Wooden flooring has long been a popular choice for new-build projects and renovations alike.
Its sleek finish and timeless aesthetic makes it a versatile choice for a range of interior décor styles, whether that’s modern commercial buildings, rustic-style homes or something in between. It’s also an ideal pairing for underfloor heating, giving users a floor which looks good and keeps them warm!
As leading suppliers of underfloor heating to the trade, we’ve taken a look at types of wood flooring and why it is such a popular floor covering when used with underfloor heating.
Is wood flooring suitable for underfloor heating?
The short answer is yes!
Wood flooring is a great choice to pair with underfloor heating due to its thermal conductivity.
However, it’s worth noting that each type of wooden flooring has different requirements and can react differently to heat. So, it’s always recommended to check the flooring’s suitability with the supplier.
Types of wood flooring
Engineered wood
Widely considered to be the most suitable type of wood flooring for underfloor heating, engineered wood features a thin wood plank on top with base layers underneath to provide strength and stability.
This allows the floor to cope well with regular changes in temperature, expanding and contracting with less chance of warping. Also, it can look and feel the same as solid wood flooring – often at a lower cost!
Solid wood
Also known as hardwood flooring, solid wood floors are commonly made from oak, cherry and walnut woods, among others.
Typically, hardwood floors are more expensive than engineered wood, and can vary in terms of moisture content and density, both of which can determine its suitability for use with underfloor heating.
However, no matter whether you’re choosing solid hardwood floors or engineered wood flooring, attention should be paid to the thickness and moisture content to prevent the wood getting misshapen or acting as insulation – which can make the system less efficient.
Why is wood flooring so popular for use with underfloor heating?
Thermal conductivity
The main reason wood flooring is such a popular choice for use with underfloor heating is because of its heat transfer capabilities!
While wood is not quite as conductive as tile or stone, it still effectively conducts heat to create a comfortable and even warmth across the floor. The thinner and denser the wood, the quicker the heat-up time, and the better an underfloor heating system performs.
This makes wood flooring not only an aesthetically pleasing choice, but also a functional one which helps to provide consistent heat in a residential or commercial building.
Versatility
One of the standout features of wood flooring is its versatility. Whether you’re working on a new-build or renovating an older space, wood flooring looks fantastic in both residential and commercial settings.
Plus, it’s compatible with both electric and wet underfloor heating systems, giving users even more choice when it comes to their project.
Available in a variety of colours, patterns, grains and plank sizes, it provides a number of choices to suit any design preference. Styles such as chevron or parquet patterns offer unique and elegant designs that can elevate the aesthetics of any room.
Also, the natural colour of wood adds a warm and cosy feel – which is perfectly complemented by the warmth of underfloor heating!
Sustainability
Underfloor heating systems are already known for their energy efficiency, and when paired with wood flooring, this can increase even more.
As established, wood flooring retains and evenly distributes heat, which can reduce energy consumption and costs over time.
Additionally, wood floors are a natural product with a long lifespan, making them less likely to need replacing – and therefore an increasingly popular choice for eco-conscious consumers who are placing sustainability high up on their list of priorities!
An emerging choice is magnetic wood flooring, which is adhesive-free and can be disassembled, reused and repurposed to support a circular economy. As interest in this type of wood flooring grows, the combination of durability and eco-friendliness could be even more appealing to environmentally conscious homeowners.
Longevity
Much like underfloor heating, wood flooring offers incredible longevity.
Wood is a hard-wearing and resilient material, making it ideal for high-traffic areas of a building, such as kitchens and hallways. Its durability ensures that it can withstand the demands of daily life while maintaining its look and functionality.
Natural wood can also be sanded down and refinished multiple times, giving it the ability to look new for decades. Plus, if any damage occurs, individual planks can be replaced without the need for an entire floor overhaul.
Easy to install
Engineered wood flooring, in particular, is known for being simple to install. Some products have easy-to-use click systems, while others may require adhesive or fastening.
Installing underfloor heating before wooden floors is also a straightforward process, especially when using engineered wood – which can be laid over both electric and water-based heating systems.
The installation process typically involves laying the heating system, followed by a flexible adhesive or self-levelling compound, then the wooden floor, ensuring a seamless integration of both elements. It’s also recommended that an expansion gap is left around the room.
Looking for underfloor heating? Amber can help!
Whether your project is a new build or renovation, wood flooring combined with underfloor heating is a choice that promises residential and commercial building users comfort and style for years to come.
Backed by 35 years’ experience, we are the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier of underfloor heating to tradespeople through our comprehensive network of stockists.
We supply highly efficient, effective and durable underfloor heating systems through wholesalers, distributers and kitchen, bathroom and tile showrooms.
For more information about Amber Underfloor Heating, get in touch today.
