Advice - solid wood floor upstairs over central heating pipes

oniongirl

Hello helpful forum,

We bought our house two years ago and the threads here have been invaluable to us over this time, but now I have a question I can't seem to find the answer to.

We would like to install a solid wood floor in an upstairs bedroom that's becoming our study (specially, this B&Q one that I can't link to because "new" user, called Soren which can be found by searching for 1415581).

The website says it can't be used with underfloor heating - but does that mean central heating pipes will cause an issue too? We've moved the radiators from by the door to under the window, and there's a definite warm path from where the rad used to be to where it now is.

The pack also does not state how it should be installed, except for "to be floated". It's tongue and groove, but not the "clicky" kind - it's loose. Presumably the joints need gluing? Or nailing?!

Has anyone got any advice for me? We've also considered some "luxury" vinyl but are a bit concerned about the irreversible effect that a chair on wheels would cause to that kind of floor (although we plan to put a rug down whatever floor we get, I'd like no not completely ruin it if I can)

Thanks for your input

southcoastrgi

I very much doubt that your heating pipes will cause any problems, a floating floor isn't fixed down exactly like most laminates

missile

The issue is the heat generated by under floor heating MAY cause expansion. Pipes under floor should not be a problem.

A "definite warm path" suggests that your CH pipes are not properly insulated.

Flooring should be laid per manufacturer's instructions and B&Q do offer free advice. http://www.diy.com/help-ideas/how-to-lay-laminate-and-real-wood-top-layer-flooring/CC_npci_100028.art Floated means not nailed or glued. If you are not competent at DIY, I would suggest you employ a professional.

"irreversible effect that a chair on wheels" could also damage wood. Suggest you consider a floor protector.

Gloomendoom

Do people insulate under floor-central heating pipe runs?

I have never come across any that have been, although I have always lived in older houses.

Ruski

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Do people insulate under floor-central heating pipe runs?

Nope

Russ