Underfloor heating under parquet flooring – installation guidelines for different types of flooring

Underfloor heating is no longer a rarity, especially in countries with cold climates.

When installing such a system, it is important to choose the right flooring that will match the specific model.

Is it possible to install underfloor heating under parquet flooring?

Experts disagree on whether parquet flooring is suitable for installation over underfloor heating. Opponents of this claim cite the following disadvantages:

1. Low thermal conductivity, meaning the board heats up poorly, will lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the heating system.
2. If the wood is constantly heated, it will dry out, cracks will appear, and the floor will begin to creak and deteriorate.
3. Parquet flooring installation is challenging because it must be installed on plywood, which must be secured to the subfloor. This is challenging, as heating elements will be running between the plywood and the subfloor.

However, those who recommend laying parquet flooring over heated floors tend to believe that such a combination is possible with proper installation and operation:

1. The installation process of parquet boards can be simplified by using a two-component polyurethane adhesive to fix the plywood; in this case, self-tapping screws will not be needed.
2. Laying insulation under the plywood will slow down the aging of the wood.
3. Use parquet boards that manufacturers have produced specifically for such systems.
4. The surface heating should be uniform and not higher than 26 degrees.
5. It is contraindicated to use panels made of maple and beech, as these types of wood do not like heat, but those made of walnut or oak material are an excellent option.
6. Due to low thermal conductivity, the thickness of the boards should not exceed 15 mm; thicker ones will not heat up well.
7. Wood is susceptible to moisture, so the optimal installation method is floating, which will reduce possible deformation of the floor.

Having considered all the pros and cons, experts recommend installing electric or infrared underfloor heating under parquet flooring. Hydronic underfloor heating systems are less suitable, as they don't guarantee uniform heating and also carry the risk of leaks, which could damage the flooring.

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Coverings for heated floors

Parquet board for underfloor heating

In appearance and assembly method, parquet is similar to laminate and engineered wood, but differs significantly in quality and characteristics.

Parquet is a multi-layer covering that consists of the following layers:

• decorative - wood covered with at least 3 layers of varnish;
• medium - made from coniferous wood and serves as a flavoring agent;
• lower - made from coniferous veneer, adds strength.

Parquet boards are wear-resistant and inherently warm. The strength of parquet flooring depends on the type of wood used for the top layer, which is primarily affected by temperature. Oak is the most durable board.

Parquet is divided according to the cutting method: radial and tangentialParquet flooring made using the first method is of higher quality, more resistant to deformation, and has a better appearance, but is also more expensive. It can be identified by the presence of annual rings.

Parquet comes in several types:

1. Piece-size veneer is produced in strips ranging in length from 40 to 200 mm, width from 40 to 70 mm, and thickness from 14 to 22 mm. An important parameter affecting durability is the thickness of the working layer.
2. Massive - board length 2 - 2.5 m, width - 120 - 200 mm, thickness - 18 - 22 mm.
3. A shield board is a multilayer board (a base and a face layer). The base is made from less valuable wood species, while the face is made from more expensive ones. This type is typically square, measuring 400 x 800 cm, and 20-40 mm thick.

All models are equipped with grooves, which simplifies the installation process.

Today, there are numerous companies worldwide producing parquet flooring. Leading companies include TARKETT (Serbia), UPOFLOOR (Finland), ABERHOF (Germany), and AMBER-WOOD (Russia). Tarkett products have gained particular popularity in our country. Prices range from 1,700 to 10,000 rubles on average.

The right parquet for underfloor heating

Parquet boards for underfloor heating

A water heating system is a structure made of plastic and metal pipes that carry water heated to the desired temperature. The advantage of this model is that if it fails, the parquet flooring will not catch fire; however, if a leak occurs, the wood planks may become deformed.

Furthermore, this system is environmentally friendly and significantly reduces energy costs. The disadvantages of this design include a significant floor elevation and difficulty in regulating the temperature.

Parquet flooring with a moisture content of no more than 6-7% is considered most suitable for hydronic underfloor heating. It is preferable to use a narrower plank width. Furthermore, the product should be made of wood with increased resistance to deformation.

