When homeowners start comparing hardwood flooring options in Denver, they often ask, “What thickness of hardwood do I actually need?”
Thickness makes a bigger difference than most people realize. It affects how stable your floors will be, how long they’ll last, how many times they can be refinished and how they perform in Denver’s dry climate.
At our Hardwood Flooring store in Denver, we help homeowners choose hardwood floors that align with their lifestyle, design goals and long-term expectations, including the right plank thickness. Let’s break down hardwood thicknesses and determine which wood floors work best for Colorado homes and what to consider before making a final decision.
Why Hardwood Thickness Matters
Hardwood thickness makes a huge difference when it comes to your floors. It determines the following:
- Durability & lifespan
- Refinishing potential
- Stability in dry climates
- Compatibility with subfloors & transitions
- Resistance to cupping, gapping and movement
Thicker floors last longer and have more refinishing potential. However, thicker isn’t always better. The “best” thickness comes down to your home, climate and long-term plans.
At Tongue & Groove, we help homeowners balance cost and performance so they can choose the hardwood thickness that fits their needs, not just what looks good on paper.
Solid Hardwood (¾-Inch): Best for Long-Term Durability
Over the past several decades, solid hardwood in Denver has been the gold standard in the flooring industry. A true solid hardwood plank is ¾ inch thick, cut from a single piece of timber. Homeowners choose it for the following reasons:
- Can be refinished several times
- Lasts 50-100+ years
- Feels substantial underfoot
- Ideal for long-term forever homes
- Best for site-finished custom floors
Be aware that solid hardwood can expand and contract with humidity shifts. In Denver’s dry climate, consistent indoor humidity levels reduce gapping or seasonal movement.
Still deciding if solid hardwood makes sense for your home? Tongue & Groove can help decide whether long-term durability outweighs climate considerations.
Engineered Hardwood: Best for Denver’s Climate
Because engineered hardwood is built differently, it thrives in Colorado. It has a real hardwood veneer on top and a stable plywood core underneath. When it comes to thickness, you have to consider the total plank thickness and wear layer thickness. The total plank thickness is generally:
- ⅜ inch
- ½ inch
- ⅝ inch
- ¾ inch
The thickness of the wear layer can be broken down into three categories:
- Thin: 1-2 mm
- Standard: 3-4 mm
- Premium: 5-6 mm
The thickness of the wear layer determines how many times you’ll be able to refinish your floors (if you can at all). A thicker wear layer extends the floor’s lifespan.
We help homeowners compare both wear layer and total plank thickness. Our goal is to help you find engineered hardwood you’ll love in the long run.
Prefinished Hardwood Thickness: What to Expect
Whether you enjoy solid or engineered styles, prefinished hardwood arrives stained and sealed. This also makes a difference when it comes to thickness. Here’s an overview:
- Solid Prefinished Hardwood: Always around ¾ inch
- Engineered Prefinished Hardwood: ½-¾ inch
Milling is done in the factory. As a result, prefinished planks have tighter tolerances and stronger edge profiles, which improve long-term performance. Thickness makes a difference because it affects baseboard fit, door clearance, stair noses and transitions into tile or carpet.
Before we install your floors, we check the site elevations and transitions. This is how we prevent thickness from becoming a surprise later.
Reclaimed Hardwood: Unique Thickness, Unmatched Character
Because of where it comes from, reclaimed wood in Denver doesn’t always follow modern manufacturing standards. Thickness tends to vary based on the origin and age of the wood. After milling, reclaimed planks tend to end up around:
- ¾ inch for solid hardwood
However, you have to remember that reclaimed wood comes from old-growth lumber. As a result, boards are denser, stronger and more substantial than modern materials. It’s best used in feature areas, entryways, great rooms, custom stairs and accent designs.
Which Thickness is Best for Your Home?
How do you choose the right plank thickness for your home? Check out our quick decision guide for some insights:
Opt for ¾ inch solid hardwood if:
- You plan to stay in your home long-term
- You want multiple refinishes
- You prefer traditional site-finished floors
- You can maintain indoor humidity
Look into ½-¾ inch engineered hardwood if:
- You want wide planks
- You want better climate stability
- You want a lower material cost
- You prefer factory-finished options
Choose a thick wear layer (4-6 mm) if:
- You want refinishing potential
- You want a 30-50+ year lifespan
Use thinner engineered floors (⅜-½ inch) if:
- You’re focused on budget
- You don’t need refinishing
- You want a real-wood look at a lower price point
If you’re still struggling, you can always bring your project details to Tongue & Groove. We will help you choose the thickness that suits your home and long-term goals.
Deciding on the Right Hardwood Thickness for Your Home
There isn’t one single “best” hardwood thickness. The right choice for you is based on your home, goals and climate. At Tongue & Groove, we are flooring professionals acting as your guide to hardwood flooring thickness. We help you weigh your options to choose beautiful, durable hardwood floors for your home.
Ready to choose a hardwood flooring thickness that works for you? Contact us or visit our Denver showroom today!
