Underfloor heating is a common heating solution for households. This is because it saves space while ensuring warmth at all times. Using underfloor heating at your place along with wooden flooring can be tricky. Most people are not sure how to go about it
Wooden flooring & underfloor heating don’t usually go together. Knowing the best way to do it can give you a workaround. The right installation process can make it viable for you.
We are going to help you install wooden flooring with underfloor heating. A few simple tips mentioned here can simplify it for you.
Here is how you can successfully do wooden flooring installation with underfloor heating in no time:
- Measure the Area
You need to use a tape measure to find dimensions of the floor. An exact measurement of the square footage of the space is essential. It is important for ensuring proper flooring fitting.
It may also help you estimate the total wooden flooring you need to buy. Make sure to be precise when taking measurement. You might end up buying more or less than you need otherwise. This is going to cost you an unnecessary extra visit to the flooring shop.
- Choose the Flooring
The next step is choosing the right kind of wooden flooring. Go with engineered wood flooring, hardwood flooring, plywood flooring, etc., Consider your heating requirements before making the decision.
Engineered flooring is recommended by experts for installation over the underfloor heating. This is because this type of flooring is more stable under heat.
Limited expansion and contraction make this type of wooden flooring an ideal option for domestic and commercial use.
- Prepare the Subfloor
Next step is to install the underfloor heating. Prepare the subfloor with care before installation. Make sure the entire area is clean & level. It should be and free from scratches or cracks. Use a floor leveling compound to ensure the surface is entirely even. This step is crucial as it provides the basis for the right installation.
- Install the Underfloor Heating
This process is easier than it sounds. Place the heating mat & attach it gently to the subfloor. Make sure it is set in its place.
Conneсt the underfloor heating with the thermostat. It is always a good idea to Read the manufacturer’s manual before installation of the underfloor heating.
It will provide you with the necessary insights into the care & precautions. You need to pay attention to them during & after the installation process.
- Install the Wooden Flooring
You are now ready to install the wooden flooring over your underfloor heating. The process of wooden flooring installation is similar too.
After placing the wooden flooring over the underfloor heating make sure there is sufficient gap between the flooring and the wall.
This gap will prove useful when you turn the heating On and the wooden flooring expands as a result. Make sure to use spacers to ensure an even and secure installation of the wooden flooring.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make the process of installing wooden flooring with underfloor heating easier for you
- Make sure to only lay the flooring when the screed is completely dry.
- Before laying the wooden flooring, ensure that the underfloor heating is turned on. It will eliminate extra moisture from the screed.
- When you are treating the floor using some adhesive product, keep the underfloor heating turned down low.
- Allow the wooden floor to be acclimated before laying it over underfloor heating to account for timber expansion.
Final Words
Installing wooden flooring with underfloor heating can give your space an exquisite and warm atmosphere. However, most people don’t know the right installation methods and they end up damaging the floor or the underfloor heating system during the process which is the last thing you need.
So, make sure you have the right tools and techniques down before you go ahead and DIY it. For better and quicker output, we advise hiring wooden floor installation experts for this purpose.
If you choose to do it yourself, then we strongly urge you to follow these tips to get the best results.