Which floorboard thickness to select: when and why

With so many different floor types to chose from, we know it can sometimes be rather a challenge to know which one to go for and which ones to avoid.
We can't select your ultimate look of the floor, grades and finishes are down to personal taste after all, but we can give you a guideline in determining what floorboard thickness you can get away with to create the right ambiance in your home without going "over board".

Traffic and levelness

Two main considerations to keep in mind when deciding between the main 3 floorboard thickness now commonly available in the market: expected traffic over the floor and the levelness you have under the floor. A third consideration is Underfloor Heating (UFH)

10/3 boards (10mm total with 3mm Solid top layer)

Traffic: light to normal
Think:
bedroom, study, tv-room
homes without small children or big pets
homes with "semi-retired" owners

Levelness: flat to very gentle slope
10mm thick boards will flex (bounce) when the underfloor suddenly dips.

UFH: no

Price Range: £ 41.00 - 60.00 ex VAT per sq m

15/4 boards (15mm total with 4mm Solid top layer)

Traffic: normal to heavy
Think:
hallways
normal household
small offices, specialised small retailers/shops (5 - 6 visitors a day), reception areas

Levelness: flat to slightly uneven

15mm can take on more unevenness without flexing, slopes should not be more than 3mm per meter and in one direction

UFH: yes on concrete or level plywood floor using flexible adhesive to fully bond the floor - no on battens

Price Range: £ 41.00 - 59.00 ex VAT per sq m

20/6 boards (20mm total with 6mm Solid top layer)

Traffic: heavy to intense
Think:
busy households
large and busy offices, shops and other commercial premises with many visitors/shoppers a day
village & school halls
gyms and dance schools

Levelness: slightly uneven to directly onto joist
20mm is load bearing and - depending on the backing used - boards are very rigid

UFH: definitely yes

Price Range: £60.00 - 128.00 ex VAT per sq m

Examples of choice - same grade, same finish

10/3 Oak Rustic, oiled natural

15/4 Oak Rustic, oiled natural

20/6 Oak Rustic, oiled natural

10/3 Oak Nature, oiled natural

15/4 Oak Nature, oiled natural

20/6 Oak Nature, oiled natural

See more options

Request access to our Full Colour Online Wooden Floor Range Brochures where you will find all floor type represented in high resolution interior design images (just like the ones in this article) to help you select The Floor for you.
Simply fill in the webform on the top right of this page and an email with the access details will whizz its way to your inbox within 10 - 15 minutes, without any further obligation of course.

Alternatively, drop by in our showroom where we can discuss your options face to face.

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