Underfloor heating works best with flooring that conducts heat well and won’t move as it warms and cools. Tile and stone are the most efficient conductors, which is why they’re the default choice in kitchens and bathrooms with underfloor heating fitted.
Engineered timber can work well over underfloor heating but needs to be specified correctly — the wrong construction or thickness can lead to gapping or cupping over time as it heats and cools. Solid timber is generally not recommended.
Carpet is the least efficient option thermally, since it insulates against the heat you’re paying to produce, so if it’s a must-have in a bedroom, a lower-tog underlay and rug rather than full carpet is worth considering.
