Engineered Hardwood flooring 3/8″ vs 3/4″? Pros/Cons?
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 at
10:55 am
Is thickness a major concern with engineered hardwood flooring? My subfloor is 3/4" ply.
Here's an example.. http://www.efloors.com/product/29761/6428/hardwood-flooring/cikel-vitoria-brazilian-pecan-sable-3/8-x-3-engineered-hardwood-m14b21co3sab.htm
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US $3.49
With subfloor only 3/4 thick, I’d recommend the 3/4 inch finish flooring. If you used 1 1/16 subfloor, then I’d say look how thick the wear layer (top layer) of the new flooring is, then decide. I personally use 3/4 inch thick solid oak finish flooring in my homes, so it will last about as long as an anvil.
Thickness and the coat(s) of urethane that actually protect the top is what is the most important.
Pro.. Engineered you do get a high quality straight board, easier for the average DIY job. Not so in all 3/4 flooring. Theses you some times fight a bit to install and keep straight.
Pro.. you can redo 3/4″ flooring, usually several time. Con.. Not always with 3/8″ since its a veneer, you can do it once usually.
3/4″ flooring is fine for both as long as its flat.
3/8″ engineered with a harder wood on top can out last oak..So check the janka rating for hardness.
Most depends on the over all care you put into each flooring.
Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar. GL
The thicker products are always better. Also, the thicker the top wear layer is the better. The top wear ;layer will determine how many times the floor can be refinished in the future. Thicker floors also tend to feel more solid when walked on.