If you want the benefits of underfloor heating along with the look and feel of carpet, you shouldn’t have to compromise. The good news is, you don’t have to. With the latest advancements in underfloor heating, multiple options are safe to use and compatible with carpet, delivering a soft, heated floor for any room. 

Underfloor Heating and Carpet

Installing an underfloor heating system beneath your carpet is an efficient way to regulate temperature, increase heat, and create a warm, comfortable environment. Despite what people may think, you can put underfloor heating under the carpet. But to enjoy all the benefits, there are a few factors to consider:

• Carpet Thickness – Avoid deeper or ‘shag’ carpets as these suppress heat transfer from underneath. Thinner carpets are more compatible with underfloor heating systems.

• Check the Tog – A carpet’s tog has a big impact on the efficiency of your underfloor heating system. Look for carpets with a tog rating of 1.5 or lower, and avoid those with a rating above 2.5.

• Carpet Backing – Avoid carpets with a rubber backing as the heat can result in mould build-up. You ideally want a hessian backing for optimum heat transfer. 

• Type of Underlay – Avoid felt materials as they can act as a thermal blocker. Instead, use insulation boards that support your underfloor heating system. 

• Location – Where you install your underfloor heating system will also have an influence, and should not be placed under fitted furniture or cabinets, blocking the heat.

Read more:

• Everything You Need To Know About Electric Underfloor Heating Mats

• How Does Water Underfloor Heating Work​?

• How Effective Is Electric Underfloor Heating?

• Is Underfloor Heating Worth It?

• Electric UFH vs. Water UFH: Choosing the Right Underfloor Heating System

What Type Of Underfloor Heating Can I Lay Under Carpet?

When it comes to installing underfloor heating under your carpet, both electric and warm water underfloor heating systems will be compatible. However, an electric underfloor heating mat or mesh is often the most popular choice due to its ease of installation and the aluminium foil casing that aids in heat distribution. Electric underfloor heating mats are also made from very thin material, so they won’t drastically increase your floor level.

The Advantages of Installing Underfloor Heating Under Carpet

• Improved Hygiene – Radiators cause dust particles in carpets to circulate, contaminating the air and irritating allergies. Underfloor heating reduces air circulation, preventing dust from circulating and creating a more pleasant environment.

• Enhanced Comfort – Ultimately, combining the soft, fluffy texture of carpet with the warm, cosy sensation of underfloor heating creates a relaxing and comfortable surface underfoot – ideal for humans and pets!

• Warmer Rooms – Where a radiator can only heat a particular space, an underfloor heating system has a wider floor coverage. This means more of your room is being heated and not blocked by furniture. 

• Efficient Heat Transfer – Underfloor heating combined with carpet reduces the need to turn your thermostat up. This combination helps ensure consistent thermal transfer, regardless of the room's size. 

• Space Optimisation – Tucked under the carpet, underfloor heating is ideal for small spaces. With a thin underfloor heating mat, you can remove traditional radiators and free up essential wall space.

• Minimal Maintenance – When laid correctly, underfloor heating can often be left to its own devices. Controlled via a thermostat, it needs minimal cleaning and maintenance.

What Temperature Should My Underfloor Heating System Be Set To?

If you’re installing an underfloor heating system under carpet, it’s important that you do not exceed the recommended temperature of 27 °C (81°F). This is to maintain the efficiency of your underfloor heating, and can be set and controlled via a thermostat. If you’re unsure which thermostat is best, our helpful thermostat guide can help.

Read more: What Temperature Should Underfloor Heating Be Set At?

How To Install Underfloor Heating Under Carpet

Installing underfloor heating underneath carpet is a fairly easy process. In some instances, you may need to relevel the subbase with a self-levelling compound, making the installation of your underfloor heating system more straightforward. But, essentially, the installation process involves five steps:

1. Lay Insulation Boards – Before you start, lay insulation boards on top of the subbase. This provides a solid base for your underfloor heating system to lie on and helps with heat transfer.

2. Install Your Underfloor Heating System – Whether you’ve chosen an electric or warm water underfloor heating system, lay this on top of your insulation boards. If you’re new to laying underfloor heating, our installation guide can help.

3. Test Your System – Before covering your underfloor heating system with carpet, turn on and test your system. This will allow you to check any issues before carpeting it in place. 

4. Covering Electric Cables - For electric cable underfloor heating, you need to cover it with a self-levelling compound of 10-12mm. This creates a solid base for your carpet while helping to heat the floor as a ‘slab’, eliminating ‘cold spots’. 

5. Add an Overlay – Overlays help with moisture control and protect your underfloor heating system. Look for overlays with a tog rating of 1 or below, and ensure they are compatible with your carpet. Polyurethane, foam and sponge rubber overlays are a good option as they conduct heat to help warm your room. 

6. Roll Out Your Carpet – The final step is to lay your carpet and enjoy a warm, cosy, and functional floor. 

Underfloor Heating Systems Compatible with Carpets

Product	UFH Type	Compatible Thermostat	Features
PREMTool thermaheat Loose Lay Underfloor Heating Cable	Electric Cable	Yes - PREMTOOL ThermaHeat Smart DISC HD Wi-Fi Thermostat	Thin cabling, easy to install & fit into PREMTOOL Thermaheat Matting
Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-S Underfloor Heating Floor Kit	Electric Cable	Includes touchscreen thermostat	Various sizes & Wi-Fi options available.
Rise Electric Underfloor Heating Mat	Electric Cable & Matting	Yes - Rise Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat	160 Watts, up to 15m2, 2mm thin cables & super easy to install.
Harmoni SmartMat 150W	Electric Cable & Self-adhesive Mesh	Yes - Harmoni Touch Digital Thermostat with Wi-Fi	150W, for timber & concrete floors, various sizes, ultra-thin cables & lifetime warranty
ThermoSphere Mesh Self-Adhesive	Electric Cable & Self-Adhesive Mesh	Yes - ThermoSphere Bluetooth Thermostat	150W/m2, various sizes available & easy to install.
Mapei Mapeheat Loose Lay Underfloor Heating	Electric Cable	Yes - Mapei Mapeheat Thermo Basic Thermostat	Free-form twin-coil cable, ultra-thin cold lead, available from 14.5 to 98m
Warmup StickyMat Self-Adhesive Underfloor Heating System	Electric Cable & Adhesive Matting	Yes - Warmup Tempo Digital Thermostat	Quick & easy installation, 1.8mm heating wire, available in various sizes.
DEVImat Contract DTIR-150 150W	Electric Cable & Matting	Yes - Devireg Thermostat	Suitable for timber & concrete floors, all-one-mat, fast & easy installation.
Amber Wet Underfloor Heating Manifold	Waterpipes	Yes - Amber DT-Two WiFi Thermostat	Multiple sizes available, pressure gauge & isolating valves included.

Does Underfloor Heating Work with Carpet?

In conclusion, yes, underfloor heating can be used with carpets. Of course, there are factors to consider that this article has covered. But, as long as you choose a heating system that is compatible with your choice of carpet, you can’t go wrong. If you’re unsure or need further advice on underfloor heating, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.