How to make a warm floor under a floorboard. Is it possible to lay a warm floor under a parquet board

Many are interested in the question of the possibility of installing a warm floor under parquet. Wood has special properties that require careful and careful handling. By itself, it is a warm material, which is considered a good heat insulator, but sometimes there is a need or desire of the owner to make a warm floor under parquet. It is extremely important, in this case, to make the right choice of wood species, otherwise after a short period of time the tree will begin to dry out, cracks will appear, or swelling will occur flooring.

Underfloor heating types

More recently, underfloor heating in an apartment was considered a luxury, and not everyone could afford to install it. But progress does not stand still - more affordable materials and technologies appear that make the underfloor heating device more affordable. Today, its main types are water and electric.

The first option is a heating system powered by central heating or from an autonomous boiler. On concrete base according to a certain scheme are laid metal-plastic pipes on top of a thermo-reflective foil, under which there is a heat-insulating pad. Then the entire structure is poured with a cement screed, and the main coating is installed at least a month later.


The pitch between the pipes is calculated so that the temperature can be distributed as evenly as possible.

The optimal temperature is + 22 ... + 24 degrees Celsius, and the coolant can warm up to +50 degrees.

Water floors are considered less reliable because they are too likely to leak. The reason may be:

  • poor quality pipes or fittings;
  • illiterate assembly of the system;
  • accidental damage;
  • end of life of materials.

Electric underfloor heating means laying under the covering:

  • cables (resistive or self-regulating);
  • warm mats;
  • elastic infrared films.


The heating elements are mounted on a heat-insulating layer of high-temperature resistant material, which is laid on top of the concrete base. From above arrange cement screed and lay the flooring. The step between the parallel lines of the cable is taken individually, depending on its characteristics and the type of finishing material.

The temperature on the floor surface can be controlled by a thermostat installed above the floor surface. It is the only visible part of an electric underfloor heating, which is the most advanced heating system.

What to look for

Underfloor heating will not be able to withstand every tree. The main reason is the change in the original dimensions of parquet planks or boards under the influence of moisture when the temperature changes. It's no secret that wood perfectly absorbs moisture and swells, and when it shrinks, it shrinks and cracks. Therefore, it is recommended to install underfloor heating under parquet as a last resort, and the coating should be made of wood that has a low deformation coefficient and has high water-repellent characteristics. Experts offer the following list:

  • merbau;
  • doussia;
  • iroko.

You should not use beech or maple - they are prone to deformations when the microclimate in the room changes.


The parquet should be heated carefully, gradually raising the degrees on the floor surface. It is important to remember that overheating can lead to negative consequences, therefore the installation of thermostats for control is simply necessary here. Of course, in winter, gaps may appear between parquet boards, which disappear in summer. So that they are not too conspicuous, it is recommended to choose:

  • parquet floor no more than 1.5 cm thick;
  • parquet board minimum width;
  • most elastic adhesive (polyurethane).

It should be noted that a three-layer parquet board, laid on a warm floor, behaves a little better. Its structure, namely perpendicularly laid layers to each other, does not allow gaps to appear on the surface. In addition, parquet boards are laid by the "floating" method without fixing to the base, and are connected using a tongue-and-groove lock. Such a coating is capable of changing its size without creating gaps. But do not forget that low-quality cheap parquet boards can delaminate under the influence of frequent temperature changes.


Since the surface of the parquet is not allowed to be very hot, it is recommended to use additional heating sources in the room. They can be small radiators, including infrared, or warm walls.

It is necessary to weigh everything thoroughly

Walking on a cold floor is not very pleasant, especially in winter. Therefore, carpets are laid in the rooms, and residents use house slippers. But this does not apply to wood coverings, including parquet. The wood itself is quite warm, so there is no discomfort when walking on it barefoot.

There are some reasons why experts do not recommend installing underfloor heating under parquet. Here are some of them.

  1. Due to the heat-insulating properties of natural parquet, work on heating it may turn out to be meaningless, since the wood will simply not let some of the heat through.
  2. Exposing parquet to high temperatures can cause some problems. Due to the appearance of gaps between the dies, the floor will lose its visual appeal and begin to creak. Permanent repairs will require physical and material costs.

The conclusion suggests itself. Before the final decision on the arrangement of a warm floor under parquet, it will be necessary to take into account many factors, make the necessary calculations and consult a professional.

Technology of laying solid parquet boards on heated floors


Without a doubt, parquet in all its forms is the most luxurious, fashionable, sustainable, practical and durable flooring. For centuries, the floors of all palaces and noble houses have been decorated with works of art made of natural wood, emphasizing the status and excellent aesthetic taste of their owner. Of the entire range of wooden flooring, it is worth highlighting separately solid board... A noble product made of solid solid wood will be a wonderful decoration for your bedroom, living room or study.
Of course, such a "massive" parquet flooring requires special conditions of manufacture, installation and operation. In this article, we will analyze all the features of installation and maintenance of a massive floorboard when laying on a warm floor.

