Underfloor Heating
for Wooden Floors

Laminate wood flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners and interior designers due to its versatility, durability and modern aesthetics. Laminate flooring replicates the look of hardwood and stone flooring without the maintenance concerns. It is also scratch and water-resistant making it ideal for families with small children and pets.

A key advantage of laminate flooring is its compatibility with electric underfloor heating. Under laminate heating provides a comfortable warm heat distribution across the entire room which makes it a highly energy-efficient way to heat your home.

Is Wooden Flooring Suitable For Use With Underfloor Heating?

A question we get asked often is whether underfloor heating is good with wooden floors. The answer is yes! Wooden flooring such as laminate or engineered wood is perfect for use with underfloor heating. Here are the top reasons why laminate flooring is a great option:

Laminate Flooring is Durable and Resistant to Wear and Tear

Laminate flooring is known for its strength, durability and resistance to changes in temperature ensuring that your floor remains intact and beautiful for years to come.

Efficient Heat Distribution with Underfloor Heating

The heat from the underfloor heating system easily transfers through the laminate floor to give you a warm floor to step onto.

Easy to Install and Maintain

Laminate flooring is easy to install and great for professionals and DIY enthusiasts, much like electric underfloor heating for wooden floors! Laminate flooring requires minimum maintenance too which remains true even when underfloor heating is used.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of styles, colours, and patterns, allowing you to choose a design that perfectly matches your home's decor. When paired with the luxury of underfloor heating, laminate flooring not only adds to the visual appeal of your home but also enhances the overall living experience by providing a warm, comfortable surface.

Considerations When Installing Underfloor Heating Under Laminate

While the combination of laminate flooring and underfloor heating offers numerous benefits, there are several key considerations to keep in mind during the installation process to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Expansion Gap

Laminate flooring, like other types of flooring, expands and contracts with changes in temperature. When installing underfloor heating, it's crucial to leave an expansion gap around the edges of the room. This allows the laminate flooring to expand without causing any damage or distortion to the floor.

Fixing Methods for Laminate Floors

There are two main fixing methods for laminate floors: adhesive and floating. Adhesive methods involve glueing the floor to the subfloor while floating methods allow the floor to rest on top of the underlay without any adhesive. When using underfloor heating, the floating method is typically recommended as it allows for better heat transfer and easier installation.

Maximum Temperature

Laminate floors have a maximum temperature limit to prevent damage to the material. When using underfloor heating, the surface temperature of the floor should not exceed 27°C. This temperature restriction is usually maintained by using a thermostat which controls the heating system.

Laminate Thickness

The thickness of the laminate plays a crucial role in the efficient performance of the underfloor heating system. It's recommended that the laminate thickness should be no more than 18mm. Any thicker than this could hinder the performance of the system. The denser and thinner the flooring material, the better it transfers heat, leading to a shorter heat-up time and a more responsive underfloor heating system.

Which is the Best Underfloor Heating System for Wooden Flooring?

When it comes to choosing the right underfloor heating system for laminate floors, there are a few factors to consider:

Type of Project:
Electric systems are more popular with renovations and small to medium-sized rooms, whereas water products are more popular in new builds and large areas.

Flooring Material:
The denser the material, the better it transfers heat. Also, the thinner the flooring material and the higher the density, the shorter the heat-up time and more responsive the underfloor system will be.

Floor Thickness:
We recommend that wood or laminate thickness should be no more than 18mm as any thicker than this will hinder the efficient performance of the system. When it comes to the board width, wider boards will often show more “movement” than more narrow boards of the same material, so we recommend that the ratio of thickness to width should be in the region of 7 to 11. A board with a thickness of 16mm and width of 160mm would give a ratio of 10, so it is ideal.

Elektra Underfloor Heating for Wood Floors

• The Elektra WoodTec is specifically designed for installation under laminate and engineered wood flooring, making it a perfect choice for these types of floors.
• The heating mat is attached to a fibreglass mesh and covered with aluminium foil on the reverse side. This aluminium foil provides a protective shielding (earth) for the heating cables, making this heating mat ideal for use particularly in wet areas.
• The heating mat is 500mm wide and 2.8mm thick, and it will utilise 85%-90% of an area. It's possible to install two or more mats in a single room, and if this is the case, then the heating mats should be connected in parallel.
• The Elektra WoodTec is manufactured in Europe complying with ISO 9001 using the highest quality raw materials, in accordance with IEC EN 60335-2-96. It has gained many approvals around the world, including the German VDE - probably the highest standard in Europe.
• The Elektra WoodTec comes with a lifetime guarantee, providing peace of mind for your investment. UK based technical support for the installation and operation of the underfloor heating is provided by experienced and qualified technicians.

Before making a decision, it's important to consider the size of the area you want to heat, the type of tile or stone floor you have, and your specific heating requirements. It's also recommended to consult with a professional to ensure the system is installed correctly and safely.

Installing The Underfloor Heating System

Different heating systems require different installation methods. The Foil Heater is a popular system for use with laminate floors and offers a straightforward installation process. However, for a more efficient and reliable solution, we recommend the Elektra WoodTec Under Wood and Laminate Floor Heating Mat.

This system is ideal for installation under laminate and engineered wood flooring, featuring a 140W/m² heating mat attached to a fibreglass mesh and covered with aluminium foil on the reverse side. This aluminium foil provides a protective shielding (earth) for the heating cables, making this type of heating mat ideal for use particularly in wet areas. Your laminate or engineered wood flooring can be laid directly onto the WoodTec system without the need for any other underlay.