Best Hardwood Species Over Radiant Heat Nwfa

Quartersawn wood flooring is always more stable under conditions of extreme moisture or heat and is always a good choice over radiant heat especially when going with flooring wider than 4 inches.

Best hardwood species over radiant heat nwfa. With strip flooring the wider the board the greater the potential for gaps between the boards when they contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. How to install hardwood floors over radiant heat parquet floors are readily used in radiant heat applications. Engineered wood flooring is more dimensionally stable than solid wood flooring. When possible choose a species that is known for its stability.

Together the taskforce developed maximum recommended allowable operating temperature guidelines for wood floors. Types of wood flooring that are best suited for radiant heat subfloor are products that possess improved dimensional stability such as these. One of the best options over radiant heat is to use an engineered hardwood floor. Types of wood flooring that are best suited for radiant heat subfloor are products that possess improved dimensional stability such as.

Most newer radiant heat systems have exterior thermostats which will gradually bring up the temperature within the floor during the start of the colder season so that the heat will not shock the wood flooring causing the. Water and wood as well as in its installation guidelines. Plainsawn wood will move more than quartersawn especially when it is over 4 inches wide. We recommend the radiant heat be run at a temperature of 65 70 degrees two weeks prior to the wood flooring being brought in and until the wood flooring has been installed.

The inherent dimensional stability of engineered hardwood floors makes it a great choice for radiant heat systems. Species both in solid and engineered flooring options certain species are known for their inherent dimensional stability such as mesquite black cherry black walnut and others. Wood flooring can be installed over radiant heat as long as you understand radiant heat and how it can impact wood flooring what precautions to take and what type of wood flooring to use. The nwfa offers information on radiant heat in its technical manual a100.

It s best to follow the manufacturer s recommendation for a species suitability over radiant heat. Quartersawn or rift sawn flooring is preferable to plainsawn in the search for stability. Guide the homeowner in selecting a hardwood floor that is appropriate for their scenario. Certain solid hardwood floors are appropriate as well.