Rug on underfloor heating: is it possible?
A frequently asked question is: 'Can I put a rug on underfloor heating?' The short answer to this question is: yes! A rug and underfloor heating work well together. There are a few things you need to keep in mind – read on to find out what to watch for.
Which rugs are suitable for underfloor heating?
When choosing a rug for underfloor heating, it's important to consider:
- The materials: rugs made from natural fibres such as wool and cotton are ideal because they conduct heat well.
- The structure: pay attention to the rug's thickness; a thinner rug ensures better heat transfer and increases underfloor heating efficiency. Avoid rugs with a glued backing, as these can block heat and the glue can come loose. Instead, choose rugs with an open weave structure that allow heat to pass through.
When choosing a rug for underfloor heating, it's important to think about the space where it will go. For the living room, you can choose rugs that retain heat and feel comfortable. Think of models from our living room rug category and then check whether the material is suitable for underfloor heating.
A wool rug and underfloor heating
A wool rug is an excellent choice for underfloor heating because wool naturally conducts heat well and helps distribute warmth evenly.
Important note: Although wool rugs work well with underfloor heating, it's important to understand that constant heat can cause the fibres to dry out. To prevent drying out, it's recommended to air the rug regularly. You can also occasionally sprinkle the rug with water, or place a bowl of water on the heating. This keeps the room's humidity in balance.
A cotton rug and underfloor heating
Cotton rugs are an excellent choice for underfloor heating because cotton is a natural fibre that conducts heat well. Cotton rugs are light, thin and breathable. Plus, cotton rugs are easy to maintain and durable, making them ideal for use with underfloor heating.
A jute rug and underfloor heating
Jute rugs are made from natural fibres that conduct heat relatively well, making them suitable for underfloor heating. However, jute is a rather stiff and less insulating fibre. The rug may feel less soft as a result and potentially retain less heat than other natural materials such as wool or cotton. Make sure the jute rug isn't too thick so it still conducts enough heat.
A polypropylene rug and underfloor heating
Polypropylene rugs are suitable for use with underfloor heating due to their synthetic fibres, which resist heat and wear well. These rugs are often thin and light, allowing them to conduct warmth efficiently. Plus, polypropylene rugs are easy to clean and retain their colour and shape well, even with regular underfloor heating use.
Rug on underfloor heating and floor type
Rug on PVC floor with underfloor heating
PVC floors are ideal due to their excellent heat-conducting properties, meaning underfloor heating warmth spreads efficiently, even with a rug on top.
Rug on wooden floor with underfloor heating
Wooden floors can work well with underfloor heating, provided the right wood type is chosen and correctly installed; thin rugs such as those made from cotton or polyester are most suitable here to allow the warmth to pass through optimally.
Rug on tiled floor with underfloor heating
Tiled floors are perfect for underfloor heating due to their high heat conductivity and can be combined with almost any type of rug, with an anti-slip underlay being helpful to prevent sliding.
Anti-slip underlay on underfloor heating
An anti-slip underlay is a good way to protect a rug from underfloor heating. An anti-slip rug essentially forms a barrier between the heating and the rug, preventing direct contact. Take careful note: when buying a rug, some rugs cannot be placed directly on underfloor heating. Think of a round rug where the edges are finished with glue. In these cases, using an anti-slip underlay is highly recommended. An anti-slip base under your rug is also a conscious choice. Especially if you have a smooth floor, such as tiles or laminate, a rug can sometimes slip or shift. An anti-slip underlay keeps your rug in place and helps it stay looking good for longer.
Which rug is not suitable for underfloor heating?
It's also important to know which rugs aren't suitable for underfloor heating or what to watch for. After all, you want to enjoy both your rug and underfloor heating optimally. Read below which types of rug you'd better not choose.
- High-pile rug with underfloor heating
A high-pile rug is generally less suitable for underfloor heating because the thick and dense fibres can hinder heat transfer. If you do choose a high-pile rug, it's important to check whether it's specifically designed for use with underfloor heating so the heat passes through better.
- Rug with glued backing
Rugs with glued backings can significantly impede heat transfer from the underfloor heating to the top of the rug. Constant exposure to heat can cause the glue in the rug's backing to deteriorate over time. This can lead to crumbling or loosening of the backing, which not only damages the rug itself but can also leave residue on the floor.
Choose a heat-conductive rug for underfloor heating
If you're looking for the ideal rug to use with underfloor heating, choose a heat-conductive rug. A heat-conductive rug is a rug designed to efficiently allow heat from underfloor heating to pass through. When making your choice, pay attention to the following points:
- Material: Rugs made from natural fibres such as wool, cotton or jute are often better at conducting heat. These materials have good heat conductivity and can distribute warmth effectively.
- Thickness: Thinner rugs are generally better at conducting heat than thicker ones. A thinner rug means underfloor heating warmth spreads faster and more evenly throughout the room.
- Structure: Rugs with an open weave structure allow more heat to pass through than rugs with a dense structure. An open weave lets warmth more easily rise through the rug. Sisal rugs and jute rugs are examples of rugs with an open weave structure.
If you're looking for the ideal rug for underfloor heating, also check out our wide selection of rugs. Browse our rug collection for more options.
