The Best Flooring Options for Underfloor Heating
Is your home lacking that warm and cosy effect that others seem to have? You may feel this emptiness more in the winter when the icy chill threatens to envelop your home.
If so, under-floor heating is the perfect solution. It is a popular choice for many homeowners looking to upgrade their homes' comfort and efficiency.
However, not every floor is suitable for underfloor heating. Today, Mersey Flooring will walk through the best flooring options to ensure your underfloor heating keeps your home stylish and warm all year round.
Why Choose Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating is a modern advancement that has taken interior design to the next level.
This operates at lower temperatures of 27 °C and 35 °C. However, despite these lower temperatures than radiators, which operate at around 65 °C, underfloor heating distributes heat evenly.
This eliminates cold spots, enhances comfort, and reduces energy consumption and bills. As underfloor heating is hidden under your floors, it can eradicate the need for radiators, allowing you to maximise the layout of your room without radiators.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring for Underfloor Heating
When choosing the right flooring for underfloor heating in your home, there are a few key factors you need to consider:
- Flooring thickness: Thicker materials can act as heat insulators, reducing the amount of heat output from the floor. This can result in slower heating and higher energy consumption.
- Thermal conductivity: Choose a floor that has higher thermal conductivity, such as stone, ceramic tiles, or certain types of vinyl.
- Moisture resistance: Flooring materials that absorb water more easily are more prone to mould, warping, or cracking. To avoid this, opt for tile or stone flooring in moisture-prone areas.
- Durability: The flooring will be subject to temperature changes, so opt for durable floors like laminate and stone for high-traffic areas.
- Compatibility with the heating system: Some flooring is more compatible with electric or water-based underfloor heating than others. Tiles and stone are compatible with both, whereas engineered wood or vinyl works better with water-based heating systems.
The Best Flooring Options for Underfloor Heating
1.Tile Flooring
Tile flooring, such as ceramic or porcelain, offers excellent thermal conductivity. This allows for quick heat transfer, making it perfect for underfloor heating.
These are available in a range of colours, styles, and patterns, allowing you to tailor your underfloor heating to the interior of your home.
2. Stone Flooring
Granite, marble, and slate floors are another great choice for underfloor heating, as they offer excellent thermal conductivity.
This warms up a room quickly, providing comfort and a cosy atmosphere, perfect for winter. Plus, it looks and feels luxurious in the home. Choose this for kitchens, hallways, and dining rooms.
3. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners. Available in a wide range of designs, colours, and finishes, it pairs well with underfloor heating.
It provides quick heat transfer and is easy to install, making it ideal for DIY installations.
4. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for underfloor heating because it's known for its versatility, style, and comfort underfoot.
Both luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and sheet vinyl provide great thermal conductivity, keeping your home warm and cosy. Its water-resistance properties make it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
5. Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring offers unmatched beauty, perfect for a modern or traditional interior. Unlike solid wood, which can expand and contract, engineered wood provides stability, making it compatible with underfloor heating.
Whether you prefer a warm walnut or light oak, there’s an option for every home. Thinner planks (around 15 mm or less) are ideal, as they allow heat to pass through more efficiently.