The best flooring for underfloor heating

This depends upon the type of the UFH. Floor coverings can be fitted immediately over completely dry UFH systems like FastDeck^® and ClippaPlate^®, whilst systems that include a screed or compound will need to dry and cure fully before floor coverings can be fitted. Please refer to the installation information for your chosen UFH system for details.

Most floor coverings require a completely flat surface, so some preparation may be needed to make sure this is the case. This is particularly important with carpets, as any undulations may be evident in the final finish, and tiles, where uneven surfaces can results in the tiles ‘rocking’ or cracking.

Turning on underfloor heating for the first time will vary depending upon your chosen floor covering, but you should always heat up the floor gently to avoid shocking the floor finish with a sudden change in temperature. Check the flooring manufacturer’s guidelines and UFH installation document for details.

Yes, vinyl and LVT flooring are both generally suitable for use with underfloor heating. The floor temperature would just need to be kept below 27°C by a floor sensor which Nu-Heat would provide.

We would not recommend the use of rugs with underfloor heating as it will limit the heat output of the system.

If you choose to use a rug, the tog rating should be kept to a minimum.

Yes. Carpet, especially one with a lower tog rating, is generally suitable for use with underfloor heating. If you are thinking of using carpet with your underfloor heating, it’s always a good idea to discuss this with your Account Manager, to make sure you are getting the most out of your system.

Whilst most wood floors are suitable for use with underfloor heating, specific requirements can vary from project to project. If you are unsure, you should always check with your flooring supplier for guidance.

Yes, Karndean flooring can be paired with underfloor heating providing a floor sensor, which Nu-Heat would supply, is used to limit the floor temperature to 27°C.

Yes, you can lay Amtico flooring over underfloor heating. However, the temperature of the floor would need to be limited to 27°C. Nu-Heat supply floor sensors where required to achieve this.

Yes, solid wood flooring can be used with underfloor heating so long as the moisture content of the wood is at the required level and you are not using one of our retrofit overlay systems. If you are uncertain, you should always check this with your flooring provider.

Yes, laminate is suitable for use over underfloor heating. Your flooring provider will just need to advise the maximum temperature that the floor should reach, and Nu-Heat will include floor sensors where required to limit this.

Conductive floor coverings like stone, tile or polished concrete work best with underfloor heating as they transfer heat so effectively.

Yes, as long as the floor temperature is limited by a floor sensor, parquet flooring would be suitable for use with underfloor heating. However, you should always check with your flooring supplier that their parquet flooring is suitable before making a final decision.

Yes, resin floors are very compatible with underfloor heating because as they can provide a durable, tough floor finish with good thermal conductivity.

Yes, most bamboo flooring is suitable for use with underfloor heating. It is always best to check with your flooring provider first, though.

Whilst most standard underlays are suitable for use with underfloor heating, you should always ensure that the underlay you are intending to use has been marked as suitable for use with underfloor heating. If you are unsure, it is worth checking this with your underlay supplier.

Not always, but as part of our bespoke design process, Nu-Heat will determine which areas need floor sensors. Typically, this will include areas where sensitive floor coverings are laid and where the system could reach high temperatures.

Cork flooring can be compatible with underfloor heating. However, you should always check with your flooring supplier that their cork flooring would be suitable.