Click Here

Hardwood Flooring Over Radiant Heat

Launstein Hardwood Flooring Co. is currently running many different tests on how wood floors react to direct heat from radiant floor systems. As members of the Radiant Panel Association, we feel it is our responsibility to publicize our findings to the public. Furthermore, we want the public to understand how wood floors are compatible with radiant floor systems.

These facts are a result of our own testing and not necessarily the opinions of other companies. Understanding the difference between quartersawn and plainsawn flooring can help with your decision of what flooring to purchase.

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.

Plainsawn wood will move more than quartersawn especially when it is over 4 inches wide.

Red Oak Plainsawn 4" width over radiant heat

Quatersawn Hickory 4"-7" random width over radiant heat

Both floors were tested at a surface temperature of 80-85 degrees with no visible problems. We do not recommend going any higher than 85 degrees on your floor surface. The 3/8" solid wood floors averaged 5-7 degrees warmer than the 3/4" wood floors, with the water temperature at 115 degrees.

We do recommend a humidity level of at least 40% in the colder months when the floors are constantly kept at 85 degrees.

For further information call the Launstein manufacturing plant at
1-888-339-4639.