How to Pick the Right Engineered Wood for Every Room

When choosing flooring, one of the most versatile and reliable options is engineered wood. It gives you the beauty of real timber with the added stability of a layered construction, making it suitable for a wide variety of spaces in your home. At Liberty Floors, you will find engineered wood boards in different thicknesses, finishes and patterns, each suited to specific needs. The challenge for many homeowners is knowing which specification to choose for each room.

This guide explores how plank thickness, finish, layout and installation method can affect the performance of your floor, helping you select the perfect match for every part of your home.

 

Why thickness matters

One of the first things to look at when browsing the engineered wood range is thickness. Thickness is more than a technical detail. It directly affects durability, comfort underfoot and even how easy it is to fit.

12 mm engineered boards

The 12 mm engineered collection is lightweight and simple to install, making it a practical choice for bedrooms, home offices or guest spaces. These areas tend to see less foot traffic, so a thinner board is more than adequate. The reduced thickness also means it is easier to work with when you are dealing with tight clearances, such as fitting beneath doors or alongside existing flooring. For households wanting an affordable upgrade without losing the authentic look of wood, 12 mm boards are an excellent solution.

14 mm engineered boards

The 14 mm engineered collection offers a middle ground between lightweight planks and heavy duty options. It has enough wear layer to withstand sanding and refinishing in the future, yet it is still easier to handle than the thicker alternatives. This makes it ideal for high traffic spaces such as living rooms, kitchens and hallways. It combines resilience with comfort and is often seen as the sweet spot for families who need flooring that will keep up with daily life.

18 mm and 20 mm engineered boards

For maximum stability and a solid feel underfoot, thicker boards like those in the 18 mm engineered range or the 20 mm engineered range are worth considering. These boards are particularly suited to open plan layouts or ground floor rooms where temperature and moisture fluctuations are greater. The added thickness helps maintain shape and strength over time, and the thicker wear layer means you can refinish the surface multiple times, extending the lifespan of your investment.

 

Matching finishes to your lifestyle

Once you have settled on thickness, the next decision is finish. Liberty Floors offers lacquered and oiled finishes within the engineered wood collection, each with its own advantages.

A lacquered surface forms a tough protective layer that resists stains and scratches, making it a good choice for busy homes with children or pets. It reflects more light, which can brighten darker rooms. An oiled finish, on the other hand, penetrates the wood to enhance its natural grain and texture. It requires a little more care but ages beautifully, developing character as the years pass. This option suits homeowners who want a floor that feels warm, authentic and natural underfoot.

 

Considering layout and style

The layout of your boards can dramatically influence the final look of a room. Straight plank flooring is timeless and versatile, but patterned designs add an extra layer of character. Liberty Floors provides a dedicated herringbone engineered wood range for homeowners who want a striking visual effect.

Herringbone works well in hallways, dining rooms and feature spaces where you want the floor to make an impact. It adds depth and dimension, helping smaller areas feel larger. Because these patterns still use engineered construction, you do not sacrifice practicality for style.

 

Installation choices

How your flooring is installed can also guide which product to choose. Floating systems, where the boards click together and rest above the subfloor, are easier with thinner options such as 12 mm and 14 mm planks. For larger or high traffic areas, glue down installation can provide extra security and reduce movement. Thicker boards like the 18 mm and 20 mm ranges often suit this method best.

Whichever route you take, always consider underfloor heating. Engineered wood is designed to cope better with the changes in temperature compared to solid wood, but it is still important to follow installation guidelines to avoid unnecessary stress on the boards.

 

Quick Reference Guide

Room Type	Suggested Thickness	Why It Works
Guest bedroom / office	12 mm	Lightweight, cost-effective, easy to install
Living room or hallway	14 mm	Great balance of durability and affordability
Ground floor / open area	18 mm–20 mm	Extra stability for heavier traffic
Statement zones	Varies + pattern	Herringbone blend of beauty and strong build

 

 

Long term value

Engineered wood is an investment, and different specifications provide different levels of long term value. For rooms where appearance and durability are key, such as family living areas, 14 mm boards strike a strong balance between cost and performance. For spaces that need to stand up to decades of wear, such as busy kitchens or open plan family rooms, thicker 18 mm or 20 mm options may be worth the extra initial spend.

The ability to refinish thicker boards extends their lifespan significantly, meaning you can refresh your floor years down the line without replacing it entirely.

 

Why choose Liberty Floors

When investing in new flooring, the supplier you choose matters just as much as the product itself. Liberty Floors is trusted by homeowners across the UK for several reasons:

●       Extensive choice: From the lightweight 12 mm engineered collection to the luxurious depth of the 20 mm range, there is a product for every budget and lifestyle.

●       Quality you can rely on: All products in the engineered wood range are crafted with precision, ensuring long lasting performance and authentic style.

●       Design versatility: Options such as the herringbone engineered wood collection give homeowners the chance to create standout interiors without compromising durability.

●       Sustainability focus: Liberty Floors prioritises responsibly sourced materials, so you can feel confident that your choice is both stylish and environmentally considerate.

●       Customer support: From product advice to aftercare tips, Liberty Floors provides guidance at every stage of your flooring journey.

 

Bring Lasting Style Into Every Room

Every room in your home has different requirements, and the best engineered wood for one space may not be the right fit for another. Bedrooms and quieter areas suit lighter boards such as 12 mm engineered, while busy areas benefit from the durability of the 14 mm engineered range. For maximum resilience and a floor that can be sanded and refinished multiple times, thicker boards in the 18 mm or 20 mm categories are ideal.

By exploring the full engineered wood flooring collection at Liberty Floors, you can compare finishes, styles and patterns to match your taste and lifestyle.

Whether you choose a timeless plank or a statement herringbone design, the right decision will bring warmth, style and practicality to your home for years to come