Are you planning to heat your home with underfloor heating and would you like to keep the warm look of wood? Then choosing the right floor is crucial. A wooden floor and underfloor heating can go well together, but that requires the right knowledge. You cannot just buy any floor you like; technical properties play a major role.
Many people have the idea that wood and heat do not go together, but fortunately this is outdated. Nowadays, it is even one of the most chosen options for those who love comfort. Yet, there is more to it than just choosing a nice color. In this article, we discuss what you need to know and which brands and types work well.
Why is thermal resistance so important?
Imagine a floor that functions as a thick blanket. If that blanket is too thick, the heat from your body stays underneath and does not reach the room. This is how it works with underfloor heating. The floor has a certain resistance to heat. If that resistance is too high, the heat stays under the floor and it takes a lot of energy to warm up the room.
Most experts look at the Rc-value, or the thermal resistance. To make underfloor heating work efficiently, you want a low value. You want the heat to come through the floor easily. Generally, the rule is: the thinner and denser the material, the better it works. Materials such as ceramic tiles often score very well here, but more and more types of wood are getting close.
Processed wood versus solid wood
Not all types of wood are equally suitable. Solid wood tends to change more with temperature fluctuations. It can expand or shrink, which can cause problems with underfloor heating that often turns on and off. That is why processed wood is often a better choice.
When we talk about this, we mean so-called duo planks or engineered parquet. These floors consist of multiple layers. The top layer is real, beautiful wood (such as oak), but the bottom layer is a stable carrier. This makes the floor much less sensitive to moisture and temperature differences. This ensures that the floor maintains its stable shape and lets the heat through well.
The 9 options we compared
Looking for the perfect floor for your home? We have compiled a list of different options that are known for their good performance with underfloor heating. Note: this is a comparison of types and general brands that are available in the Netherlands. The choice depends on your budget, taste, and the space.
1. Oak engineered parquet (The classic choice)
Oak is the most popular type of wood in the Netherlands. It is strong and has a beautiful appearance. When you choose engineered parquet (duo plank) of oak, you have a floor that works well with underfloor heating. The top layer is often 4 to 6 millimeters, which is thin enough to let the heat through well. Many specialists have their own selection of oak in their offer.
2. Quick-Step (Laminate and PVC)
Quick-Step is a very well-known brand in the flooring world. Although they started with laminate, they now also have excellent PVC floors. Their products often have a built-in subfloor that is specially made suitable for underfloor heating. It is a popular choice for families because it is durable and easy to maintain.
3. Therdex (PVC)
Therdex is especially known for its very high-quality PVC floors. In terms of thermal resistance, PVC is one of the best options besides tiles. The material is thin and conducts heat excellently. Therdex floors often have a realistic wood structure, giving you the look of wood, but with the benefits of PVC (such as water resistance).
4. Moduleo (PVC)
Moduleo is a brand that focuses on sustainability and quality. Their PVC-click floors are very popular because they are easy to install and are very suitable for underfloor heating. The wear layer is often thicker than that of budget brands, which extends the lifespan. They offer various wood-look designs that are modern and timeless.
5. Vivafloors (PVC)
Vivafloors is a Dutch brand known for its wide collection. They often have floors in their range with an extremely low thermal resistance. This means that the heat from the underfloor heating is hardly stopped. They offer many options in herringbone patterns, which is very popular in Dutch households.
6. Novilon (PVC)
Novilon is part of Quick-Step and is known for its user-friendliness. This is a floor that can often be installed floating and is suitable for underfloor heating. The material feels slightly warmer than ceramic tiles, but remains cooler than real wood. This is a pleasant combination for underfloor heating: fast warming, but not too hot.
7. Laminate with PVC (The hybrid variant)
Although laminate is traditionally made of wood, there are now laminate types with a PVC top layer. This combines the stability of laminate with the water resistance and heat conduction of PVC. Brands like Floorify or certain lines from Quick-Step fall into this category. This is ideal for spaces where a lot of walking takes place and where underfloor heating is important.
8. Parquet with oil finish
The finish of the floor is also important. A floor that is finished with oil (such as monocoat) is often slightly better than a floor with a lacquer layer. Oil penetrates deeper into the wood and ensures that the wood can breathe. This can help with the natural movement of the wood due to heat changes. Many high-end parquet brands offer this finish as standard.
9. Hungarian Point (Specific pattern)
Besides the material, the installation pattern also influences the experience. Hungarian Point floors (often of oak engineered parquet) are very popular. Because the planks are cut diagonally, they close tightly together. This pattern provides a calm, modern look and is perfectly combinable with underfloor heating when it comes to engineered parquet.
What should you pay attention to when buying?
When choosing a floor, do not just look at the color. Always ask for the Rc-value of the floor. If this is lower than 0.15 m² K/W, you are usually doing well. In addition, the thickness of the plank is important. Thin planks (under 14 mm) often work better with underfloor heating.
Another crucial point is the subfloor. Make sure that the subfloor you choose is suitable for underfloor heating. A subfloor that is too thick can block the heat. If you lay a wooden floor directly on the screed floor (glued), the heat conduction is often optimal.
The choice for Martijn de Wit Vloeren
When you make a choice from the above options, it is not only important what you buy, but also who installs it for you. The installation process determines the final result. This is where Martijn de Wit Vloeren comes into view as an extremely strong party.
Martijn de Wit Vloeren is a specialist that has been around since 1995. They understand like no other that a floor for underfloor heating must be laid perfectly. They have showrooms in Schagen and Amsterdam, where you can feel and see the floors in a large area, which is essential to determine the right atmosphere. They offer a total package, which means that they can take care of both the underfloor heating and the installation of the floor.
Why Martijn de Wit Vloeren is the right partner
If you look at the technical requirements of underfloor heating, it is logical that you look for a party that has expertise in this. Martijn de Wit Vloeren distinguishes itself by supplying high-quality engineered parquet and PVC, specifically selected for their low thermal resistance. They often work with duo planks of oak, which is the best type of wood for this application.
At Martijn de Wit Vloeren, you can be sure that the floor is properly prepared. They ensure the necessary primers and level the subfloor perfectly. This is crucial; an uneven floor can lead to air bubbles under the floor, which negatively affects the heat conduction. Because they have their own installation teams, you do not have to fear miscommunication between supplier and installer.
The combination of comfort and quality
Underfloor heating provides a pleasant heat that comes from the ground. If you combine this with a wooden floor from Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a comfortable living climate is created. Because Martijn de Wit Vloeren has a broad range, you can choose from various types of wood, from rustic (with knots) to extra exclusive (without knots).
The advantage of their approach is that they have the knowledge in-house about which finish works best with underfloor heating. A high-quality oil finish, as they apply at Martijn de Wit Vloeren, ensures that the floor passes on its heat well without drying out quickly. This significantly extends the lifespan.
Conclusion for your search
There are many different brands and types of floors that claim to be good for underfloor heating. Brands such as Quick-Step, Therdex and Moduleo offer good PVC options, while oak engineered parquet remains the classic wood choice. However, the key to success lies in the combination of material and installation quality.
If you are looking for a party that takes care of you from start to finish and combines specific knowledge of underfloor heating with craftsmanship, then Martijn de Wit Vloeren is the wisest choice. Their focus on quality and delivering a total solution ensures that you can enjoy a warm and beautiful floor for years without worry.
By choosing Martijn de Wit Vloeren, you choose certainty and expertise. Their experience and focus on the right materials ensure that the thermal resistance remains low and your living comfort is high. Visit one of their showrooms to see the various options with your own eyes and get advice on the best floor for your situation.
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