To begin with, we note that wood is a hygroscopic material, that is, it actively changes its own humidity relative to humidity environment... Also not last role temperature plays in this process (we will talk in more detail about the temperature and humidity standards for the operation of wood products below). This process is equally relevant both for wood raw materials and for the finished product in the form of a solid floorboard.

Drying is one of the most important stages in the production of parquet products. The moisture content of the raw material decreases from 20-30% to the required 8%, as a result, internal stresses arise in the wood. The more accurate and technologically advanced the drying process, the less residual stresses in the finished product, and the more stable the parquet behaves at the facility. It is also worth noting that the larger the overall dimensions of the parquet product, the stronger the internal stresses will be.

Summing up all of the above, we note that solid board itself is a floor covering of increased complexity of production and installation. And if we add to this the realities of laying on a warm floor, then the task takes on the character of a challenge to the skill and experience of any parquet flooring. And the masters of the VERNISSAGE company are ready to answer this challenge!


Over the years of experience of the company, we have developed a number of rules for laying solid boards on a warm floor:

1. The dimensions of a solid board should not exceed 120 mm in width and 15 mm in thickness. The internal stresses of the board depend on the width, and the thickness affects the efficiency of the heating system as a whole.

2. Carrying out measurements for humidity (1.5 - 2%), flatness (tolerance of 2 mm per 2 running meters) and screed strength. Vertical pull-off strength is produced by selectively gluing control samples to the working area of \u200b\u200bthe base. The pull-off values \u200b\u200bare measured with a lever-type dynamometer. Based on the measurement results, a parquet adhesive is selected: for a screed with a strength of ≥ 1 N / mm2 [Newton / square millimeter], the BergerBondP1 glue system is recommended, for a screed of 0.5 - 1 N / mm2 - BergerBondM1S.

BergerBond P1 - Maximum strength adhesion, proven by vertical peel test results, and the absence of water and solvents in the adhesive, provide the most reliable and durable adhesion of large-format solid floorboards to the screed. It should also be noted the convenience when working with one-component glue. Due to its "single component" you do not have to observe proportions and spend time constantly mixing the components. Another advantage of P1 is the effect of foaming the adhesive mass during drying, which guarantees filling of all the voids under the parquet and increases the bonding area. A strong concrete base combined with the incredible strength of the P1 bond will ensure years of trouble free use of your floors. BergerBond M1S - A distinctive feature of this glue is the elasticity of the glue line. That is, if the climatic conditions of operation are violated and the inevitable shift of the elements of the floor covering does not tear off the glue, relatively speaking, the glue releases the element, and a force is created that tries to return it to the opposite state, which happens when the climate returns to the optimal state. The glue has a high strength of the adhesive bond, and is also easy to use, since it does not require mixing an additional component.

In addition to the norms described above, the underfloor heating screed must meet the following conditions:

The thickness of the screed should be 45 mm larger than the diameters of the underfloor heating elements;

Reinforcement of the base using a masonry mesh made of wire 2 mm thick and a mesh size of 50 x 50 mm, placing it under the heating elements (when using electric heating elements, the mesh must be connected to the building's grounding system);

In places where the screed is interfaced with other structures (walls, partitions, pipelines, etc.), gaps of 25-30 mm should be provided, filled with elastic gaskets;

With a screed area of \u200b\u200bmore than 30 m2, expansion joints should be provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions with a step of 3-6 m;

Before starting work, heated floors must be tested in accordance with DIN 18365 (with an act);

The operating temperature of heated floors should not exceed + 28 ° С;

During work, the heating must be turned off.

3. Maintaining a climatic regime at the facility with a relative humidity of 40% to 60% and a temperature of + 18 ° C to + 22 ° C to prevent cracking and warping of individual elements of the floor covering.

4. Do not change the temperature of the heated floor by more than 1 ° C per day. This will avoid the formation of cracks and cracking of the flooring elements.

5. Use of professional products for cleaning (cleaning) and care of wooden floor coverings under varnish, oil or wax.

- the main agent for the maintenance of floors under oil and wax. The method of application is similar to EverClear - it is also added to the water during wet cleaning. It contains wax and has a high regenerating effect. An easy and convenient way to keep your floor intact.

So, we have touched on all the main aspects related to the production and installation of solid flooring, and also described the basic means for cleaning and maintaining wood flooring. We sincerely hope that our tips will help you make the right decision!

