FAQ: Can You Have a Heated Vinyl Floor?

Can You Put Radiant Heat Under Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Yes, you can use vinyl plank flooring over radiant heat. Unlike other heating systems, radiant heating heats the floor itself, so it’s not suited to every type of flooring. The good news is that vinyl plank flooring is one of the best floors for underfloor heating. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring and rigid vinyl plank (RVP) flooring are great choices for radiant heating, but the stone-polymer composite core at the heart of RVP flooring is particularly good at remaining stable in variable temperatures.

If you already have radiant heat installed, then great. If not, you might be interested in QuietWarmth—LL Flooring's thin-film, easy-to-install heating solution. It could give you the comfort you're looking for in those cold winter months.

Once you know that you're planning a heated vinyl floor, keep in mind that you’ll need to choose vinyl flooring with a click-floatinstallation method. Glue-down and staple installations don’t work well with radiant heating, as the glue and staples interfere with the heating mechanics. Click-float plank flooring has the space to fit radiant heating underneath without impacting its functionality.

Underlayment and padding suggestions vary by manufacturer, so be sure to check your product for compatibility and instructions. Additionally, although most flooring can withstand temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, double-check your vinyl manufacturer’s temperature guidelines. Interested? Read more about the benefits of radiant floor heating and how to install radiant heating.