Can You Put a Rug on a Floor with Underfloor Heating?

So, you have had underfloor heating installed and now you want to add all those cosy finishing touches to your home. However, this has left you wondering whether you can put a rug on a floor with underfloor heating?

Before you rush out and purchase a rug, you might need to consider a few things to ensure you make the right decision.

Can I use a rug with underfloor heating?

The good news is that you can use a rug with underfloor heating, but you have to remember that it can prevent heat from entering the room from the floor. If you consider it an additional layer, it can make it difficult for the heat to pass through. As a result, it will mean that your underfloor heating system will have to work harder in order to heat up your room.

What this means is that you have to choose the right rug with the right thickness and materials.

Can rugs cause damage to flooring when underfloor heating is installed?

Many different types of flooring have a maximum temperature such as engineered wood. Therefore, when you place a rug on top of this type of flooring, it can mean that the flooring might exceed the recommended temperature which can lead to damage. However, this can become a problem with the likes of electric underfloor heating as opposed to warm water underfloor heating.

When you place a thick rug on top, it will act as a layer of insulation and that can cause heat spots which can cause boards to warp and even lift. Engineered wood is known to be more expensive than laminate and that means that you will definitely want to avoid causing damage.

Choosing the right rug

So, we are not saying that you have to avoid putting a rug on your floor, but you have to be considerate when choosing it. Therefore, you will need to think about the following:

• The thickness – Thick rugs can cause heat to remain trapped underneath and that will mean that your underfloor heating system will become less effective. So, aim to find a rug that has a 2.5 tog or less.
• The material – Synthetic materials might not be suitable for holding heat which means you might want to avoid them, and they might even melt if they are exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, you should aim for natural materials such as the likes of wool.
• The underlay material – If your rug has an underlay material such as felt or polyurethane, then you should avoid it. These materials are not good at conducting heat which will mean that your underfloor heating system is not as effective. Opt for an underlay that is made of hessian where possible as this will work better.

What this means is that you will need to think about the type of rug that you want to add to your home and the type of underfloor heating system. However, the good news is that it is possible to add a rug with some small considerations.