What Is a Good Wear Layer for Engineered Wood Flooring?

One of the most crucial factors when selecting engineered wood flooring is the thickness of the wear layer. For those unfamiliar, the wear layer in engineered wood flooring is a real wood layer atop the floorboard. With options ranging from 2 mm to 6 mm, a common query we receive at Wood and Beyond is: what constitutes a good wear layer for engineered flooring?

What Is an Engineered Wood Flooring Wear Layer?

The wear layer is a layer of real hardwood situated above the core and backing layers. It can be made from various wood species, from classic oak to more exotic types. The standard thickness ranges from 2 mm to 6 mm. This layer is called the “wear layer” because it gradually wears down with daily use.

The wear layer’s thickness determines how many times the floor can be sanded. Sanding removes a thin layer of hardwood, revealing a fresh surface underneath. After sanding, the floor is recoated, restoring its original appearance.

Why Engineered Wood Flooring Wear Layer Thickness Matters

Each sanding removes approximately 1 mm of hardwood. Therefore, flooring with a 2 mm wear layer can only be sanded once, while a 6 mm wear layer can be sanded up to five times.

On average, floors are sanded every 5 to 10 years. This means a 2 mm wear layer floor might last 10 to 20 years, whereas a 6 mm wear layer can last significantly longer.

Floors with thicker wear layers also have greater overall thickness, which affects performance and installation. A 2–3 mm wear layer usually corresponds to a total thickness of 10–14 mm, making the flooring affordable, easy to install (e.g., click-fit), and flexible. A 4–6 mm wear layer often results in 15–20 mm total thickness, which better hides subfloor imperfections but can be more challenging to install.

So, What Is a Good Wear Layer for Engineered Wood Flooring?

For most residential applications, 3 mm to 4 mm wear layers offer the best balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. A 5 mm to 6 mm wear layer is ideal for high-traffic homes or commercial spaces, providing exceptional longevity. Meanwhile, a 2 mm wear layer is a good choice for low-traffic areas or projects on a tighter budget.