All professional advice. We sincerely want to help you in choosing parquet and the most suitable materials for all stages of parquet work.

Today, there are two main types of underfloor heating - electric, in the form of a cable, heating mats or foil, and water, which is a pipeline that is connected to central heating. Once you have decided on the type of heating system, it is time to choose a floor covering. And here it is important not to be mistaken.

Not every type of laminate is compatible with a warm floor, let alone parquet. Natural wood reacts poorly to temperature changes, dries up, cracks and deforms. Laminate that is not intended for a warm floor, if it does not lose its presentation, it may not heat up well or emit harmful substances... That is why you need to pay attention to the question of which laminate to choose for a warm floor. The same goes for parquet flooring.

Manufacturers produce collections of coatings designed specifically for installation over floor heating systems. The corresponding markings can be found on the packaging. In addition, the manufacturer indicates and specifications, which also need to be considered. It is better if a knowledgeable person will help you to choose a combination of warm floor and covering.

It doesn't matter what you choose - a solid board for a warm floor or a laminate for a warm water floor. At the Decoracion studio, they will definitely help you find a suitable option that combines aesthetics and functionality. With us you can be sure of the quality, safety and reliability of parquet and laminate flooring.

Why this particular parquet board?

  • This board has the best varnish resistance to abrasion
  • Automated system for sawing, wood preparation and defect detection.
  • This, like almost everything we use, is an environmentally friendly material.
  • The board is covered with 7 layers protective coating, this is another plus in her piggy bank against deformation
  • There is nothing more beautiful than natural wood
  • The parquet board can be re-looped several times, so it will serve you until you get bored.

Underfloor heating is a well thought-out system that allows you to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort in the room, regardless of the season. To what extent does it match the parquet board, is it possible in principle to lay underfloor heating under the parquet board, which system will be optimal? About the nuances of the choice and the stages of installation below.

Underfloor heating is well suited for both large, weakly heated rooms, and for very small ones, for example, for a bathroom

Most experts, including manufacturers of parquet boards, are inclined to believe that the coating can be combined with "warm floor" systems, observing certain requirements:

  • constant temperature regime of the floor - no more than 26 degrees Celsius;
  • uniform heating of all strips;
  • the board should be made of wood species resistant to high temperatures. Unlike parquet, the board will cope with the test in the form of a warm floor, provided the right choice systems.


Each type of underfloor heating has its own small risks, but with proper installation, they are insignificant.

Underfloor heating system options: features

Warm floors, which are in abundance on the market, are actually divided into three main groups. Actively used:

  • film warm floor (infrared);
  • water;
  • electric.

Each of the systems has specific performance characteristics, pros and cons. Their analysis with a forecast of interaction with the parquet board will allow you to make the right choice.


An example of a water floor heating device

Features of the infrared floor: structure and principle of operation

Infrared floors have appeared relatively recently, but have already earned the trust of consumers and positive reviews from experts in this field. The system is simple. At the base is a polymer film of a certain thickness with graphite strips soldered into it, in turn connected by heating copper and silver elements with a characteristic low level of electrical resistance.

The principle of the system is as simple as the structure. At start-up, the heating elements transfer energy to the surface of the flooring and to the objects standing on it. As a result, the air is warmed up not only by the floor, but also by the pieces of furniture. It is this feature that distinguishes the "infrared floor" system in comparison with other types of underfloor heating, which initially heat the air and only then pieces of furniture under its influence.


Infrared floors can also be suitable, for example, for heating a sauna

The main advantages of the system include:

  • the ability to use under any floor covering;
  • high level of flexibility, which allows installation on surfaces at an angle;
  • system operability even if one or more elements fail;
  • long service life (several tens of years);
  • rapid floor heating.

Infrared underfloor heating does not pose a danger to people, pets, and can be used in rooms for various purposes and areas.

Water floors - how they work and how they differ

The "water underfloor heating" system involves heating the floor surface at the expense of a certain water temperature. Pipes made of modern plastic material are mounted under the coating according to a certain scheme, after which they are poured concrete screed... The water circulating through the pipes heats up when the system is turned on and is well suited for heating not only the floor, but also the entire room, provided its area is small.

The advantages of a water floor are obvious:

  • suitable for the installation of a "warm floor" system in large rooms;
  • economically consumes electricity;
  • evenly heats the air in the room.


Installation of water hoses in special troughs

The system also has minor flaws. Water floors can leak, which can adversely affect the condition of the floor covering. If a board was used for a warm water floor, then only the timely elimination of the accident with the replacement of the damaged dies can save it.

In addition, controlling the heat level of the system is not as easy as with other options - infrared and electric floor. Another disadvantage is that the structure will "steal" centimeters from the ceiling height (about 10-13 cm).

