Can you have radiant heating with engineered hardwood?

Yes. Engineered hardwood won’t be damaged by radiant (underfloor) heating, which can sometimes dehydrate solid wood, resulting in shrinking and gapping. 

If installed correctly, engineered wood may hold up better with radiant heat than other, more localized heating sources, such as bulky radiators.

What is radiant heating?

Radiant heating, sometimes referred to as underfloor heating, is an energy-efficient way to heat your home. It warms a room from the ground up with floor heaters and is targeted instead of central heating. 

Almost everyone knows that heat has a way of escaping through windows, doors, even window air conditioners. Since there’s worry about heat escaping, the bills automatically decrease.

Why are engineered wood floors good for radiant heating?

Engineered might look like solid hardwood flooring, but it has a different construction that makes it more stable. Solid wood is one thickness throughout the plank; thus, it is unstable and will, unless acclimated, move to adjust to the humidity. It will contract when it’s too dry and expand when humidity increases.

A layered construction, engineered, has a slice of real wood on top, giving it all the undertones, knots, grains, and swirls we love about wood flooring. 

Underneath, there are three or more layers of genuine wood combined with a little resin and placed in a crosswise position. That positioning makes the floor more stable and better able to handle water and moisture.

With decades of experience, our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best-engineered hardwood for your home or business. We have the most extensive stock inventory in the south, so visit the Wholesale Flooring & Granite showroom in Baton Rouge, LA, especially if you life or work in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Ascension Parish, Baker, or surrounding areas. While you’re there, we will get you a free estimate on hardwood flooring.