Is it possible with wooden floors to have underfloor heating?

A good conductivity flooring is necessary to have an efficient, cost-effective underfloor heating system for your home. Conductivity means that the heat generated beneath it can easily pass through the floor and warm the room. A thick carpet will not allow heat to pass through it like tile. The underfloor heating will therefore need to be at a higher temperature for a longer time to achieve the same room temperature.



What flooring can you have with underfloor heating, and what is the best?

Tile or stone floors will work best in ideal situations because they have high thermal conductivity. These types of flooring retain heat very well and will continue to emit heat even if the heating is turned down. If heat loss is an issue, such as in conservatories or large windows, we recommend tiles or a tile floor.

Can I have wood floors and underfloor heat?

Yes, you can. It is important to consider the following things when installing wooden flooring over an existing underfloor heating system.

Underfloor heating and solid wood floors

It is not recommended to have solid wood floors when installing underfloor heating. They are not good at conducting the heat. To have the same effect, heating should be left on longer and at higher temperatures than tile or stone floors. However, underfloor heating should not be installed at temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius. This is because the moisture levels in the wood can change.

Changes in heat can cause changes in the wood's moisture, which can result in the wood being flexed and changed.

Underfloor heating and engineered hardwood floors

Engineered wood floors are a better choice than underfloor heating if you're certain that you want hardwood flooring. This type of flooring can withstand changes in temperature much better because it's been manufactured and treated accordingly. Engineered wood flooring is thick and beautiful enough to be luxurious but thin enough to allow heat to flow upwards from the floor.

As a general rule, ensure you get the approval of the manufacturer before installing underfloor heating.