What to Consider Before Installing

Choose the Right Wood

First of all, use engineered wood flooring instead of solid wood flooring. Made from multiple layers, engineered wood flooring consists of a plywood or HDF core and a top layer of hardwood veneer. Along with enhanced stability, this construction makes engineered planks less susceptible to contraction and expansion due to moisture and temperature changes compared to solid hardwood.

Due to the added thickness of engineered hardwood layers, this flooring is less vulnerable to the possible expansion and contraction caused by sudden changes in temperature or humidity. It is also a very stable flooring option and there are now fully waterproof versions available.

Plank Size Makes a Difference

You also need to consider plank size and room layout before you begin. For heat to effectively reach the room, the overall flooring thickness should be no more than 18mm, and the solid wood layer on the top should be no thicker than 5 mm.

The wider the boards you install, the greater the risk of the boards developing gaps between them when they contract. The maximum recommended width of a board used in hardwood flooring above radiant heat is 3 inches. You can also reduce gaps by using parquet flooring, tongue-and-groove strips, or boards with beveled edges.