Imagine a warm floor underfoot on a cold winter morning - all accompanied by a beautiful wooden floor that adds character to the interior. Underfloor heating under wooden floors is gaining popularity, combining functionality with aesthetics, but is every type of wood suitable for this solution? What costs do you have to incur and is it even worth it? In this article you will find the answers to these questions and learn everything you need to know before deciding on such a duo in your home. Get ready for a guide that will dispel your doubts and inspire you to create the space of your dreams!
SLIDE wood parquet designed by Daniele Lago for Italian brand Listone Giordano with a trapezoidal pattern will work perfectly on underfloor heating systems
photo. © Forestile
What is underfloor heating
and how does it work under a wooden floor?
Underfloor heating is a heating system that distributes heat evenly throughout the floor, eliminating traditional radiators. Under a wooden floor, it works similarly, but requires a special approach - wood is a natural insulator, so it must be properly selected and installed so that heat can penetrate freely. Installation of underfloor heating involves placing a system of pipes or wires under the floor surface, making the entire floor act as a large heat source, effectively heating the room.
Types of underfloor heating systems
There are two main types: electric and water. Electric floor heating is independent of the season or day - we can turn it on as needed. In this case, three solutions are used: heating cables (the cheapest) sunk into the floor, and heating mat or foil. The foil gives more possibilities to fit the shape of the room, while the mat is based on a modular system and works well in a rectangular room. Electric heating cables and water heating pipes are laid on a concrete screed, while mats and foils do not require special preparation of the substrate. Electric underfloor heating quickly heats the room, making it ideal for bathrooms. It is also easier and cheaper to install than water-based systems, although operating costs can be higher.
A view of the floor with heating pipes
Photo: Bardt for Take 7 © CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
Water underfloor heating is connected to the central heating system, which means that it does not work outside the heating season. This system consists of heating pipes (made of plastic or metal) through which heated water flows. It is a more economical solution in the long run, although its installation is more costly (about PLN 200-300/m²). Water heating requires adequate thermal insulation of the substrate to reduce heat loss and ensure even heat distribution. The choice depends on the budget and the size of the house.
Underfloor heating can be water or electric
Photo: viii23dawari © CC BY-SA 4.0
The peculiarities of wood as a finishing material
Wood, although beautiful, has its own requirements. It must have a low coefficient of thermal resistance (R-value) and be dimensionally stable so that it does not crack under temperature changes. This is crucial for the heating to work effectively and the floor to last for years. Layered planks work best, as they are less prone to deformation than solid wood. Also, the thickness of the boards matters - optimally they should be 10-15 mm, so as not to restrict the flow of heat.
What kind of wood to choose for the floor
with underfloor heating?
Choosing wood for underfloor heating is a decision that will affect the comfort and durability of your home. Not all wood conducts heat well, and some species may deform under the influence of temperature.
The best wood species for an underfloor flooring system
It is worth choosing wood that has been properly seasoned, characterized by the lowest possible thermal resistance. Hard, stable species such as oak (about PLN 250-350/m² on Ceneo), ash (PLN 200-300/m²) or exotic merbau (PLN 300-400/m²) work best. Oak is versatile and resistant, ash is distinguished by its light shade, and merbau adds an exotic touch to the interior. Avoid soft species like pine, which conduct heat poorly.
Multi-layer parquet provides stability, durability, precision and safety
© Listone Giordano
Thickness and construction of planks - what to pay attention to?
Layered planks will be a better choice than solid wood, as their construction provides greater stability, reducing the risk of deformation and stress by up to 70%. Layered planks (e.g. Barlinek, about PLN 280/m²) consist of several layers: the top layer is precious wood, below it is a middle layer laid perpendicularly, and in the case of three-layer floors - an additional layer on the bottom. These types of boards are characterized by better thermal transmittance. Their thickness is usually 11-15 mm (the thinner they are, the better they conduct heat), while solid oak planks are about 15-22 mm thick, which means that their thermal resistance can be up to twice as high. Layered planks are more stable than solid wood and less prone to deformation.
Oak flooring - an ideal choice for underfloor heating due to its stability
photo. © Forestile
Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating under wood
Is underfloor heating with wood the ideal solution? Let's take a look at the pros and cons.
Thermal comfort and aesthetics
Underfloor heating provides an even distribution of heat throughout the room and eliminates cold zones in the house, while wood adds visual warmth to the interior. It's a duo that increases the value of a property - ideal for modern arrangements. In addition, underfloor heating is more energy efficient because it operates at lower water temperatures, which can lead to lower operating costs in the long run. Such heating operates virtually silently, unlike traditional radiators, which often generate noise and clatter.
Limitations and potential problems
With underfloor heating, it is also necessary to properly care for the floorboards, as well as to control the humidity in the room (40-60% is recommended), as otherwise the wood may shrink or crack. High temperatures can also prove harmful. The system is also more expensive to install than classic radiators, and repairs may require dismantling the floor.
Underfloor heating ensures even distribution of heat throughout the room
photo. © Forestile
Installation and operating costs - how much does it really cost?
Before you decide on underfloor heating under wood, it's worth calculating how much it costs - both at the start and in the long run.
The price of the system and installation
Water heating is an expense of 200-300 PLN/m² (e.g. Uponor system, about 250 PLN/m² on Ceneo), electric - 150-250 PLN/m² (e.g. Devi, about 200 PLN/m²). Installation is an additional 50-100 zł/m². For a 100 m² house, costs can reach 25-40 thousand zlotys.
Wooden flooring - choice vs. budget
Wood is another cost: oak (250 PLN/m²), ash (200 PLN/m²) or cheaper layered boards (e.g. Quick-Step, 180 PLN/m²). Cheaper does not always mean better - more expensive species are more durable and thermally efficient.
Interiors with monolithic birch flooring
photo. © Forestile
User summary
Underfloor heating under a wood floor is a solution that combines convenience with elegance, but it requires thoughtful decisions. Choosing the right wood and heating system is essential for success - oak and water-based underfloor heating is a duo worth considering. Costs may be high, but comfort and aesthetics reward the investment. Is your home ready for such a step?
