Antique floors on underfloor heating
19 November 2024

Can you combine underfloor heating with an antique floor?
You want the best of both worlds: the charm of an antique floor and the modern comfort of underfloor heating. But is it possible to combine the two?
Underfloor heating has become a popular choice for renovations—and for good reason. It offers luxurious comfort, is energy-efficient, and doesn’t take up additional space. Because underfloor heating is a modern solution, many people assume it won’t work with an antique or vintage floor. However, nothing could be further from the truth! Even antique floors can be perfectly combined with this modern heating method.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind to get the best out of both your floor and your heating system. Below are some practical tips for combining underfloor heating with an antique floor:
Underfloor heating and antique natural stone floors: what you need to know
Natural stone tiles are highly suitable for underfloor heating because they conduct heat exceptionally well. However, working with antique natural stone floors can present a few challenges, as they are often thicker than modern tiles. Think of antique marble, Burgundy stone slabs, or old freestone floors—all beautiful options, but there are some things to consider.
Thickness of the tiles: Choose antique natural stone tiles no thicker than about 2 cm. If you opt for thicker tiles, such as some old Burgundy stone or hand-hewn marble, bear in mind that they will take longer to heat up.
Heating time and efficiency loss: Thicker tiles (6–10 cm) require more time to warm up. This means your underfloor heating system will respond slower and may lead to efficiency loss. In some cases, you may need to leave the heating on continuously to maintain a consistent temperature.
In short, antique natural stone floors are a stunning addition to your home, but careful consideration of heating time and tile thickness is essential.
Antique terracotta tiles and underfloor heating: a perfect match
Antique terracotta tiles, such as estrik tiles or old farm tiles, are surprisingly well-suited for underfloor heating, despite their often substantial thickness of 2.5–4 cm (or even 6–7 cm with a mortar base). These terracotta tiles are an excellent choice because their porous structure ensures efficient heat conduction and retention. Additionally, they provide a rustic, timeless charm and a sense of history to your home.
Even antique cement tiles, often thinner in profile, work beautifully with underfloor heating. They not only conduct heat well but also lend a bold, industrial aesthetic to your interior.
In short, antique terracotta tiles are an outstanding option for underfloor heating!
Combining underfloor heating with an old wooden floor: important tips
An old wooden floor adds warmth and character to your interior, making it a popular choice. Unfortunately, wooden floors are generally less compatible with underfloor heating than stone floors, as wood tends to warp or shrink. If you’re set on this combination, here are some important factors to consider:
Avoid softwood, opt for oak: Softwoods like pine are less suitable because of their tendency to shrink. Oak, being harder and more stable, is a better choice. Engineered oak planks, with a solid oak top layer and a multi-layered core, provide greater stability and are less prone to warping. Alternatively, a thin oak parquet (1 cm or less) glued directly to a suitable subfloor can achieve similar stability.
Preparation and gradual heating: Ensure a proper subfloor—avoid chipboard and opt for oak battens instead. Let the wood acclimatize to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation. After the floor is laid, gradually increase the underfloor heating temperature to prevent sudden warping or cracking.
With these tips, an old wooden floor can become a striking feature in your home!
Disclaimer: These tips provide valuable considerations for combining antique floors with underfloor heating. However, installing an antique floor over underfloor heating is a specialized task. Piet Jonker Abcoude BV is not responsible for any errors or damage resulting from failure to follow professional guidelines.
We strongly recommend consulting an experienced professional to assess whether your floor is suitable for underfloor heating and to ensure correct installation. For more information and advice, please feel free to contact us. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help you achieve the floor of your dreams.