Engineered wood flooring has increasingly eclipsed its solid counterpart in popularity. Manufactured from real wood, it offers the same aesthetic and tactile experience as solid wood flooring but without its numerous limitations. A frequent query we encounter at Wood and Beyond concerns the compatibility of engineered wood flooring with underfloor heating. The answer is nuanced: not all engineered wood flooring options are suitable. In this article, we delve into the specifics of what to consider when pairing engineered wood flooring with underfloor heating.
How Does Engineered Wood Flooring Differ from Solid Wood Flooring?
Solid wood flooring is exactly that—floorboards made entirely from hardwood. Engineered wood flooring, meanwhile, also utilises hardwood but only in a topmost layer that ranges between 2mm and 6mm in thickness. The remaining core of the floorboard comprises MDF, Ply and Softwood. Once installed, both solid and engineered wood flooring appear indistinguishable.
Is Solid Wood Flooring Compatible with Underfloor Heating?
Absolutely not. This incompatibility arises because solid wood flooring expands with rising temperatures and moisture levels, akin to a tree in a forest. Conversely, the wood contracts when these levels decline. Occasional and minimal fluctuations generally don’t damage solid wood floors. However, extreme and frequent expansion and contraction can result in cupping, bowing, and gaps in the flooring, ruining its appearance and allowing draughts to seep through.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Compatible with Underfloor Heating?
Yes, but floorboard thickness is a critical consideration. Unlike solid wood, engineered wood flooring remains stable due to its synthetic core composition. It’s vital to pay close attention to the board’s overall thickness.
To maximise energy efficiency, opt for flooring with an overall thickness not exceeding 18mm. Within this parameter, the topmost layer of real wood should be no thicker than 5mm. For optimal efficiency, we recommend engineered wood flooring between 14mm and 16mm in overall thickness, with a real wood layer measuring between 3mm and 4mm.
For installation, we advise the glue-down method when fitting over underfloor heating. This technique eliminates the need for nails and screws, which could spell disaster when combined with heating elements. Moreover, glueing the floor in place offers a flexible fit, allowing the engineered wood to adjust minimally with temperature changes, making it the ideal installation solution.
In Summary
Underfloor heating is an increasingly popular method of home heating, and it’s easy to see why. Boasting a high comfort factor and an even heat distribution, it is often deemed more efficient than traditional radiators. It pairs exceptionally well with engineered wood flooring, provided you adhere to guidelines on board and real wood layer thickness.
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FAQ
What sets engineered wood flooring apart from solid wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring uses hardwood for only its top layer, which can vary in thickness from 2mm to 6mm. The rest of the floorboard is made from materials like MDF, Ply, and Softwood. In contrast, solid wood flooring is made entirely of hardwood. Once installed, both types look virtually identical.
Is it possible to use solid wood flooring with underfloor heating?
No, it is not advisable to use solid wood flooring with underfloor heating. The natural characteristics of solid wood cause it to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Over time, this can lead to warping, cupping, and the appearance of gaps in the floor.
Can engineered wood flooring be used with underfloor heating systems?
Yes, engineered wood flooring can be used with underfloor heating. However, you should be cautious about the thickness of the floorboard. To achieve the best energy efficiency, the total thickness should not exceed 18mm and the top hardwood layer should be no thicker than 5mm.
What thickness is recommended for engineered wood flooring to be used with underfloor heating?
For best results, it’s recommended to choose engineered wood flooring that has an overall thickness of between 14mm and 16mm. Within this thickness, the real wood layer should ideally be between 3mm and 4mm.
What’s the best method for installing engineered wood flooring over underfloor heating?
The glue-down method is recommended for installing engineered wood flooring over underfloor heating. This approach negates the need for nails and screws, and it allows the flooring to have a bit of flexibility, which is beneficial when temperatures fluctuate.