Underfloor heating is the latest luxury that is sweeping home design. Clever and concealed, it allows you to be rid of bulky and unsightly radiators and to use the wall space for other things.
It’s particularly popular in studio renovations, where it really is a choice between the sofa bed, the dresser and the radiator in a bid for the wall.
But even if you have the budget for underfloor heating, you might need to consider the type of flooring you’re working with and whether you’re willing to change it. Luckily for us, Ian Tomlinson, Managing Director of Chaunceys Timber Flooring, is sharing everything you need to know when combining underfloor heating with wood flooring.
Can Underfloor Heating And Wood Flooring Work?
“Yes absolutely,” Ian says. “But it’s all about choosing the right wood. With the right boards and installation method, you can have beautiful, long-lasting wood flooring over your underfloor heating system. Engineered planks are a great choice because they resist expansion and contraction caused by temperature or moisture changes, which makes them ideal for underfloor heating.”
Ian makes it clear that you also need to know what type of heating you’re using.
“There are two main types of underfloor heating available,” Ian explains. “Namely wet systems which pump warm water through pipes, and electric systems which use heating elements instead. Both work well with engineered wood, but wet systems tend to be more efficient and easier to control. Electric systems are often more affordable to install, although they can be more expensive to run.”
Why Choose Wood Flooring?
“Wood is naturally warmer underfoot than stone or tiles, and it retains heat longer, making it an energy efficient choice,” Ian says. “Engineered wood gives the same beautiful, natural appearance as solid timber but is well-suited to underfloor heating. It’s a luxurious yet practical choice that combines comfort, style and thermal performance.”
If you’re adamant about underfloor heating but want to keep a watchful eye on energy bills, wood is the winner. However, it has drawbacks. Underfloor heating can leave solid wood flooring worse for wear.
“We strongly advise against it because solid wood is far more susceptible to movement,” he explains. “It can warp, cup or buckle when exposed to the regular heating cycles of underfloor systems. Changes in moisture content caused by heating can stress the floorboards and even damage them.”
It really important to set the heating to the right temperature: “Industry standards recommend keeping the surface temperature of engineered flooring below 27°C. Sudden changes in heat, particularly after a new installation, can cause the wood to shrink or develop surface splits. Maintaining a consistent temperature and making any adjustments gradually will help protect the floor and ensure long term stability.”
Ian recommends acclimatising your floor boards to avoid warping: “Even engineered boards need time to adjust to their new environment. When the wood is delivered, remove the packaging and stack the boards on battens to allow airflow for at least 72 hours. Turn off the heating 48 hours before installation, then switch it back on gradually, increasing the temperature by 1°C per day. This helps prevent surface splits and ensures long-term stability.”
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