Flooring and underlay over UFH

[JimmyC]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm looking for some advice on flooring types, underlay and installation methods, as I’m currently in the middle of having an extension done and trying to decide what flooring to go for. It's likely going to be a DIY job to keep in budget (I have some experience on flooring projects over the years, just never on top of a UFH system). The floor will have a Wunda Rapid Response retrofit UFH system installed, and as I’m currently early stages on the flooring, i'm still debating between engineered wood, laminate, and LVT, all of which ideally in a herringbone (or a basket-weave if LVT) pattern.

 

Laminate is currently the front-runner from a cost perspective, although I'd rather one of the other systems for their design choices, but being put off due to having to use a 'wet' adhesive system underneath. I have seen the Elastilon Strong underlay that seems sutiable for UFH (for a traditional installation), but wondered if this was suitable and if anyone has installed this (successfully) over a retrofit UFH system with engineered wood on top of this, or is a floating engineered wood installation an option if going herringbone? Not sure if these are a viable options or not, so any advice on this would be appreciated. I’m also being put off of doing LVT due to the adhesive fitting suggested by Wunda (using the Mapei Eco-Prim Grip and Ultraplan Renovation Screed) onto the UFH, plus I've never fitted LVT before, and feel it may be beyond my abilities if I'm being truthful - is there anything to watch out for on this, is it a case of take your time, or just get a professional in to do it right?

 

I'm trying to find a balance between cost, longevity, choice of pattern and ease of installation, although appreciate getting all of these might not be achievable. Any advice on any of the systems, or the do's and don'ts would be greatly appreciated to help me make my decision - not against any route, or variation at this stage, just want to make sure it's an informed decision!

 

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

[Johnnyt]

Amtico Click Smart LVT for me

130 square meters fitted over in screed wet ufh, not a problem.

Down 3 years and looks as good as day laid.

 

https://www.amtico.com/collections/amtico-click-smart/

[JackHammer]

On 04/11/2024 at 23:04, JimmyC said:

Hi everyone,

 

I'm looking for some advice on flooring types, underlay and installation methods, as I’m currently in the middle of having an extension done and trying to decide what flooring to go for. It's likely going to be a DIY job to keep in budget (I have some experience on flooring projects over the years, just never on top of a UFH system). The floor will have a Wunda Rapid Response retrofit UFH system installed, and as I’m currently early stages on the flooring, i'm still debating between engineered wood, laminate, and LVT, all of which ideally in a herringbone (or a basket-weave if LVT) pattern.

 

Laminate is currently the front-runner from a cost perspective, although I'd rather one of the other systems for their design choices, but being put off due to having to use a 'wet' adhesive system underneath. I have seen the Elastilon Strong underlay that seems sutiable for UFH (for a traditional installation), but wondered if this was suitable and if anyone has installed this (successfully) over a retrofit UFH system with engineered wood on top of this, or is a floating engineered wood installation an option if going herringbone? Not sure if these are a viable options or not, so any advice on this would be appreciated. I’m also being put off of doing LVT due to the adhesive fitting suggested by Wunda (using the Mapei Eco-Prim Grip and Ultraplan Renovation Screed) onto the UFH, plus I've never fitted LVT before, and feel it may be beyond my abilities if I'm being truthful - is there anything to watch out for on this, is it a case of take your time, or just get a professional in to do it right?

 

I'm trying to find a balance between cost, longevity, choice of pattern and ease of installation, although appreciate getting all of these might not be achievable. Any advice on any of the systems, or the do's and don'ts would be greatly appreciated to help me make my decision - not against any route, or variation at this stage, just want to make sure it's an informed decision!

 

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

Hi @JimmyC 

Laminate is a decent option and has herringbones that can be installed in a floating fashion but I have to agree with @Johnnyt a click system LVT with a rigid core, not the amtico 2-3mm stuff you have to glue down like a jigsaw puzzle.

In terms of engineered wood flooring I was advised against floating on top of an underlay as it should be glued down due to all the intricate pieces and angles.  I did see while doing my research online that a engineered herringbone floor with a click system can be fitted floating over a UFH system and suitable underlay see this fitting guide where it advises floating method is ideal for click-joining herringbone wood floors: https://floorwarehouse.co.uk/parquet-flooring-installation-guide/

[Conor]

We've 12mm laminate on top of 5mm wood fibre underlay on top of our screen floors. Love it. Esp in working areas and with kids running about the place. Something like 70m². So, so glad we didn't go for wood.