Electric radiant heating isn’t just for tile floors. Laminate, engineered wood, and other floating wood floors can also benefit from the gentle, even warmth of a radiant heating system—especially when paired with WarmlyYours Environ™ Floor Heating Mats. Ideal for dry installations, this solution is a favorite for bedrooms, basements, living rooms, and home offices.
Can You Use Radiant Heat Under Laminate Flooring?
Yes, you can safely install radiant floor heating under laminate and other floating floors like engineered wood or carpet. The key is using a low-temperature, low-profile heating system designed for dry installations—like WarmlyYours Environ™ Floor Heating Mats. These foil-encased mats distribute gentle warmth evenly across the floor without damaging sensitive materials.
Best Rooms for Heated Laminate Floors
Electric floor heating under laminate is ideal for:
What Type of Floor Heating System Works Best Under Laminate?
WarmlyYours Environ™ Floor Heating Mats are specifically engineered for laminate and other floating floors. Key features include:
- Foil-wrapped design for even heat distribution
- 12 watts per sq. ft. output
- C-UL-US Listed for safety
- Cut-and-turn flexibility for easy layout
- Dry install compatibility (no thinset or adhesives required)
Learn more about Environ Floor Heating Mats
What Materials Do You Need to Install Floor Heating Under Laminate?
Before you begin, make sure you have all the essential materials and tools for a successful installation. This ensures efficiency and helps you complete each step without interruption.
Materials and Tools Required
| WarmlyYours Environ™ Floor Heating Mats | Radiant heating element designed specifically for laminate and floating floors |
| Thermostat with Sensor Probe Wire | Required to regulate temperature and ensure safe operation |
| Custom Design Layout (SmartPlan™) | Provided free with your quote, this layout includes heating mat placement and electrical details |
| Digital Ohm Meter | Necessary for testing the heating system and completing the warranty registration |
| Duct Tape or Box Tape | To secure mats and sensor wires in place |
| Utility Knife | For creating channels in the underlayment to accommodate leads and sensor |
| Vapor/Moisture Barrier | Required for laminate and engineered wood installations, if applicable |
How to Install Radiant Heating Under Laminate Flooring
1. Measure and Sketch the Floor
Measure your space, excluding areas beneath permanent fixtures like cabinets or islands. Include the location of floor vents and your desired thermostat wall location in your sketch.
Submit your floor sketch to request a free SmartPlan to receive:
- A custom installation diagram
- Electrical plan with circuit info
- Estimated operating costs
This planning step sets clear expectations for homeowners and installers alike.
2. Prep Subfloor and Install the Underlayment
Ensure your subfloor is completely clean and free of debris such as nails, staples, or dirt that could damage the heating system.
Then, install a ¼” thick underlayment made of synthetic cork or polystyrene. This layer provides a smooth surface for your Environ™ Floor Heating Mats and allows you to create channels for the cold lead wires and floor sensor.
Important: Do not use laminate or engineered wood flooring with an attached underlayment, as it can interfere with heat transfer and system performance.
3. Test the Heating Mats
Use a digital ohmmeter to test the heating element to test each Environ™ Mat. Compare the reading to the value on the UL label—it should fall within ±15%. Also measure continuity between core and ground wires (expect infinity).
WarmlyYours tests each heating mat three times before it leaves the factory.
Be sure to record your test results on your warranty registration.
4. Know the Maximum Floor Temperature Guidelines
To protect your laminate flooring and maintain warranty compliance, it’s essential to follow the flooring manufacturer’s recommended maximum surface temperature, typically between 80°F and 85°F (27°C to 29°C).
Why it matters: Exceeding this limit can cause warping, buckling, or delamination of laminate planks.
What to do: Use a thermostat with a floor sensor to precisely control the surface temperature.
Tip: During setup, configure your thermostat’s maximum temperature threshold according to your flooring brand’s documentation.
This step is crucial whether you’re installing laminate, engineered wood, or other floating wood floors. Always refer to your floor manufacturer’s specifications before turning the system on.
5. Lay Out the Heating Mats
Before installing the Environ™ Mats, connect the Circuit Check to continuously monitor the heating element during installation. This tool will sound an alert if the heating element is nicked, cut, or damaged—helping you prevent costly mistakes.
Unroll the Environ™ Mats per your SmartPlan layout. Secure them to the underlayment with tape.
- Never cut the heating element. Only cut channels in the underlayment.
- Confirm cold leads reach the thermostat or junction box.
- Avoid placing mats beneath permanent fixtures or zero-clearance furniture.
Cut 1/4" x 1/4" channels in the underlayment to recess the cold lead wires and the floor sensor.
6. Install the Floor Sensor (and Include the Backup)
All WarmlyYours thermostats include two sensors. Connect only one; the other stays in the wall as backup in case the first fails.
- Place the sensors 6 inches into the mat, centered between heating wires (never overlapping).
- Secure with tape inside the channel.
7. Retest the System
After mats and sensors are in place, repeat the ohmmeter test. This final check ensures the system remains intact and ready. Record these readings on your warranty card.
8. Install the Laminate Flooring
Lay your laminate floor according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The floor floats over the Environ™ Mats without adhesives or fasteners. Once installed, you're ready to wire the system.
9. Connect the Thermostat
Hire a licensed electrician for final wiring.
- A dedicated circuit is recommended (but not required) for optimal performance.
- Use a GFCI thermostat to meet code and safety standards.
Explore compatible thermostats:
- nJoy WiFi LED Touch Programmable Thermostat – WiFi-enabled with app access
- nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat – Sleek, intuitive controls
- nTrust 2.0 Touch Nonprogrammable Thermostat – Minimalist, easy to use
Watch Environ™ Floor Heating Installation in Action
Cost Breakdown for Heated Laminate Flooring
Flooring Material Costs
Laminate typically ranges from $1 to $4 per sq. ft. Dry installation (no thinset) results in lower material and labor costs.
Labor Costs
You’ll typically hire:
- A flooring installer
- A licensed electrician
DIYers can install the system themselves and only pay for final wiring.
Operating Costs
Operating costs vary based on:
- Room size
- Local electricity rates
- Frequency of use
Use our Operating Cost Calculator to estimate expenses.
Heating Product Costs
- Environ™ Floor Heating Mats: ~$10/sq. ft.
- Thermostats: $159–$259
- Underlayment: ~$4/sq. ft. (volume discounts available)
Use our Radiant Heat Quote Builder to get a custom quote.
FAQ: Heated Floors and Laminate
Will radiant heat damage my laminate flooring?
Not when using a low-temperature system like Environ™ Mats and following manufacturer guidelines.
Can I use radiant heating with floating wood floors?
Yes. Environ™ Mats are ideal for floating laminate, engineered wood, and carpet,
Do I need underlayment?
Yes, synthetic cork underlayment is required beneath the heating mats.
Is radiant heating under laminate safe?
Absolutely. WarmlyYours systems are UL-certified and include safety features like a floor sensor and GFCI thermostat.
Tools and Support
Product Pages
✉️ Email info@warmlyyours.com for sales inquiries.
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Can a Pergo floor handed the heat in a closed up house in Tucson AZ in the summer. Could get above 100 degrees.
You'll definitely want to check the manufacturer's guidelines (either with the packaging material or on their website) to confirm but that's probably too hot for most laminates.
"Pergo developed a new line of laminate called Outlast+, which is susceptible to liquid spills for 24 hours." Should probably edit that...author doesn't mean "susceptible".
Great catch and you're absolutely right! We've corrected that now. Thanks for reading!