Rules for laying parquet on a water structure

The installation process for a hydronic underfloor heating system is no different from installing this type of underfloor heating system under any other flooring. The only difference is the preparation of the base for laying the parquet slabs.

Basic rules to follow when installing parquet flooring:

1. When installing flooring, the air in the apartment should be as dry as possible, and it is advisable to have a working fan.
2. The boards are installed using a floating method only, which minimizes the contraction and expansion of the wood. This method involves fastening the boards together with metal clamps, without securing them to the subfloor. This method is also convenient because, in the event of damage, repairs do not require removing the entire deck; the boards can be removed at the affected area.
3. After installing the parquet, the heating is turned on gradually, increasing by 5°C every day.

Important! Before installing the flooring, the underfloor heating system must be tested. The floor must be in operation for at least two weeks before installing the planks. The day before installation, the system should be set to 18°C ​​or turned off completely.

Installation of parquet boards

Parquet boards should be stored horizontally in a dry room until installation. Before laying the flooring, it's important to decide on the direction of the boards' installation. It's recommended to arrange the planks according to the direction of daylight falling into the room. In larger rooms, lay the boards lengthwise, and in rooms with complex geometric shapes, lay them diagonally.

In addition, you should prepare the tools you will need for the job in advance: a saw, a hammer, a knife, a square, a drill, a chisel and a tape measure, a punch, a spatula, and a mounting paw.

The installation of parquet boards on a water-heated floor looks like this:

• The area of ​​the room is measured and the number of rows is determined - We suggest using our online calculatorIf there is not enough space left for the last row to accommodate the board, it is necessary to cut the plank of the front row.
• A thin layer of insulation is placed on the screed of the heating structure.
• Plywood sheets are installed on top of the insulation as a subfloor, as parquet flooring requires a level surface. They are fastened with screws, but this must be done carefully to avoid damaging the heating elements. A special adhesive may be used to secure the sheets.

• The flooring is laid at least 8 mm away from the wall. These gaps will be covered with baseboards later.
• Laying should begin from left to right, starting from a solid wall. A 10 mm gap between the tiles and the wall is adjusted using wedges.
• The next piece is placed with its small side against the installed element and secured by inserting the tongue of one board into the groove of the other.

All parquet flooring is laid according to this principle.

Electric flooring under parquet boards

An electric floor is a laid electrical cable that heats up and transfers heat to the surface. However, this type of flooring is a fire hazard, especially when combined with wood.

Advantages of electric underfloor heating under parquet:

• warranty period more than 20 years;
• the ability to regulate the temperature regime;
• ease of installation;
• no negative impact on the parquet.

The downside of the system is that it increases electricity costs.

The process of installing parquet boards over electric underfloor heating is similar to that of installing them over a hydronic system. The cable system is covered with a waterproofing layer, plywood is laid and secured, and the parquet boards are then installed on top. A floating installation method is recommended, as with a hydronic system.

Infrared heated floor under parquet

Infrared film underfloor heating consists of mats with graphite elements. During the heating process, thermal energy is transferred to the surface. This is the ideal option for parquet floors. Its main advantage is that it is available in different power levels, making it easy to choose the right model for wood. Furthermore, installation time is significantly reduced.

Film floors have the following advantages:

• the ability to independently set the required temperature;
• they can be used in any room, since the pie turns out thin;
• they do not overheat, so they will not cause the wood to dry out;
• safe;
• easy to install.

The film floor is installed on a heat-reflective base, after which the decorative covering can be installed. Parquet tiles are laid on the film in the same way as on other types of heated floors.

A plywood underlayment is installed on the finished infrared system, serving as the base for the parquet flooring. The plywood is secured with screws.

Despite some drawbacks, underfloor heating under parquet flooring is an excellent alternative for creating a beautiful interior and a warm indoor climate, especially with infrared systems.

In addition, if desired, you can carry out the installation yourself, the main thing is to follow the rules for installing and using the floor.

Video instructions

Is it possible to use heated floors under parquet flooring?

Warm floor under parquet boards