How To Fit Flooring Over Underfloor Heating

1. Ensure the Heating System is Properly Installed

Before laying flooring, make sure:

✅ The carbon film is flat with no overlaps or folds.

✅ Electrical connections are insulated and secure.

✅ The floor sensor and thermostat are installed and tested. 

An electrician needs to check the floor sensors and thermostats have been set up accurately and the system should be tested before you fit a laminate, engineered wood floor etc. Otherwise, if something is not correct you will have to lift your floor.

2. Add a Protective Layer (If Required)

• For Floating Floors (Laminate, Engineered Wood, Vinyl, SPC, LVT):

  • Lay a thin protective underlay (PE film ~0.2mm thick) over the heating film. This prevents moisture or mechanical damage.
  • Avoid thick underlays that may block heat transfer.

• For Carpet or Tiles:

  • You’ll need a rigid board layer (e.g., 6mm plywood or cement board) before installing carpet or tiles.
  • For tiles, use Tile effect flooring, special heating mats or self-leveling screed instead of direct carbon film installation.

3. Install the Flooring

• Laminate & Engineered Wood:

  • Use a floating floor method (click-lock or tongue & groove). 
  • Leave an expansion gap around the edges.

• Vinyl, SPC, or LVT Flooring:

  • Check that your vinyl/SPC is compatible with underfloor heating. We can advise.
  • Use a floating method or manufacturer-approved adhesives if needed.

• Carpet or Tiles:

  • For carpets, place a firm underlay (plywood/XPS boards) before installing the carpet.
  • For tiles, either use a recommended tile effect floor for use with the carbon film or our Ecoflex underfloor heating. Then tile on top.

4. Final Checks

✅ Ensure the floor is flat and stable.
✅ Power on the system to check for even heating.
✅ Set the thermostat to a safe temperature (max 27°C for wood or vinyl).