How do I choose between 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch hardwood for my NB renovation?

Choose 3/4-inch solid hardwood for new construction or full-floor renovations where floor height is not a constraint, and 1/2-inch engineered hardwood for renovations over existing subfloors, areas with floor height limitations, or installations where New Brunswick's moisture challenges make engineered construction the smarter choice. The decision comes down to your subfloor type, installation method, floor height budget, and long-term refinishing goals.

3/4-inch hardwood is the traditional standard and is almost always solid hardwood (one piece of wood all the way through). It installs via nail-down over a plywood or board subfloor and cannot be installed over concrete. The 3/4-inch thickness provides a thick wear surface above the tongue-and-groove joint (approximately 5-6mm), allowing 5-8 refinishes over a 50-100 year lifespan. It feels substantial and solid underfoot, and the mass of the thicker plank contributes to better sound dampening. In New Brunswick, materials run $5-$8/sq ft for domestic species (red oak, white oak, maple, birch) with nail-down installation adding $3-$6/sq ft.

The downside of 3/4-inch solid hardwood in NB is its vulnerability to the province's humidity swings. Solid wood expands and contracts more than engineered alternatives, and NB's 30-50% annual humidity range pushes solid hardwood harder than almost any other province. Without consistent humidity control (humidifier in winter, dehumidifier or AC in summer), 3/4-inch solid hardwood in NB will develop visible seasonal gaps in winter and may cup during humid summers. It is also the heaviest option, which matters in older NB homes where floor joists may already be carrying significant load.

1/2-inch hardwood is almost always engineered hardwood — a real hardwood wear layer bonded to a plywood or HDF core. Its thinner profile makes it the go-to for renovation scenarios where floor height is constrained. When you are installing over an existing subfloor, adding 1/2 inch of engineered hardwood plus underlayment raises the floor less than 3/4-inch solid, reducing conflicts with door clearances, appliance heights, and transitions to adjacent rooms. This height advantage is especially valuable in NB split-level homes and bungalows where floor transitions between living areas, kitchens, and hallways are tight.

Engineered 1/2-inch hardwood also offers installation flexibility that 3/4-inch solid cannot match. It can be floated over underlayment, glued down, or stapled — making it compatible with concrete subfloors, radiant heat systems, and below-grade basements where solid hardwood cannot go. For NB basements and slab-on-grade construction, 1/2-inch engineered is effectively your only hardwood option.

The trade-off is refinishability. A 1/2-inch engineered plank with a 3-4mm wear layer (the most common in the $5-$9/sq ft range) allows one full sand-and-refinish. Premium products with 5-6mm wear layers allow two to three refinishes but cost $7-$10/sq ft.

For your NB renovation, consider these specific scenarios:

• Matching existing 3/4-inch hardwood in adjacent rooms: Use 3/4-inch solid in the same species and stain to achieve a flush transition.
• Renovating over plywood subfloor with normal ceiling height: Either works. Choose 3/4-inch solid for maximum longevity if humidity control is reliable, or 1/2-inch engineered for better dimensional stability with less maintenance.
• Installing over concrete slab or in a basement: 1/2-inch engineered is the only appropriate choice. Always test the concrete for moisture first — NB's Maritime water table pushes vapour through concrete continuously.
• Over radiant heat: 1/2-inch engineered rated for radiant systems. The thinner profile transfers heat more efficiently.
• Older NB home with uneven subfloor: 3/4-inch solid bridges minor imperfections better, but the subfloor should still be levelled. 1/2-inch engineered over a proper underlayment also works if the subfloor is prepped.

Both options require proper acclimation (5-10 days in the installation room) and expansion gaps (10-12mm around all fixed objects). Whichever thickness you choose, invest in quality materials from reputable Canadian manufacturers — the NB climate is too demanding for bargain-grade hardwood.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• M&L Commercial and residential services
• Forever Epoxy Inc
• The Garbage Guys Ltd
• Thirty Four Renovations

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