Underfloor heating: which floor coverings are suitable
Underfloor heating is common in new homes, and it affects the choice of floor covering. The good news: most floor coverings suit underfloor heating. What matters is choosing the right product and following the manufacturer's instructions.
Wooden parquet
Most wood species suit underfloor heating, except beech, maple and bamboo. When installing over underfloor heating, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- 2-layer parquet is stable and works well over underfloor heating.
- Veneer parquet is well suited to installation over underfloor heating.
- Oak and ash floorboards can also be installed directly on concrete with underfloor heating.
- Glued parquet is more stable than a floating installation.
Many product pages state whether the product is suitable for underfloor heating.
Vinyl flooring (LVT)
LVT is suitable for use with water-based underfloor heating. The maximum permitted subfloor temperature is 30 °C, according to the Aspecta RC30 / RC55 / IC55 installation guide.
Laminate
Quick-Step laminates are suitable for underfloor heating with the right underlay. The floor surface temperature must not exceed 27 °C. Confirm that the specific model is suitable in the manufacturer's installation guide.
PVC and linoleum
PVC and linoleum floors are suitable for underfloor heating if the product's manufacturer instructions allow it. Follow the manufacturer's requirements and the maximum permitted floor temperature when installing.
What to watch out for
- Temperature: keep to the maximum temperature allowed in the floor covering manufacturer's instructions.
- Electric underfloor heating: check the product is suitable before installation, as not every floor covering is approved for electric underfloor heating.
- Rugs: thick rugs block the heat and can make the floor overheat underneath. Follow the requirements of the floor covering and heating system manufacturers.
If you are not sure whether your chosen floor suits your heating system, ask at a showroom.
