Wilmac Flooring

What is the Best Flooring for Underfloor Heating?

Underfloor heating has become a popular choice for modern homes due to its energy efficiency and comfort benefits. However, choosing the right flooring for underfloor heating can be a challenge. Not all flooring materials are suitable for use with underfloor heating, and selecting the wrong type of flooring can cause problems such as warping, cracking, or reduced heat output. For example, solid wood and cork floors should definitely be avoided with underfloor heating as they will be adversely affected by the heat output. 

However, there are plenty of flooring options that do work really well with underfloor heating. In this blog we run through the most popular choices that work well with this type of heating.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is an excellent choice for underfloor heating systems. Unlike solid wood flooring, engineered wood is made from several layers of wood veneer glued together, which makes it more stable and less prone to warping and cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity. Engineered wood also conducts heat effectively and is available in a wide range of finishes, making it a popular choice for modern homes.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is another great option for underfloor heating. It is made from compressed fibreboard with a printed and textured top layer that mimics the look of real wood, stone, or tile. Laminate is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. It also conducts heat well and is available in a range of thicknesses to suit different underfloor heating systems.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is a versatile and cost-effective flooring option that works well with underfloor heating systems. It is made from layers of PVC and fibreglass with a printed design layer and a wear layer that provides durability and protection against scratches and stains. Luxury vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of styles and colours, including wood, stone, and tile looks, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of natural materials without the high maintenance requirements.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain or ceramic tiles are also suitable for use with underfloor heating systems. They are highly durable and can withstand high temperatures without warping or cracking. Porcelain tiles are also impervious to water, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Tiles come in various sizes, styles, and colours, making them a versatile and attractive option for modern homes. However, bear in mind that they will be very cold underfoot when the underfloor heating isn’t in operation.

Carpet

Although not an obvious choice for use with underfloor heating, carpet can be used in these settings as long as the underlay and overall tog rating of the carpet is under 2.5. Carpets with tog ratings higher than this won’t conduct heat well and you won’t feel the full benefit of your heating system.

Conclusion

Choosing the right flooring for underfloor heating is essential to ensure the system works effectively and efficiently. Engineered wood flooring, laminate flooring, luxury vinyl flooring, and porcelain or ceramic tiles are all suitable options that conduct heat effectively and provide a durable and attractive finish. 

At Wilmac Flooring we have many years of experience of advising clients as to which flooring option is best for their underfloor heating system, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team if you are considering implementing it in your home.