The Best Flooring for Underfloor Heating: Which Types Work Best?
When it comes to choosing the best flooring for underfloor heating, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Not all flooring materials are created equal – some work better with underfloor heating than others. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of flooring that work best with underfloor heating, so you can make an informed decision about what type of flooring is right for your home.
What To Consider When Choosing Flooring for Underfloor Heating
There are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing flooring for underfloor heating:
- Thickness: The thicker the flooring material, the better it will work with underfloor heating. Flooring that is less than 12mm thick may not work well with underfloor heating systems.
- Heat Transfer Level: The type of material the flooring is made of will affect its ability to transfer heat. Look for flooring materials that are dense and compact, as they will be better at conducting heat.
- Floor Level: It is important to consider what level your underfloor heating system will be installed at. If the system is installed below the floor level, you will need to choose the flooring that is thin enough to fit under the heating elements. If the system is installed above the floor level, you can choose a thicker flooring material.
The Many Types of Flooring for Underfloor Heating and their Advantages
Engineered Wood Flooring
Solid wood flooring is a great option for underfloor heating, as it is a natural conductor of heat. However, solid wood flooring should be avoided if the underfloor heating system is below the floor level, because of its thickness.
Engineered wood flooring will give you that classic look and feel with all the benefits of solid wood but at a much thinner depth.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl flooring is the most popular choice for underfloor heating because it’s not only durable and hardwearing but also affordable. Vinyl tiles are even more practical than vinyl sheets, as they will be easier to repair if one of them gets damaged. The thermal transfer level properties will benefit from the heat and make your feet feel warm all winter long. Browse our selection of luxury vinyl flooring here for more inspiration.
Carpet
Although it might seem like an unusual choice, carpets can actually be a great option for underfloor heating systems. They provide natural insulation against the cold and are also very effective at retaining heat. However, you will need to choose a type of carpet that integrates well within your underfloor heating system. A good indicator of a suitable carpet for underfloor heating is the Tog rating.
This measures the thermal resistance of the fabric and the higher the rating, the better it will be at retaining heat. Another important factor to consider is whether you want a synthetic or natural fibre carpet. As a rule of thumb, be sure your chosen carpet does not exceed a tog rating of 2-2.5 if you want to ensure your underfloor heating system is working at its optimum level.
Ceramic & Stone Tiles
The benefit of this floor covering and using it alongside underfloor heating is that the thermal mass of the tiles will absorb and store heat, meaning they’ll release it slowly back into the room over time. This will keep your flooring warm for longer periods of time. However, if you have a large space to cover with tiles, it can be quite expensive and labour-intensive to install. The thermal conductivity enables efficient heat transfer and the ability to retain heat for a long time.
In Summary
So, what is the best flooring for underfloor heating? The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, but in general, engineered wood flooring, luxury vinyl tiles and carpet are all good options. If you’re looking for further advice on the type of flooring that would be best for your property and your needs, get in touch with our experts today – we would be more than happy to help.
