Underfloor heating (UFH) is a fantastic way to add comfort, efficiency, and luxury to your home. But can you install it under floorboards? The answer is yes—with the right method, materials, and precautions. This blog post walks you through everything you need to know to safely and effectively install underfloor heating on wooden floors.
Install Underfloor Heating on Floorboards
Step 1: Choose the Right Flooring
Before anything else, ensure your floorboards are suitable:
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Engineered wood is ideal. It resists warping and handles temperature changes better than solid hardwood.
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Avoid solid wood unless approved by the manufacturer for UFH.
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Keep board thickness under 18 mm for efficient heat transfer. A width-to-thickness ratio around 10:1 (e.g. 160mm wide x 16mm thick) works best.
Step 2: Pick Your Underfloor Heating System
There are two main types of UFH compatible with wood floors:
Electric UFH (Dry System)
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Thin heating mats or wires
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Great for DIY installs and retrofitting
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Ideal for smaller areas
Hydronic UFH (Wet System)
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Warm water flows through pipes under the floor
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Higher efficiency, especially for larger areas
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Requires more complex installation
Step 3: Prepare the Subfloor
Proper preparation is essential for long-term performance:
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Ensure the floor is clean, flat, and dry (no more than 3mm variation per meter).
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Install insulation between joists to minimize heat loss.
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Use reflective foil or aluminum plates to improve heat dispersion beneath floorboards.
Step 4: Lay the Heating System
Follow manufacturer guidelines closely:
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Electric mats: Secure directly onto the subfloor. Use a multimeter to test resistance before covering.
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Wet pipes: Pipes should be embedded no more than 65mm from the surface for responsive heating. Include flow restrictors to cap temperature.
Tip: Always use a layer that protects both the floor and heating system—like decoupling membranes or compatible underlays.
Step 5: Acclimate the Wood
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Store wooden flooring in the room for at least 14 days before installation.
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Maintain room temperature of 18–22 °C and humidity between 40–65% during acclimation.
This prevents shrinkage, cupping, or warping once the system is active.
Step 6: Install the Floorboards
Your installation method depends on your heating system:
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Glue-down method is best for hydronic systems—it improves heat transfer and stability.
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For electric UFH, a floating floor can work if using approved underlay and adhesives.
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Always leave a 15 mm expansion gap around walls to allow for wood movement.
Step 7: Commission the Heating System
Proper commissioning ensures safety and performance:
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Wet systems: Wait at least 75 days after screed curing. Then, increase water temperature gradually—by 5 °C per day—up to ~45 °C.
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Electric systems: Wait 48 hours after installing the floor before turning it on. Increase temperature slowly by 1–2 °C per day.
Never shock the system with full power immediately after installation!
Step 8: Maintain Your Heated Wood Floors
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Keep floor surface temperature under 27 °C at all times.
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Avoid turning the system off completely—sudden temperature drops can damage the wood.
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Maintain room humidity at 35–60% to avoid excessive expansion or contraction.
Final Thoughts
Installing underfloor heating beneath floorboards is entirely possible and can transform your living space into a warm, comfortable oasis. With the right system, thoughtful preparation, and gradual commissioning, you’ll enjoy long-lasting warmth and the natural beauty of wooden floors—without compromise.
