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What is the best flooring for underfloor heating?

The best flooring for underfloor heating is one that efficiently transfers heat from the UFH to the surface of the floor. Hard surfaces like stone or ceramic tiles, or engineered wood, offer the best heat transfer as they are the most thermally conductive, but many other options work well.

Sensitive floor coverings can be protected by a floor sensor that limits the top temperature of the UFH, and even carpet can be a good match provided the combined tog value of the carpet and any underlay is less than 2.5.

The Best Flooring for Underfloor Heating

Comparing flooring suitable for underfloor heating

We compare how easily different floor coverings transfer heat to the surface of the floor.

Average heat output based on floor covering

AVERAGE HEAT OUTPUT (W/M²)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
71
68
56
48
STONE OR TILES
VINYL
WOOD
CARPET (2 TOG)

The Ultimate Underfloor Heating Buyer’s Guide

Find out how to choose the right underfloor heating for your home.

Download free guide

The Ultimate Underfloor Heating Buyer’s Guide

The best floor coverings for underfloor heating

Carpet & Rugs

UFH can be used with most types of carpet, provided the overall Tog value of the carpet and any underlay doesn’t exceed 2.5.

  • Comfortable feel underfoot
  • Available in a vast range of colourways and designs
  • Perfect for traditional interior design schemes

Need to know: Avoid felt and polyurethane underlays as they can affect heat transfer, and always refer to the manufacturer’s technical guide for Tog ratings.

Underfloor heating with carpet

Ceramic Tiles & Stone

The highest thermal conductivity and a stylish, easy-to-clean surface make ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms. UFH takes the chill off what can otherwise be a cold flooring underfoot.

  • Efficient and even heat transfer
  • Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms
  • High-end finish
  • Large range of styles, colours and patterns
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Can be installed on any floor level

Need to know: Use a decoupling membrane over the underfloor heating before you fit the tiles – this allows for any movement in the sub-floor, and protects the tiles from the risk of cracking.

Ceramic Tiles & Stone with underfloor heating

Solid & Engineered Wood

Engineered timber floor coverings have a good structural stability that allows them to perform well with UFH. Solid hardwoods and softwoods can also be used, but care should be taken when specifying board width and thickness.

  • Transfers heat well
  • Timeless finish
  • Adds aesthetic ‘warmth’ to a design scheme
  • Suitable for all floor levels
  • Wide range of colours, grains, patterns and finishes to choose from

Need to know: Timber floor finishes should be allowed to acclimatise in the property before fitting to avoid the risk of the timber expanding or contracting after installation.

Benefits of engineered wood floorboards and parquet with underfloor heating

Laminate

Available in a multitude of colours and finishes, laminate flooring is easy to clean and simple to fit, making it a practical choice for pairing with UFH.

  • Cost-effective floor covering
  • Suitable for all floor levels
  • Wipe clean for high traffic areas
  • Can mimic wood and stone finishes

Need to know: Protect your laminate floor by checking the manufacturer’s guidelines on maximum underfloor heating temperatures.

Laminate with underfloor heating

Vinyl & Linoleum

Vinyl floor tiles are a stylish and durable partner for UFH, creating a luxury finish to suit your interior design.

  • High quality look for traditional or contemporary homes
  • Hardwearing floor finish
  • Suitable for all floor levels
  • Ideal for well-insulated rooms with lower heat requirements

Need to know: Fit a floor sensor to limit the heat output of the UFH to protect sensitive floor coverings.

Vinyl and linoleum with underfloor heating

Polished Screed & Resin

Polished screeds and synthetic resins are tough, durable floor finishes that are becoming increasingly popular in domestic properties. Screed is very conductive and pairing it with UFH takes away the ‘cold touch’ of hard flooring.

  • Efficient and even heat transfer
  • Hard-wearing, clean and seamless finish
  • Modern, contemporary finish available in numerous colours
  • Screed acts as a thermal store, holding heat for longer
  • Suitable for new build and renovation projects

Need to know: Resin finishes are applied over the screed or self-levelling compound that covers the UFH. Specialist LoPro® retrofit UFH systems provide an unrivalled heat output for renovation projects.

Polished screed and resin with ufh

The best flooring for your underfloor heating type

Use our floor covering comparison table to see what floor finishes will work best with underfloor heating in your property.

Project type UFH type Compatible floor coverings Unsuitable floor coverings
NEW BUILDS ClipTrack® screed UFH
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Polished screed and resin
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Solid and engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs
  • None
FastDeck® UFH
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Polished screed and resin
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Solid and engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs
  • None
RENOVATIONS LoPro®10
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Polished screed and resin
  • Solid wood
LoPro®Max
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Polished screed and resin
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Solid wood
LoPro®Lite
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Polished screed and resin
  • Solid wood
UPPER FLOORS ClippaPlate®
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Solid and engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Polished screed and resin
SINGLE ROOMS LoPro®Max OneZone® warm water UFH kits
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Polished screed and resin
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Solid wood
LoPro®Lite OneZone® warm water UFH kits
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Polished screed and resin
  • Solid wood
ElectroMat® electric UFH kits
  • Ceramic and stone tiles
  • Vinyl and linoleum
  • Polished screed and resin
  • Solid and engineered wood
  • Carpets and rugs

Want help finding the right underfloor heating solution?

We would love to speak with you to discuss your project. If you have a question about your existing Nu-Heat system, our technical support team are at hand.

Common floor covering FAQs

Now you know about the best flooring for underfloor heating, you might also like to read these common Q&As:

How soon after installing the UFH can the floor covering be laid?

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.

Is any preparation required before the floor covering can be laid over the UFH?

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.

How long after laying the floor covering/s should I wait until turning the UFH on?

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.

Can you lay vinyl or LVT flooring over underfloor heating?

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.

Can you put a rug on top of underfloor heating?

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.

Can you put carpet on top of underfloor heating?

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.

Can you have underfloor heating under wood floors?

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.

Can you have underfloor heating with Karndean flooring?

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.

Can you put underfloor heating under Amtico flooring?

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.

Can you use solid wood flooring with underfloor heating?

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.

Can you use underfloor heating with laminate?

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.

What floor covering is best for underfloor heating?

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

Can you have underfloor heating with parquet flooring?

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.

Can you have underfloor heating with resin floors?

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

Is bamboo flooring suitable for underfloor heating?

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

Do I need special underlay for underfloor heating

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.

Does underfloor heating need floor sensors?

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.

Is cork flooring suitable for underfloor heating?

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