Wood is a natural material, subject to expansion and contraction, depending on the amount of moisture in the environment. Finding a wooden floor suitable for underfloor heating is difficult. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely.
Engineered wooden floors are ideal for use with underfloor heating (UFH). They are stronger and more stable than solid wood because of they are made up of a thick layer of plywood. Ply is more resistant temperature variations, cracking, shrinking and warping.
The best type of wood consider is oak floor. Maple and Beech should be avoidable as they are notoriously unstable and can expand/contract up to 7mm per square metre.
It is advisable to choose thinner boards if you have underfloor heating. Wider boards experience more expansion and contraction so, the thinner the board, the less movement. The maximum width we would recommend is 130mm. This prevents the problem of huge gaps between planks due to shrinkage.
Make sure you choose a reputable company to install you wood floor, preferably one who has many examples of successful projects. There are extra considerations and procedures in the fitting process to ensure the longevity of your floor. Plus you’ll need reliable advice about aftercare, for example you should never use rugs or turn the system off for long periods.
At Wood4 Floors, we have lots of experience with UFH installations. We offer advice on choosing the most suitable floor, site conditions, fitting and temperature guidelines. Call us on 020 8699 7527 or come and see us at our London showroom.
