and resist wear and tear.
For a deeper look at how width and length play into your flooring choice, check out our guide on timber flooring sizes.
Does thicker = better? The short answer: it depends on your space and priorities. A general rule of thumb is that thicker boards tend to be more durable and carry a longer lifespan. But, because more wood is used, this can mean a higher price tag. Here’s how different thicknesses stack up:
Every space is different, so the ‘right’ thickness changes depending on a few things to factor into your decision-making:
High-traffic commercial spaces benefit from thicker floorboards (19mm+) that can withstand constant use and be refinished as needed. For living rooms and main circulation areas in homes, 15mm–19mm offers excellent durability. Bedrooms and low-traffic areas can work beautifully with 12mm–15mm engineered timber.
If you’re replacing carpet or working with existing skirting boards and door clearances, a thinner floor (10mm–14mm) often makes renovation simpler. Thicker solid timber may require trimming doors or adjusting transitions between rooms. Although thickness isn’t immediately apparent in a finished floor, it needs to be considered during the planning stage.
If you want a floor that can be sanded back and refinished multiple times over decades, prioritise thickness. Solid timber and thicker engineered options with a substantial veneer layer (4mm+) give you more flexibility down the track. Thinner boards or engineered floors with minimal veneer offer fewer opportunities for future refinishing.
Thicker timber offers better sound and thermal insulation than thinner options, which matters in multi-level homes or commercial buildings where noise transfer is a concern. Boards 15mm and above do a much better job at reducing footfall noise between floors. Thicker flooring also feels more solid underfoot – there’s a noticeable difference in stability and comfort compared to thinner boards.
Floor thickness influences more than just the final look. Thicker timber often requires professional installation and can take longer to acclimatise to your space before laying. Thinner engineered timber is more forgiving during installation and can sometimes be floated rather than glued or nailed down.
Cost is another consideration. The thicker or wider the floorboards are, the more they will typically cost. However, thicker boards often represent better long-term value due to their durability and refinishing potential, particularly in high-use areas.
Kitchen, living room, or bedroom – timber flooring specifications can define the look, feel, and longevity of your overall space. The right thickness is a metric for durability, comfort, and long-term performance.
For expert advice on timber flooring thickness that suits your project, reach out to Market Timbers. We’ll help you find the right balance between durability, aesthetics, and practicality without the fuss.
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