Many LVT floors can be used with underfloor heating, provided the individual product and the heating system are compatible, and the floor is installed to the manufacturer's requirements. LVT is a relatively slim floor, which makes it a practical choice over a compatible system. Browse the products below, all of which their manufacturers have confirmed for use with underfloor heating.
Each product above lists its installation method, thickness and any underlay or adhesive requirements, so you can compare like for like before you order. If you want to see a colour in your own light first, you can order free samples.
Why choose LVT with underfloor heating?
A compatible LVT floor and heating system can work well together for a few practical reasons:
- Slim construction. LVT is thinner than many other floor types, so heat has less material to pass through. The exact thickness varies by product.
- Comfortable underfoot. It suits kitchens, living areas, bedrooms and hallways, where a warm floor is most appreciated.
- Realistic finishes. Wood, stone and tile effects are all available, in a wide choice of colours and plank or tile formats.
- Easy upkeep. Most LVT surfaces wipe clean and need no sealing or refinishing.
- Water resistance. Many LVT products are waterproof or water resistant, but this varies by product, so check the specification for the floor you choose.
- Two installation formats. Click and glue-down LVT are both available, which gives you options to suit the subfloor and the room.
Can you use LVT with underfloor heating?
Yes, many LVT products can be installed over underfloor heating, but compatibility has to be confirmed for the individual floor and your heating system. Not every LVT range is approved, and an approved floor is not automatically suitable for every heating system.
Before you buy, check these points:
- the type of underfloor heating (water or electric)
- the construction of the flooring
- click or glue-down installation
- the condition and type of subfloor
- any adhesive or underlay the manufacturer requires
- the maximum floor temperature the flooring manufacturer permits
- the heating start-up and operating instructions
You need to follow two sets of instructions: the flooring manufacturer's and the underfloor heating manufacturer's. If they conflict, speak to both before going ahead. Our team can help you find the technical information for a product, so contact us if you are unsure.
Click LVT vs glue-down LVT over underfloor heating
Both formats are available for use with underfloor heating, and which suits you depends on the product, the subfloor and the room.
| | Glue-down LVT | Click LVT |
|---|
| How it is fitted | Bonded directly to a suitably prepared subfloor | Floating floor, locked together and not fixed to the subfloor |
| Heating considerations | Can transfer heat efficiently where the whole system is approved for underfloor heating | Compatibility depends on the specific construction and, where required, the underlay |
| What to check | The correct flooring adhesive and the manufacturer's installation requirements | Whether an underlay is required, and which one the manufacturer allows |
| Subfloor | Needs careful preparation, as the floor is bonded to it | Needs to be flat, dry and suitable for a floating installation |
Neither format is better for every home. The better choice is the one the manufacturer approves for your heating system and subfloor. You can browse both in our LVT and SPC flooring range, and find the adhesives and underlays to go with them.
LVT with water underfloor heating
Many suitable LVT products can be installed over water-based (hydronic) underfloor heating. The heating system, the subfloor and the flooring have to work together as one complete system, so the flooring manufacturer's guidance and the heating installer's requirements both apply. Temperature limits differ between products, so use the figure given for the floor you choose and do not assume a general rule.
LVT with electric underfloor heating
Whether LVT suits electric underfloor heating depends on the particular heating system and the flooring manufacturer's instructions. Do not assume that LVT can be laid directly over any electric mat or cable. Confirm that your heating system, subfloor preparation and chosen LVT are compatible before installation begins. If you are using a heating mat or cable that was fitted before you chose the floor, check its specification against the flooring requirements first.
Choosing LVT for underfloor heating
Use this checklist to compare the products in the grid:
- Confirmed compatibility. Is the product approved by its manufacturer for underfloor heating?
- Installation method. Click or glue-down, and which suits your subfloor?
- Maximum floor temperature. What limit does the manufacturer set for this floor?
- Construction and thickness. The overall build of the floor affects how it is installed.
- Underlay. Is one required, and which types are permitted?
- Room suitability. Is the product approved for the room you have in mind?
- Water resistance. Check this if the floor is for a kitchen, utility room or bathroom.
- Design and colour. Order a sample to judge the look in your own light.
- Warranty. Check that underfloor heating use is covered by the manufacturer's warranty terms.
- Installation instructions. Read them before you buy, not after.
Which rooms can use LVT with underfloor heating?
