Hardwood flooring is a naturally warm material, and a great insulator, so it doesn’t necessarily need to be heated. However, some people with wood flooring choose to install systems like Underfloor heating as a way of heating their entire homes, but not all of these people properly research how well the two work together and which species of hardwood flooring to use.

There are arguments both for and against using Underfloor heating systems with hardwood flooring. Some people would say that it can help to keep an even temperature over the entire surface of the floor. This reduces the ‘hotspots’ you sometimes get with radiators which is a real benefit.

On the other hand, SOLID hardwood flooring is known to be unstable on Underfloor heating, and it can therefore be at risk from warping / swelling or shrinking when exposed to sources of subfloor heat, so we strongly recommend against its use with Underfloor heating. To prevent this, you can buy Hardwood flooring that is engineered and made up of layers of wood and works fantastically with under floor heating, with the 21mm range having the same life span as the solid version, so the floors will be around for generations to come and look as good if not better than the solid hardwood flooring as we can lay it in widths up to a stunning 300mm wide on Underfloor heating. I have had the 260mm engineered oak planks at my home since 2008, laid over a water Underfloor heating system & I have to say I am over the moon with how the floor feels and reacts.

If you are still unsure whether to install Underfloor heating with your hardwood flooring, even after doing some research, it is recommended that you seek advice from a wood flooring expert before proceeding with your plans. Call or email Just wood Flooring for no obligation professional advice.