Best Carpet for Underfloor Heating in the UK: A Complete Guide

 

The best carpet for underfloor heating is one with a low TOG rating that allows heat to pass through efficiently. You don't necessarily need a thin carpet. Several thicker and softer carpets can also work well when their TOG rating is suitable. Polypropylene, twist pile, Saxony and loop carpets can all be suitable, depending on the product specification. The carpet and underlay should be checked together because their combined thermal resistance affects how effectively your underfloor heating warms the room.

What Is the Best Carpet for Underfloor Heating?

The best carpet for underfloor heating is a carpet with a low enough TOG rating to allow heat to pass through, paired with a suitable underlay.

For many systems, a combined carpet and underlay TOG rating of 2.5 or below is commonly recommended, although you should always check the requirements of your particular underfloor heating system.

At Carpets Online, there are several carpets specifically listed as suitable for underfloor heating, including the Katon Grey Deep Pile Saxony, Compton Stone, Velo Twist, and Fransa Loop ranges. Their individual TOG ratings range from 0.8 to 1.61, giving you options for both soft, luxurious rooms and more practical areas.

What Does TOG Mean on Carpet?

TOG measures thermal resistance. In simple terms, it tells you how much a material resists the movement of heat.

For underfloor heating, you generally want a carpet with a lower TOG because the heat needs to travel upwards into the room.

Simple way to remember it:

• Lower TOG = easier heat transfer
• Higher TOG = greater resistance to heat transfer

Carpets Online's own guide explains that low-TOG carpets are designed to allow heat to pass through more easily and notes that carpets with a TOG rating of 2.5 or lower are typically considered suitable for underfloor heating.

However, don't look at the carpet's TOG in isolation. The carpet and underlay work together, so check the combined rating and your heating manufacturer's guidance before installation.

Carpets-Online Sales Lead Rhys James and former carpet fitter states : “When fitting carpet over underfloor heating, checking the TOG rating of both the carpet and underlay is essential. The carpet may have a suitable rating, but using an underlay with a high thermal resistance can affect how efficiently heat passes through the flooring. I always recommend checking the combined TOG rating and the heating manufacturer's requirements before installation.”

Perfect Match: Luxor Carpet Underlay (15m2 Roll)

Price: Now only £39.99 per m²

Best Carpet Types for Underfloor Heating

There isn't one carpet type that is automatically best for every home. Your choice should depend on the room, the amount of traffic it receives, the feel you want, and the product's TOG rating.

1. Twist Pile Carpet

Twist pile is one of the most practical carpet styles for a busy UK home. The tightly twisted fibres give it a firm feel and good resistance to everyday foot traffic.

If you're using underfloor heating in a living room, hallway, or family room, a twist pile carpet can give you a good balance between comfort and durability.

Stainguard Stone Twist Pile Carpet is a great option from Carpets Online. is one example from Carpets Online. Made from 100% polypropylene with a 1.41 TOG rating, it is listed as suitable for underfloor heating.

Best for: Living rooms, family homes and everyday use.

Price: Now only £11.99 per m²

2. Saxony Carpet

If comfort is your priority, Saxony is worth considering.

Saxony carpets have a soft, dense pile that gives them a plush appearance and luxurious feel. They are particularly popular in bedrooms and lounges where comfort matters more than extreme durability.

The key is to choose a Saxony carpet that has a suitable TOG rating. For example, the Katon Grey Deep Pile Saxony Carpet has a 1.3 TOG rating and is listed as suitable for underfloor heating.

Price: Now only £24.75 per m²

3. Loop Pile Carpet

Loop pile carpets are a good option when durability is more important than having an especially deep, soft pile.

The fibres are formed into loops, creating a practical surface that can cope well with everyday use.

The Fransa Loop Glen Canyon Carpet from Carpets Online has a particularly low TOG rating of 0.8 and is listed as suitable for underfloor heating. It is also made from polypropylene and has a 7-year domestic wear warranty.

Best for: Hallways, living spaces and busy family homes.

Price: Now only £14.75 per m²

4. Polypropylene Carpet

Polypropylene is a popular choice for UK households because it combines practicality with comfort. It is particularly useful if you have children or pets and want a carpet that's easier to maintain.

The material itself isn't what determines whether a carpet works with underfloor heating. Always check the individual product's TOG rating and suitability, as different carpets can have different constructions.

