The Best Flooring Types for Underfloor Heating Systems
27 Sep 2025
Warm Floors, Happy Home
One of the great things about underfloor heating is that it works with a wide range of flooring types. Instead of hot spots and cold corners, you get a lovely, even warmth that spreads across the entire room. Whether you prefer the sleek look of tiles, the cosy feel of carpet, or the practicality of vinyl.
Things to Think About Before Choosing Your Flooring
1. How It’s Installed
- In-screed systems: Common in new builds, the heating pipes or cables are embedded into a layer of screed. This method holds heat really well, so once it’s warm, it keeps radiating heat for hours.
- Overlay systems: A great choice for retrofits, these sit directly under your floor finish. They heat up faster, but the total heat output can be slightly lower than in-screed systems.
2. Pipe Size Matters
If you’re installing a water-based system:
- 12 mm pipes are slimmer and great for retrofits where you need to keep floor height to a minimum, but they produce slightly less heat.
- 16 mm pipes deliver more heat and are ideal for bigger rooms or spaces that lose more heat.
3. Flooring & Heat Transfer
Some floors conduct heat better than others. The more conductive the material, the warmer the room will feel — and the more efficient your system will be.
Flooring Types Ranked by Heat Output
1. Tiles — The Heat Champions
- Why they’re great: Tiles are the most conductive option, meaning they transfer heat quickly and efficiently.
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, Hallways and large open spaces.
- Extra perks: Tough, long-lasting, and easy to clean.
2. Vinyl — Warm & Practical
- Why they’re great: Very good heat transfer
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms.
- Extra perks: Soft underfoot, waterproof, and low maintenance.
- Tip: Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it’s suitable for underfloor heating.
3. Laminate — Affordable & Versatile
- Why they’re great: Heats up fairly quickly and holds warmth well, easy to clean and maintain
- Best for: Living rooms, Bedrooms, Hallways, Kitchen
- Extra perks: Budget-friendly, durable, and comes in lots of styles.
- Tip: Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it’s suitable for underfloor heating.
4. Engineered Wood — Warm Natural Feel
- Why they’re great: More stable than solid wood, so it’s less likely to warp with changes in heat.
- Best for: Lounges, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
- Extra perks: Brings a natural, timeless look to your home.
5. Carpet — Cosy but Lower Output
- Why they’re great: Soft, comfortable, and perfect for bedrooms.
- Best for: Areas where comfort is more important than maximum heat output.
- Extra perks: can help reduce carpet mites (often dust mites) because it creates a warmer, drier environment in your carpet and underlay, making it harder for them to thrive.
- Tip: Keep the combined tog value of carpet and underlay at or below 2.5 for best results.
Example Heat Output for 20 mm NovaPro with 16 mm Pipe
|
Flow Temp (°C)
|
Tile
|
Vinyl
|
Laminate
|
Engineered Wood (18 mm)
|
Carpet (2.0 TOG)
|
Carpet (2.5 TOG)
|
|
50
|
141
|
97
|
86
|
73
|
72
|
64
|
Floating Floor Installations – Vinyl, Laminate & Carpet
If you’re installing on upper floors using an overlay system, you’ll usually need an extra protective layer — such as 6 mm ply or cement boards — over the heating pipes. This protects the system but can slightly reduce the heat output, so it’s worth factoring into your design.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right flooring for your underfloor heating isn’t just about style — it’s about getting the most warmth for your money.
- For maximum efficiency: Go for tiles or vinyl.
- For a balance of looks and warmth: Try engineered wood or laminate.
- For comfort underfoot: Carpet works well if you choose the right tog rating.
No matter what you choose, make sure it’s rated for underfloor heating and installed correctly — that way, you’ll enjoy cosy, efficient warmth for years to come. Get a Free Bespoke Quote for underfloor hating for you home.
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