Underfloor Heating & Wooden Floor: when Modernity meets Tradition

Wood has been used as a floor material in European homes since the Baroque Era (1625-1714). A common question that’s been asked during winter times is whether a wooden floor is suitable for underfloor heating. 

The short answer to the question is yes. When a wooden floor pairs with underfloor heating, it is a marriage between modernity and tradition, and it is not just a good look. 

We will explain why and help you navigate the essentials. 

Introduction

Underfloor heating is an economical and elegant way for a warmer home, without the visibility of all the pipes and heaters. When paired with a wooden floor, not only is it a treat for your feet, it also makes a physically warm and visually welcoming home. 

Underfloor heating systems are available for all types of wood floors. The question ultimately comes down to resource optimisation, or efficiency - to choose the most suitable wood floor type and heating system that will work best together. The principle here is that the denser and thinner the floorboards are, the better they conduct heat and typically are more suitable for use with floor heating. Different types of wood floor will have different thermal conductivity therefore the pace and efficiency that heat transfers to the surface of the floor can vary too. Moreover, types of underfloor heating systems play a role too. Nowadays two types of underfloor heating systems are commonly used: a water-based system and an electric-based system. In terms of wood floor underheating, our experts recommend using a water-based system as electric-based systems may develop extreme temperatures when covered up.

Engineered wood floors: recommended

An Engineered Wood Floor is composed of a thin strip of solid wood (called the Veneer layer) glued over a rigid plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. As a result of this multi-layered construction, engineered wood floor has generally been recommended as the best pair with underfloor heating. The thin layers of engineered wood allow for the floor to expand and contract at the different levels within the wood in response to the heat, thus making the heat easily get through the wood without damaging the floor itself or changing its appearance. 

However, a vitally important factor needs to be considered when selecting the boards- the thickness of the floorboards. A thickness of 18mm or less is highly recommended to avoid them acting as an insulator blocking the heat.

Solid wood flooring: avoid where possible

A Solid Wood Floor, also known as Hardwood Flooring, is the original timber floor and is constructed from a solid piece of timber from top to bottom. However it is generally ill-advised to use solid wood flooring for underfloor heating. Like a tree, solid wood expands and contracts in response to heat and moisture, which, in duration of time, gaps in the floors will start to gather.

Laminate flooring: a durable, economical choice

Laminate floors are a popular choice for modern homes due to their relatively low cost, hard-wearing nature, easy installation and their wide range of colours. They are constructed from large sheets of MDF or HDF (high-density fibreboard), with a decorative paper layer bonded on top. The decorative paper is then toughened and protected by pressure bonding a clear lamination to the surface. 

When combined with underfloor heating, laminate flooring is more durable than both engineered wood and solid wood flooring, because of its protective layer on the surface. While it is not as good at conducting heat as an engineered floor, it is more resistant to fluctuating temperatures and is, therefore, less likely to disfigure than real wood.

So engineered wood floors would be the most recommended wood floor type for underfloor heating. That being said, however no matter what type of wood floor you have installed or plan to install, there is still a possibility. Get in touch with one of our Professionals to explore your possibilities. 

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