Can you install underfloor heating under wood flooring

Warm up your home this winter: Wood flooring and underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is a popular choice for many homeowners as it provides a cozy and comfortable environment. Underfloor heating is also a great cost-effective solution to heat your home without taking up additional wall space or the costly energy bill.

There is a whole range of flooring that you can place over underfloor heating including tiles, stone and carpet. One question customers frequently ask is, can you place wood flooring over underfloor heating? The short answer is yes with a few exceptions.

Underfloor heating: Solid wood flooring VS Engineered wood flooring

When it comes to selecting the wood flooring you want to use over underfloor heating it is important to understand the difference between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring.

An engineered wood plank consists of more than one layer as opposed to solid wood which is one single layer, or one single solid plank of wood. Solid wood flooring is more susceptible to environmental changes, particularly in a varied climate, such as cupping, warping and bowing. 

Therefore, underfloor heating is not suitable for solid wood flooring but it is suitable for engineered wood flooring - conditions do still apply and it is important to always check with your Havwoods consultant to ensure your underfloor heating system and your selected wood flooring are compatible and meet all the requirements for optimal performance together.

What are the different types of underfloor heating available?

There are two types of underfloor heating: Electric and Hydronic. Electric heating involves laying heating wires under the floor and can usually be controlled by a thermostat. Hydronic underfloor heating consists of a network of pipes running under the floor. Hot water passes through these pipes heated by a boiler distributing heat through the wood flooring to the room. With wood flooring, both electric and hydronic underfloor heating work well, provided it has been installed correctly to the required specifications.

The benefits of underfloor heating

There are many benefits to running underfloor heating, these include:

• Energy efficiency: Underfloor heating enables you to warm up your home consistently as your entire floor is the source of heat as opposed to running your heater where there are bound to be cold spots. Underfloor heating also does not need to be heated to the same temperature as your heater to warm up your home, therefore, using less energy and saving you money.

• Safety and comfort: Depending on your current climate you may be running your heater constantly during the winter and air conditioning during the summer. If your cooling/heating system filters are not cleaned and changed regularly you could be circulating excess dust and allergens in the air. Underfloor heating eliminates this problem entirely as all heating is provided via an electric or hydronic water heating system.

• Aesthetics and design space: Underfloor heating removes the need for heaters or radiators on the wall giving you space and freedom to create an aesthetically beautiful space to your taste.

• Low Maintenance: Electric and hydronic (water) underfloor heating systems require minimal maintenance once installed.

• Increases home resale value: Underfloor heating is a huge selling point when reselling your home, as it keeps your house warm during the colder months and saves on costs.

Havwoods HW3280F Cedro Herringbone timber flooring | West Village NYC Apartment by Cochineal Design

400+ wood flooring products suitable for use with underfloor heating

Havwoods offer over 400 wood flooring products suitable for underfloor heating. These products are covered under residential warranty when installed correctly according to the Havwoods installation guidelines. Find the majority of these products in the following, but not limited to, ranges:

• Italian Collection

• PurePlank

• Relik

• V Collection, excluding Walnut

• H Collection

• Henley, excluding Versailles products

• Venture Plank, excluding Versailles products

Order up to 3 free samples of any of our products online so you can compare and find your perfect timber flooring in the comfort of your own home or office.

For more information or guidance on selecting suitable timber flooring for use with underfloor heating, speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Havwoods consultants or book a visit to your local Havwoods showroom.

Enhance your space with wood flooring and underfloor heating

If you're considering updating your home with underfloor heating and want to use the latest in design and engineered wood flooring then Havwoods floors are a great option. They are strong and stable, making them the perfect material for underfloor heating. Our Havwoods consultants can take you through which heating systems will be compatible with which wood flooring products and ensure you have all the information required to successfully install underfloor heating under a beautiful new wood floor in no time. Get in contact with our friendly team who can talk to you about the best products for your project.