Compatible LVT suits most heated rooms in the home:
- living rooms and dining rooms
- kitchens
- bedrooms
- hallways
- home offices
- bathrooms, where both the LVT and the complete installation system are approved for that environment
Suitability varies between products, so check the specification for the room you are fitting rather than assuming a floor works everywhere. If you are choosing for a bathroom or kitchen, also look at the damp proofing and levelling products that may be needed beneath the floor.
LVT, SPC or laminate for underfloor heating?
Each of these can have underfloor-heating-compatible options, so the choice usually comes down to how you want the floor to feel and perform.
| | LVT | SPC | Laminate |
|---|
| Construction | Flexible vinyl | Rigid stone polymer core | Fibreboard core with a decorative layer |
| Underfoot | Slightly softer | Firmer | Firm |
| Water resistance | Often high, varies by product | Often high, varies by product | Varies, usually lower than vinyl |
| Installation | Click or glue-down | Usually click | Click |
| Underfloor heating | Check the product | Check the product | Check the product |
Our SPC flooring sits alongside LVT in the same range, and our laminate flooring includes products suitable for use with specified heating systems. Whichever you choose, confirm compatibility for the exact product first.
Installation and underfloor heating
Correct installation matters more when a floor sits over heating. The main points to cover are:
- Subfloor preparation. The surface needs to be sound, clean and level.
- Moisture testing. Do this where the manufacturer requires it.
- Adhesive. Glue-down LVT needs the adhesive the manufacturer specifies.
- Underlay. Click systems may need a compatible underlay.
- Temperature limits. Keep within the maximum the flooring manufacturer sets.
- Commissioning. The heating should be brought up to temperature correctly, with gradual changes where the instructions say so.
Follow both the flooring and the heating system instructions throughout. If you would rather have the job done for you, our floor fitting service covers London, and our local fitters directory can help elsewhere.
Shop LVT for underfloor heating
Browse and compare the compatible LVT above. Along with the flooring, we supply the adhesives and underlays you may need, and flooring accessories such as thresholds, edgings and skirting. You can order up to three free samples, call us on 020 8830 9787 for product advice, or visit our showroom at 158 Coles Green Road, London NW2 7HW. Trade customers can ask about trade pricing on larger projects.
FAQ
Can you use LVT flooring with underfloor heating?
Yes, many LVT products can be used with underfloor heating. Compatibility depends on the individual floor and the heating system, so confirm both before you buy.
Is all LVT suitable for underfloor heating?
No. Only products the manufacturer has approved for underfloor heating should be used with it. Check the specification of the exact floor you are considering.
Is click LVT suitable for underfloor heating?
It can be, depending on the specific construction and any underlay requirements. Check the manufacturer's guidance for the product.
Is glue-down LVT suitable for underfloor heating?
It can be, where the complete system is approved for underfloor heating and the correct adhesive is used. The manufacturer's installation instructions set the requirements.
Can LVT be used with electric underfloor heating?
Sometimes, but not with every system. Compatibility depends on the heating system and the flooring manufacturer's instructions, so confirm both before installation.
Can LVT be used with water underfloor heating?
Many suitable LVT products can be installed over water-based systems. The heating, subfloor and flooring must work together as one system, following both manufacturers' instructions.
Does LVT need underlay with underfloor heating?
It depends on the product and installation method. Some click systems need a compatible underlay and some glue-down installations do not. Check the flooring manufacturer's requirements.
What temperature can LVT flooring withstand?
There is no single figure for all LVT. Each manufacturer sets a maximum floor temperature for its product, so refer to the technical information for the floor you choose.
Does LVT reduce the heat from underfloor heating?
Any floor covering affects heat output to some degree. The effect depends on the construction of the floor and any underlay, so check the product information and the heating manufacturer's guidance.
Is LVT or laminate better for underfloor heating?
Neither is better in every case. Both have options approved for use with underfloor heating, so the choice comes down to the product, the room and how you want the floor to feel.
Can SPC flooring be used with underfloor heating?
Many SPC products can be, where the manufacturer confirms compatibility. Check the specification of the exact product and your heating system.
Do I need a special adhesive for LVT over underfloor heating?
Often the manufacturer specifies a particular adhesive for use over heating. Requirements depend on the floor and the heating system, so refer to the manufacturer's technical information.