If you’re thinking about installing wood flooring over underfloor heating, you’ll be only too aware of the many debates going on about the subject. The first thing we’d recommend is if that you’re planning to install wood flooring over underfloor heating, it must be engineered wood flooring and not solid wood flooring.
Engineered wood flooring is available in a huge range of finishes and styles and is made from two or more layers of wood which have been joined together to form a plank. Engineered wood flooring is topped with hard wood which gives it its appealing and natural look. What’s more, because engineered flooring is topped with hard wood and because of its layered structure, it is a really stable flooring option.
The top layer of engineered wood, which, as we’ve mentioned, is usually made of hard wood which is glued to the core of the plank which is then machined to create the tongue and groove flooring. The construction of engineered wood flooring means it’s less susceptible to the expansion and contraction issues associated with moisture and temperature fluctuations which often cause problems with solid wood flooring.
When you’re choosing engineered flooring to go over underfloor heating there’s a few things you need to respect.
1. To ensure energy efficiency, the overall thickness of the flooring you choose should not be more than 18 mm
2. The top layer, i.e. the real wood layer, shouldn’t be more than 5 mm thick
3. We recommend that the engineered floor is glued down
Any engineered wood floor which is being installed over underfloor heating needs to be glued down because this method allows for the expansion and contraction of the floor as the temperature rises and falls due to the flexibility of the glue. What’s more, a glued floor helps prevent the appearance of air pockets which can occur over underfloor heating. Find out more about wood flooring fitting methods.
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FAQ
What type of wood flooring is recommended for underfloor heating?
For underfloor heating, engineered wood flooring is recommended. It is made from two or more layers of wood that have been joined together to form a plank, and because of its layered structure, it is a stable flooring option less susceptible to expansion and contraction issues associated with moisture and temperature fluctuations.
How is engineered wood flooring constructed?
Engineered wood flooring is constructed from two or more layers of wood which have been joined together to form a plank. It is topped with hard wood, which gives it its appealing and natural look. The hardwood is glued to the core of the plank which is then machined to create the tongue and groove flooring.
What factors should be considered when choosing engineered flooring to go over underfloor heating?
When choosing engineered flooring to go over underfloor heating, ensure that the overall thickness of the flooring is not more than 18mm for energy efficiency, and the top layer (the real wood layer) shouldn’t be more than 5mm thick. It is recommended that the engineered floor is glued down.
Why does engineered wood flooring need to be glued down when installing over underfloor heating?
Engineered wood flooring needs to be glued down when installed over underfloor heating because this method allows for the expansion and contraction of the floor as the temperature rises and falls, due to the flexibility of the glue. It also helps prevent the appearance of air pockets that can occur over underfloor heating.
Can solid wood flooring be used over underfloor heating?
No, solid wood flooring is not recommended for use over underfloor heating. Due to its structure, it is more susceptible to the expansion and contraction issues associated with moisture and temperature fluctuations, which can cause problems.