What you need to know about electric floor systems

Electric underfloor heating under parquet is actively used indoors, regardless of their purpose. The system is implemented by affordable price, is characterized by high performance and relative safety.

An electrical cable acts as the main heating element. By analogy with plastic pipes, mounted within the framework of the water floor, the cable is laid under the parquet board in one of the ways: parallel and spiral.


Electric floor heating device

The cable itself can be sealed in a special film or separate. The first option is available for installation in rooms with height differences in the base.

Installation of the cable without fail implies the installation of an insulating layer with concrete screed pouring. During operation, the cable converts electricity into heat.

The main advantages of the system are considered to be simple installation, as well as the ability to combine with a parquet board without negative impact to cover. The electric floor is responsible for uniform heating of air in the room and is environmentally friendly.

What are the requirements for installing a warm floor under the board

In order for the system to work without affecting the flooring, in addition to the correct choice from the options presented, it is worth remembering that laying a parquet board in this case implies compliance with certain rules:

  1. A layer of plywood sheets must be laid under the coating with its reliable fixation with a concrete screed using two-component glue, self-tapping screws.
  2. A heat-insulating layer is arranged between the plywood substrate and the floor, preventing premature wear of the coating;
  3. They think over the system in such a way that each coating die receives the same amount of heat.

Before the installation begins, complex calculations are carried out, not forgetting that the warm floor under the parquet must warm up to a certain temperature: the lower layer - up to 40 degrees Celsius, the upper one - up to no more than 27 degrees Celsius. It would be correct to entrust the installation to craftsmen who can achieve the ideal combination of underfloor heating with a heating system to reduce the number of pipes laid along the outer part of the floor.


Installation of any kind of warm floor is a serious task that requires special training.

Which "warm floor" to choose under the board

After analyzing the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of all systems, we can conclude which warm floor is better for a parquet board and why.

The option with an electric or infrared floor is considered optimal, since, unlike a water one, during operation, they are not able to damage the board. Any emergency situation leaking water floor will be detrimental to the coating. That is why parquet for a warm water floor is not the most suitable option, just like parquet board.


Underfloor heating is not just a whim, but an engineering solution that improves living standards

Installation of an electric floor under a parquet board: how is it done

A simple and affordable option - laying parquet on a warm floor in the base with a heating cable, that is, electrical system... Yes, in this case, the level of fire safety in the room increases, but if the rules of operation and installation are observed, the risk of fire will be minimized.

Work begins, as in all other cases related to the device of the floor, with the preparation of the base. It is cleaned and leveled with a leveling compound. A layer of waterproofing mixture is applied to the finished dry, clean and even base, and the floor is allowed to dry.

The next step is the construction of the frame. Support logs are built at a distance of no more than 60 cm from each other. The voids between them are filled with waterproofing materials, for example, penofol, mineral wool.


Spread mesh with electric cable

Lay down roll materials strips using overlap adhesive. A galvanized mesh is mounted on the waterproofing layer. The electrical cable is laid next to the beams, a centimeter away from them. In the beams, cuts are prepared with a width of up to 3 cm, where foil and cable are laid. The latter is secured with mounting tape.

The finished cable layer is re-covered with waterproofing materials, after which they proceed to the installation of a finished floor from a parquet board, using a backing of plywood sheets or fiberboard, fixed with self-tapping screws.

How to install an infrared floor under a parquet board

Installation of a film floor under a parquet board is simple, so it does not take much time. The work is carried out in several stages. As in the case of an electric floor, the process begins with the preparation of the base and the installation of a layer of thermal insulation.

In order for the floor to be of high quality, safe and last for many years, the base must be not only even, but also dry and clean. Therefore, it is advisable to completely dismantle the old coating, exposing the concrete (wooden) base of the floor. Using a level, you will need to check the height of the base (differences should not exceed 3 mm).

The next step is sanding for wood floors and sanding for concrete. The debris formed during the work is removed by thoroughly cleaning the base (an industrial or conventional vacuum cleaner is suitable).


Infrared floor installation

The finished base is used for laying polyethylene film with a thickness of 50 microns. This will be the waterproofing layer of the warm floor. The next layer of heat-insulating material is attached to the top of the film.

The next stage is marking a warm film floor. To do this, determine the place of installation of the temperature sensor, temperature regulator and connection of the system to the network. Mount the IR films along the length of the room, laying the conductive film with the strip down. To keep the strips on the layer of thermal insulation, use construction tape. Cut lines in the areas of conductors and silver-plated contacts connecting the contacts with the tape are additionally treated with bitumen insulation.

A plywood substrate is mounted on the finished infrared floor (fixed with self-tapping screws), which is subsequently used as a base for a parquet board.