Wide Plank Floors over Radiant Heat

We are looking into putting wide plank floors over a radiant floor heating system and are getting conflicting advice on how well it works.  Does anyone have experience with wide plank wood flooring over radiant heat (good or bad)?  If so, what type/brand of floors do you have?  We are interested in Carlisle Wide Plank Flooring, specifically.  Anyone have floors from them?  Thank you – your advice is much appreciated.

cbs80

in Flooring 13 years and 3 months ago

9

Please log in, in order to post replies!

9 replies

Newest Oldest

warmboardnyc | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4962 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4950 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179007"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "warmboardnyc"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B7kR/fwzb5KmLGrMEngu9h5UeBbRLd/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "warmboardnyc"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "codea@warmboard.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(54) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/warmboardnyc/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:38:04"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "warmboardnyc"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179007)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I can say from experience that we have had many successful installations of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors over radiant and you do not need to sacrifice your choice of species or cut either.  Keep in mind that with radiant floors, you are only getting the finished floor to a max temperature of 85 degrees, which is barely skin temperature.

cbs80 | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4961 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4960 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179006"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "cbs80"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BguHxBjw.75CzaSWgom0hDD8wGeEf30"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "cbs80"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "katesheehy@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(20) "/forums/users/cbs80/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:38:04"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "cbs80"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179006)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks to everyone who responded – this is my first time posting a question and I really appreciate the thoughtful answers.  They were really helpful.  All the best!

vttobk | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4957 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4879 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "81586"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "vttobk"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "vttobk"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "lisa_hickey@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/brooklynreno/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:31:01"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "vttobk"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(81586)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

we have carlisle floors and although we are still in the middle of reno, they look great, feel great to walk on and dealing with them has been a pleasure.  we don’t have radiant heat, but i would trust them – they know their stuff.

Adamc1303 | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4960 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4962 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "45328"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "Adamc1303"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BW/iMtWYbM/7u.pi1jKS/Y2bNCNPDd1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "adamc1303"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(15) "ac@cactusrm.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/adamc1303/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:35:07"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "Adamc1303"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(45328)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You will have to use an engineered wood floor. That floor is basically a few layers of thing plywood with a very thin layer of wood flooring. The multi glued layers let the wood flex. the downside to those prefinished wood floors is that they can’t be snaded and refinished in the future since they have a thin layer of wood andthe plywood. A regular floor os solid oak or ther species of wood. When you sand you just go deeper in the plank. As far as wide plank if you go with an engineered floor made for radiant you shouldnt have a problem. Like mentioned before radiant heat doesnt run as hot a regular baseboard or cast iron radiators, if it did you wouldnt be able to walk barefoot on it.

Augustiner | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4961 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4972 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "45573"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "Augustiner"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B34SD8yEA6Hi8EPJJfH83mCf4GZmmP0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "augustiner"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "flo@flat-peach.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(32) "http:///forums/users/augustiner/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:35:10"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "August"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(45573)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Rift / Quarter sawn solid wood or Engineered Floors are considered safe. Usually the manufacturer provides the info if it´s good to use with Radiant.

housepoor | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4957 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4971 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "71781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$/FcjiKlefNxZbTPgi.sDW.3mhyu12E62ijN8M/o9As5nBR2ZXA2Xq"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "jonathanscooper@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/housepoor/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:30:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(71781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Is the boiler capacity necessary to operate Warmboard or Uponor QuickTrac over wood more or less than the equivalent space using hot water baseboard radiators? I am thinking about doing a reno and would like to convert to radiant heating on the upper floors of my brownstone, but don’t want to have to necessarily change my boiler. Thanks.

bklynpwds | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4960 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4970 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177016"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "bklynpwds"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BaLflv1/pnijSTmW34TD1EixxbEY5O0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "bklynpwds"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "camrute@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(31) "http:///forums/users/bklynpwds/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:55"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "bklynpwds"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177016)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We put in Warmboard and were discouraged by both the architect and the contractor from using anything wider than 3″ boards.  That doesn’t help much I know, but for the record installing radiant floor heating was the best decision we made and money well spent.

Master Plvmber | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4961 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4969 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1447"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSHLZQSJWUzjnaSv9fyWJpNYjwcz.u."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "info@gatewayplumbing.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 20:40:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1447)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You have to talk to the manufacturer of the flooring materials and see what their product’s tolerances are. A good radiant heating system, *especially* one that is going to be used with wood floors, uses controls with slab sensors to make sure the floor is warmed without allowing it to dry out, cup, or shrink by not surpassing the floors temperature rating. Slab sensors also decrease reaction time and maximize efficiency. For your subfloor, look into Warmboard (pricey) or Uponor QuickTrac (reasonable, but different).

eman134 | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4957 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4968 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177006"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BaRrlDjFBcYAeDJ9.lwOTJ9pQC9nsT."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "errol832000@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(29) "http:///forums/users/eman134/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:55"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177006)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

is this a new installation where you can lay out an appropriate radiant subfloor system for a wooden floor, or are you merely laying the new floor over a concrete radiant slab? There is a ton of diference, since different materials transmit heat in totally different ways