The Perro Biscuit Carpet is made from 100% polypropylene and offers a soft, hard-wearing finish for everyday family life. It is stain resistant, pet friendly and suitable for underfloor heating.

Best for: Family homes, bedrooms, living rooms and homes with pets.

Price: Now only £19.75 per m²

Best Carpet for Underfloor Heating by Room

The best option can change depending on where you're installing it.

Bedroom

A soft Saxony carpet can be a great choice because bedrooms are generally lower-traffic areas and benefit from a comfortable, cosy floor.

Good option: Low-TOG Saxony carpet.

Living Room

A living room needs a balance of comfort and durability.

Good option: Twist pile or polypropylene carpet.

Family Room

If children and pets regularly use the room, easy maintenance becomes more important.

Good option: Stain-resistant polypropylene or hard-wearing twist pile.

Hallway

Hallways receive a lot of foot traffic, so durability should come first.

Good option: Dense twist pile or loop pile carpet with a suitable TOG rating.

Stairs

Stairs need a carpet that can cope with repeated foot traffic. A hard-wearing twist pile is generally more practical than an extremely deep, soft pile.

Good option: Durable twist pile with a suitable TOG rating.

Carpet and Underlay: Why Both Matter

Choosing the right carpet is only half the job.

The underlay sits between the carpet and the floor, so it also affects how easily heat can pass through.

A thick, highly insulating underlay may reduce the efficiency of underfloor heating even if the carpet itself has a low TOG rating.

Before ordering, check:

• The carpet's TOG rating.
• The underlay's TOG rating.
• The combined TOG rating.

Your underfloor heating manufacturer's requirements.

Don't choose an underlay simply because it's the thickest or softest option. With underfloor heating, heat transfer needs to be considered alongside comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing carpet for underfloor heating isn't difficult, but there are a few mistakes worth avoiding.

Choosing based only on thickness

A thick carpet isn't automatically unsuitable, and a thin carpet isn't automatically suitable. Check the TOG rating instead.

Forgetting about the underlay

The carpet may have a suitable TOG rating, but the wrong underlay can increase the overall thermal resistance.

Assuming every carpet is compatible

Always check the individual product specification. Don't assume that every carpet from the same material or style has the same performance.

Ignoring the heating manufacturer's guidance

Different underfloor heating systems can have their own requirements. Follow the manufacturer's instructions before choosing your flooring.

Final Thoughts

You don't have to choose between carpet comfort and underfloor heating. The key is selecting a carpet and underlay that allow heat to transfer effectively.

Don't judge a carpet simply by how thick it looks. Check the TOG rating, pile type, material, room usage and underlay before making your decision.

From low-TOG loop carpets to soft Saxony and practical twist pile options, Carpets Online has a range of carpets listed as suitable for underfloor heating. Checking the product specifications before ordering will help you find a carpet that keeps your home warm without sacrificing the comfort you want underfoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question- : What is the best carpet for underfloor heating?

Answer- : The best carpet is one with a suitable low TOG rating that allows heat to pass through efficiently. Twist pile, Saxony, loop pile and polypropylene carpets can all be suitable, but you should check the individual product specification rather than choosing based on carpet type alone.

Question- : What TOG rating should carpet have for underfloor heating?

Answer- : A combined carpet and underlay TOG rating of around 2.5 or below is commonly recommended for underfloor heating, but the exact requirement can vary by system. Always check your heating manufacturer's guidance.

Question- : Can I use a thick carpet with underfloor heating?

Answer- : Yes. Carpet thickness alone doesn't determine suitability. Some thick carpets have relatively low TOG ratings and are specifically listed as suitable for underfloor heating.

Question- : Is Saxony carpet suitable for underfloor heating?

Answer- : Some Saxony carpets are suitable, provided their TOG rating and construction meet the requirements of the heating system. For example, Carpets Online's Katon Grey Deep Pile Saxony has a 1.3 TOG rating and is listed as suitable for underfloor heating.

Question- : What underlay should I use with underfloor heating?

Answer- : Choose an underlay specifically recommended for use with underfloor heating and check its TOG rating. The carpet and underlay should be considered together rather than separately.

Question- : Can carpet be used over electric underfloor heating?

Answer- : In many cases, yes, but compatibility depends on the specific heating system and flooring products. Always follow the heating manufacturer's instructions and confirm that the carpet and underlay are approved for use with your system.