ᐅ Flooring for Basement Hobby Room with Underfloor Heating – Floating or Glue-Down Installation

Hello everyone,

We still need to install the flooring in our basement. It is a solid concrete / waterproof concrete basement, the room is about 32 sqm (344 sq ft) in size, has underfloor heating and a controlled central ventilation system, and is intended as a hobby/playroom, also for children.
We want to install something as non-toxic and durable as possible, with a wood appearance, and the underfloor heating should work efficiently.
The company advised against glued vinyl. The offer we received was for Meister Design Flex floors (without plasticizers, etc.), about 5 mm (0.2 inches) thick and, according to the manufacturer, suitable for underfloor heating – but only for floating installation. We have no objection to floating floors in principle, the only question is whether the underfloor heating will still function properly. It says everywhere online that it is better to glue it down, otherwise there might be air gaps, etc.
The carpenter (the same company) also sees no problem with underfloor heating, even if this flooring is installed floating.
Here we need your opinion: should we still install something else glued, or are there floor coverings that can be installed floating over underfloor heating without any disadvantages for the heating system?

Thank you very much!

Best regards,
Nils

NilsHolgersson schrieb:

We were advised against glued vinyl by the company. They offered Meister Design Flex floors instead (without plasticizers, etc.)

That is technically also a vinyl floor. Why did the company advise against it?

NilsHolgersson schrieb:

whether the underfloor heating still fulfills its function.

Yes, of course!

NilsHolgersson schrieb:

or are there coverings that can be installed as floating floors over underfloor heating without disadvantages for the heating system?

No. Floating installation over underfloor heating (typically on screed) is always less effective than a glued installation. But here comes a BUT: it is still good.
It’s roughly like saying that an S-Class (floating installation) is bad because you drive a Maybach (glued).
So don’t worry about it.

Aside from that, I personally wouldn’t choose either option, because I don’t want plastic on the floor. I’d rather go for hardwood flooring at €30 per m² (about $28 per ft²) than the Design Flex floor (which probably isn’t cheaper either).

Great, thank you very much!

nordanney schrieb:

Technically, it is also a vinyl floor. Why did the company advise against it?

Because of plasticizers and possibly harmful substances – the offered covering is free of those.

nordanney schrieb:

No. Floating installation over underfloor heating (typically on screed) is always less effective than gluing it down. But here comes the BUT. It is still good.
It's roughly like saying that an S-Class (floating installation) is bad because you drive a Maybach (glued down).
So don’t worry about it.

Then I’ll stick with the S-Class, as long as the floor stays warm 🙂 it’s in the basement after all. Hardwood flooring isn’t as durable (dents etc.), plus it’s a basement with moisture risk.

NilsHolgersson schrieb:

Because of plasticizers and possible harmful substances – the offered covering is free of these

Today, any floor from a reasonably reputable supplier is safe for health. The harmful plasticizers were phthalates, which are basically no longer used. That is why you will also find products that explicitly carry the Blue Angel or similar certifications.

NilsHolgersson schrieb:

Parquet is not very durable (dents, etc.) plus this is a basement with a risk of moisture.

However, parquet is wood. It has character. If you have a moisture risk in the basement, you should report a defect immediately. If there is no defect, then there is no moisture risk.

For me, the basement is ideal for tile flooring.

Tolentino schrieb:

For me, the basement is ideal for tiles.

Basically correct. But not as a hobby or playroom for children.