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Rugs and underfloor heating

Yes, you can use a rug over underfloor heating, but every layer on the floor slows the heat down. Here is how to choose a rug and underlay that keep your heating efficient.

By the Rug Kingdom team, Rug Kingdom (a trading name of Flair Furniture Ltd) · Published · Updated

What is a tog rating?

Tog is a measure of thermal resistance, the same unit used for duvets: the higher the tog, the more a material insulates. One tog is 0.1 m²K/W. For floor coverings over underfloor heating, the UK industry guidance is that the combined thermal resistance of everything on the floor, rug plus underlay, should not exceed 2.5 tog for heating to work efficiently. Many heat-pump systems, which run at lower temperatures, recommend 1.5 tog or less. Always check your own system's limit with the installer or manufacturer.

Choosing a rug for underfloor heating

  • Thinner is better: low pile and flatweave rugs insulate less than deep pile. See low pile rugs and flatweaves.
  • Breathable backings: woven and cotton backings let heat through better than thick latex, rubber or foam backings.
  • Natural fibres such as wool, cotton and jute are often recommended by heating suppliers; synthetic rugs can be fine too if they are thin.
  • Avoid very deep shaggy rugs and thick felt underlays if your system is close to its limit.

Most rug makers do not publish a tog value. If you cannot find one, use pile height and backing as a guide, and ask your heating installer how much headroom your system has.

Underlay over underfloor heating

Choose the thinnest non-slip underlay you can, ideally one sold as suitable for underfloor heating with a stated low tog. Thick felt and memory-foam pads can use up most of the tog allowance on their own. A heavy, large rug held down by furniture may not need a pad at all.

Floor and rug care

  • Check your floor maker's guidance: some wood floors have a maximum surface temperature, and a rug traps heat beneath it.
  • Do not use rubber-backed mats that are not rated for heat; they can discolour some floors.
  • Rugs dry out faster over warm floors; vacuum regularly and keep wool rugs away from extreme heat.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a rug on underfloor heating?

Yes. Keep the combined tog of the rug and underlay within your system limit, commonly 2.5 tog, or around 1.5 tog for many heat-pump systems.

What is the best rug for underfloor heating?

A thin, low pile or flatweave rug with a breathable backing and a very thin underlay.

Do rugs make underfloor heating less efficient?

Every layer adds thermal resistance, so a thick rug slows heat output. A thin rug within the tog limit has little effect.

Do I need an underlay on underfloor heating?

Only if the rug slips. Use the thinnest non-slip pad suitable for underfloor heating.

Shop the guide

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Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.