Which Hardwood Floors Do I Use for Radiant Heat?

Radiant heat installed under your wood floors supply an economical and efficient heating system in your home. Some types of hardwood floors exhibit a better choice, which is dependent on size, materials and properties of the wood.

Significance

Radiant heated floors warm your home from the floor to the ceiling. Since heat rises using the properties of convection, it makes sense this is a superior choice for home heating.

Function

When installing wood floors over radiant heating, they contract in cooler weather and expand in warmer weather. The woods with more density and stability are best suited for this installation.

Types

Strip boards are narrower than planks so they allow more seams across a room to absorb movement from expansion and contraction. Laminated strip boards are a good choice for this function. Floating floors have an air pocket between the radiant heat system and the floor, which also allows for floor movement. Mesquite, teak, American cherry and American walnut are dense woods for flooring and are a good choice.

Installation

You can employ a wet or dry installation method of radiant heating with hardwood floors. It is best for a concrete slab to sit and cure so it does not retain moisture to add more contraction and expansion to your hardwood floors.

Benefits

Choosing the correct hardwood floors for a radiant heat application will ensure the manufacturer's warranty will cover the flooring to its full term.

References

• Radiant Heat And Wood Floors
• Radiant Floor Heating