What is the Best Flooring To Keep Your House Warm?

Energy prices going up? It makes sense to look down! Reviewing your choice of flooring can be a great way to make your money go even further this winter.

The Government may have intervened but many of us are still naturally concerned about the cost of living this winter. Whether you’re halfway through a home renovation or simply fancy a change underfoot: we explain why energy efficient-friendly flooring is a wise move.  

The benefits of insulated floors

Insulating your ground floor can really help keep your property warm. In fact, the Energy Saving Trust estimates that good insulation underfoot could save over £100 a year. Not only does heat-efficient flooring help count the pennies; it’s generally a lot more pleasant under your feet.

Why carpet isn’t your only option

When it comes to keeping the heat in, carpet is generally accepted as the most efficient flooring choice, and although carpet is a great insulator, don’t assume that it’s the only option. In fact, when it comes to guarding against the chill, wood floors can be cosier than you think. Learn why real wood is great all year round.

Look at the bigger picture

When it comes to cutting your energy bills, look beyond the floor’s perceived cosy factor. While a fluffier floor may allow you to turn your heat settings down a tad, maintaining your floor costs energy. Carpets need vacuuming far more often than wood or vinyl in order to look good, and also cost energy to keep dry - something to consider if you have a house with dogs, cats and muddy shoes. 

So, what’s the best flooring to keep your house warm?

Real wood is great all year round

Think wood floors are cold? Think again. Real wood flooring planks are pretty good at absorbing heat, and their tough outer layer also traps heat within. As a result, a wood floor won’t chill your toes in the winter and has the advantage of staying beautifully cool in summer. Choose real wood, and you’ll be congratulating yourself when the mercury rises again.

Solid wood for rustic charm

When it comes to wood, you’ve plenty of options. For a classic look with rustic grade materials, Abbey Zirc Brushed UV Oiled Oak solid wood flooring is a premium floor which comes at a surprisingly affordable price. Its warm finish gives off a cosy, natural look - and if you’re still keen to warm things up, simply add a fabulous rug to showcase that gorgeous wooden surround!

Laminate effect wood 

Solid wood flooring isn’t always compatible with underfloor heating, so if you love the versatility of wood, then consider a laminate flooring such as Prestige 8mm Grange Oak Laminate. It has a simple click installation system and allows you to pop underfloor heating beneath to warm things up. 

Target coldest areas with underfloor heating

With many of us saving the pennies, investing in a large underfloor heating project might be off the cards right now. However, if you’re looking for the best flooring to keep your house warm, then targeting small rooms that typically feel cold and damp, such as bathrooms, could be a bill-friendly investment. The main thing to remember is to check that your choice of flooring is compatible with the heating system that you choose. Like many of our vinyl flooring products, Ecostep Alaska 581 Cushioned Vinyl is suitable for both hydronic (water filled pipes) and electric systems. 

Join the gaps with beading

It’s always a good idea to seal as many gaps as possible to keep the heat in and the chill out. One idea is to create a seamless floor seal using beading alongside a laminate floor. (The beading is a strip that is designed to cover the expansion gap left around the edge of a room.) It is applied in such a way that the floor can still adapt to different temperatures while still reducing the amount of air that gets in and out. Our multiuse laminate beading options are designed to complement your choice of vinyl, such as this fabulous Ecostep Black White 019D Vinyl Cushion Floor.

Integrate underlay for old homes

The majority of modern homes have a solid (“fixed”)  floor, made from concrete topped with foam insulation and a waterproof membrane. Conversely older homes usually have wooden joints with insulation laid between the beams. If your home is mature, then using an underlay alongside a floating wood (or wood effect) floor can trap more heat within your home. A product such as Aqua Plank Farmhouse Oak Herringbone Click Vinyl with its integrated underlay is ideal for creating a classic old-world look with none of the draughts.

Cushioned vinyl flooring for cold rooms

Cushioned vinyl flooring is a fantastic choice for warming up rooms that feel traditionally cold, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is made from multiple layers to repel the water and the cold, while making it feel warm and soft when you walk on it. What’s more, you don’t need to add an underlay. Cushioned vinyl comes in a wide range of colours and effects to suit your look, from dark modern Texstep Bilbao 594 Cushioned Vinyl Flooring to light, bright grey stone effect tiles such as Smartstep Galeria 593 Vinyl Cushion Floor.

Still unsure on the best flooring to keep your house warm? Speak with one of our flooring experts on 0330 100 00 15.