— UFH · 6 min read · Updated July 2026
Flooring for underfloor heating — what works, what doesn't
Underfloor heating (UFH) systems output heat through the floor — so the floor covering has to be a good conductor, dimensionally stable at up to 27°C, and safe for the manufacturer to warranty. Get it wrong and you'll either cook your floor, insulate away the heat, or void the warranty on both.
Best: SPC LVT (max output, waterproof, stable)
SPC's stone-plastic core is dimensionally rock-solid up to 27°C, transmits heat efficiently, and is 100% waterproof. Total build-up 5-6mm. Best overall UFH floor for kitchens, bathrooms and open-plan living.
Runner-up: engineered wood (real wood look, high thermal mass)
15mm+ engineered oak with a 3-4mm wear layer works beautifully with UFH — bonded down for best heat transfer. Cap the surface temperature at 27°C. Never fit solid wood over UFH.
Fine: thin laminate over low-tog underlay
8mm laminate on a 1.5mm combined UFH underlay is OK for warmups — but the total tog value (<1.5) limits comfort and heat output.
Avoid
Solid wood (splits), thick foam underlay (insulates the heat away), deep-pile carpet with thick underlay (tog too high), any floor without manufacturer UFH certification.
Rules that apply to any UFH floor
Commission the UFH per BSRIA — heat up gradually over 7 days before fitting; acclimatise the flooring in the room for 5-7 days; cap surface temperature at 27°C in software; never spot-heat above the setpoint.
Frequently asked
Does UFH work under carpet?
Yes, if total tog (underlay + carpet) is under 2.5. Choose a low-tog UFH-specific underlay and a felt-back carpet.
How long before I can turn UFH on after fitting?
New screed: 21 days min. Existing screed with new floor: 24-48 hours, then ramp up 1°C per day.