Can I Have Underfloor Heating With Wood Floors?
Underfloor heating can be used to simply warm your floor or as an energy-efficient substitute to radiators as your primary heat source. Wooden floors have always been a popular flooring option, but can you have underfloor heating with real wood floors? The answer is yes! But with a few caveats. Continue reading this article to learn how you can combine the timeless beauty of a wooden floor with the luxury of a warmer underfoot.
Both water and electric underfloor heating systems are suitable for wooden floors. However, there are other factors to take into consideration to get the best results and avoid problems later down the line.
Engineered Wood Flooring or Solid Wood Flooring?
First, is the type of wood, engineered or solid hardwood. Solid hardwood is composed of a single wood species (maple, oak, walnut, etc.) throughout its entire length/thickness. Engineered wood, on the other hand, consists of a plywood core with a veneer of hardwood.
It is recommended to use engineered wood flooring with underfloor heating. Solid hardwood flooring is more susceptible to natural expansion when exposed to changes in temperature and should not be used when the required heat output is high. If not installed properly, the temperature fluctuations can cause the boards to warp and crack. Engineered wood, on the other hand, because of its softer plywood core, does not expand or move as much with climate fluctuations. This means it stands up to the heating better, and is less likely to warp or buckle.
Overall, the safest option is to use engineered wood floors with underfloor heating. Regardless of which option you choose, it is crucial to consult your underfloor heating supplier before installation.
Some practical considerations to keep in mind during installation: Both engineered and solid hardwood floors need to acclimatize (for engineered wood flooring, this takes about 48-72 hours, whereas solid wood, depending on the type and manufacturer, can take up to a week). Also, be sure to leave an expansion gap, typically about 15mm, around the room’s perimeter to give the floor space to expand and contract to changes in temperatures throughout the year.
Summary
Underfloor heating is compatible with wood floors
Engineered wood is better suited with underfloor heating compared to solid hardwood
During installation, give wooden floors enough time to acclimatize (for engineered wood, 48-72 hours; for solid hardwood, about a week)
Leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to give the wooden floor space to expand and contract to temperature changes through the season