Can I Have Wood Flooring With Underfloor Heating?

You can't beat a bit of underfloor heating, and who doesn't love a wood floor? But can the two go together? The short reassuring answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider first.

To begin with, the wood flooring you choose needs to be engineered wood flooring, not solid wood. This is because solid wood can shrink with temperature changes and cause the floor to develop gaps. Engineered wood flooring typically consists of a top wear layer of solid wood, which is usually around 3mm to 6mm thick. Underneath this layer, there are several layers of plywood that are cross-layered and glued together, providing stability.

Engineered wood flooring can withstand variations in temperature and moisture content, so it is not affected by underfloor heating. It is available in various wood species such as oak, walnut, maple, and pine, as well as different sizes, allowing for options like small engineered blocks to create a traditional herringbone floor.

There is also the matter of fixing the boards. You can float the engineered flooring, which means not attaching the boards to the subfloor. This is done by using a specialised wood flooring underlay and connecting the boards to each other using a tongue and groove or click system. Alternatively, you can use a flexible wood glue to directly adhere the boards to the subfloor. Both methods require consistent contact with the subfloor to ensure even heat distribution.

The choice of method is usually determined after a site visit to determine the best approach for the specific subfloor and heating system in place.

PDQ fitting team - Photography by Yoke Creative Agency

Our experienced team has successfully installed numerous wood floors over underfloor heating systems, catering to projects of various sizes, from large buildings to smaller spaces. If you have a project in mind, please feel free to reach out to our friendly team. We would be more than happy to provide further assistance and guidance.