In short: the best floor coverings for underfloor heating are ceramic tiles and vinyl flooring, because they conduct heat very well. Engineered parquet, laminate flooring and linoleum are also suitable. Cork flooring and thick solid wood floors insulate more, so heat reaches the room more slowly. For wood floors and vinyl, the floor surface temperature should generally not exceed 27 °C.
What makes a floor covering suitable for underfloor heating?
The key figure is thermal resistance (symbol R, unit m²K/W): the lower it is, the more easily heat passes through the floor covering. Thermal resistance depends on the material and thickness, and the thermal resistance of the underlay is added to it. As a rule of thumb, the combined thermal resistance of the floor covering and underlay should be as low as possible – you’ll find the exact requirements in the instructions of the underfloor heating system and the flooring manufacturer.
Comparison table
| Floor covering | Suitability for underfloor heating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic tiles | Very good | Conducts and stores heat best |
| Vinyl flooring (LVT, SPC) | Very good | Thin, warms up quickly; keep an eye on surface temperature |
| Engineered parquet | Good | Glue-down installation conducts heat better than floating |
| Laminate flooring | Good | Choose an underlay with low thermal resistance |
| Linoleum / sheet flooring | Good | Thin, heat passes through easily |
| Solid wood floors | Limited | Thinner glued solid wood floors are suitable; thick boards insulate |
| Cork flooring | Limited | Cork is a good thermal insulator, so heat reaches the room more slowly |
Is parquet suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes, engineered parquet is suitable for underfloor heating. Heat transfer is better when the parquet is glued to the subfloor; for a floating installation, choose a thin underlay designed for underfloor heating. Wood must not be overheated – keep the surface temperature generally up to 27 °C and indoor relative humidity at around 40–60% so the parquet does not dry out or crack. See our parquet flooring range.
Is vinyl flooring suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes, vinyl flooring is a very good choice for underfloor heating, as it is thin and conducts heat well. Many click vinyl planks already have an underlay attached, so no separate underlay is needed. Glue-down LVT gives the best heat transfer. See our vinyl flooring range.
Can laminate be laid over underfloor heating?
Yes. Laminate flooring is suitable for underfloor heating if you choose an underlay with low thermal resistance designed for underfloor heating. On concrete, use a damp-proof membrane. See our laminate flooring and underlays.
Why are ceramic tiles the best choice for underfloor heating?
Ceramic tiles conduct heat very well and store it, so the floor stays warm even after the heating is switched off. Tiles are not affected by higher temperatures or moisture, which makes them ideal for bathrooms and hallways. See our ceramic tiles range.
What to consider when installing
- A new concrete floor must dry out properly before the floor covering is laid, and the heating should be started gradually according to the heating installer’s instructions.
- Switch the underfloor heating off or to a low setting before installation, and raise the temperature slowly afterwards.
- Use an underlay and adhesive suitable for underfloor heating.
- Do not cover a heated floor with thick rugs or low furniture that blocks the flow of heat.
- Always check underfloor heating suitability in the specific product’s details.
If you’re unsure which flooring will work with your underfloor heating, write to us – we’ll help you choose free of charge.