If you’re dreaming of warm toes on beautiful wood floors, you’re not alone. Underfloor heating has become increasingly popular in homes across Britain — offering even, efficient warmth without the need for bulky radiators. But if you love the look and feel of solid British wood flooring, you might wonder: Can it be laid over underfloor heating?
The short answer is yes — with the right preparation, care, and choice of timber, your wood floor and underfloor heating can be perfect partners for years to come.
Understanding Wood & Heat
Wood is a natural material. It responds to changes in temperature and humidity by expanding and contracting. That’s part of its charm — the “perfectly imperfect” movement that reminds you it’s alive, even once it’s part of your home.
Underfloor heating warms your floor gently from below, which means your wood will be held at a more consistent environment when compared to radiator heat that’s on and off more dramatically.
Choose Coppice & Crown Timber
At Coppice & Crown, we work exclusively with locally grown, fully traceable British wood. All of our flooring options are compatible with Underfloor Heating as they have been slowly processed – unlike other timber flooring suppliers.
Oak
Ash
Chestnut
Board width matters. Our wide boards — up to 350mm — can be used with underfloor heating, but they require expert installation and precise acclimatisation to avoid excessive movement.
Key Considerations for Laying Wood Over Underfloor Heating
Moisture Content is Key
Your flooring should be kiln-dried to the right moisture level for a heated environment. We prepare every board with this in mind to around 10% for a lived in home.Slow and Steady Heat Changes
Avoid cranking up the temperature. We recommend a surface temperature of no more than 27°C, and a gradual increase at the start of each heating season.Professional Fitting
Wide-board solid wood flooring over UFH requires an experienced installer who understands how to account for expansion gaps and fix securely.
The Beauty of Warm Wood Underfoot
Solid wood flooring over underfloor heating offers the best of both worlds — the timeless beauty of British timber and the comfort of radiant warmth. It’s a marriage of modern living and traditional craftsmanship.
At Coppice & Crown, we take pride in guiding our clients through every stage — from selecting the perfect species to ensuring flawless installation. So, whether you’re renovating a period cottage or building a contemporary home, we can help you create a floor your feet will walk, dance, and glide across for generations to come.
