Which types of wood floors are best for in-floor radiant heating systems, and are some wood species better for radiant systems than others?
Engineered hardwood floors in planks or strips are the best floors to use with radiant heating systems. These floors are manufactured of hardwood using a three-ply or five-ply laminated construction, making them inherently dimensionally stable. This means they are less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Of the engineered flooring options, floating installation is the best choice because it can be “floated” over the subfloor without the use of nails or adhesives for a permanent installation. It is important to note that when installing any hardwood floor over a radiant heating system, the maximum temperature of the subfloor should never exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For the correct water temperature inside the heating pipes, refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines. Oak is an ideal species for in-floor radiant systems. We also recommend ash and merbau. We do not recommend that you use maple or pecan for an in-floor radiant heat system.
Related Questions
- Which types of hardwood floors are best for in-floor radiant heating systems and are some wood species better for radiant systems than other?
- Which types of wood floors are best for in-floor radiant heating systems, and are some wood species better for radiant systems than others?
- Which types of wood floors are best for in-floor radiant heating systems and are some wood species better for radiant systems than other?
