Hardwood floor underlayment for radiant heated floor application
![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c18702df5abc4b7b1b1554f44a709c7a?s=52&d=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.greenbuildingadvisor.com%2Fapp%2Favatars%2F200x200%2Ft.png&r=g)
I am getting ready to have engineered hardwood floors installed onto a wooden subfloor. The hardwood floor will be nailed down.
I also have radiant heat installed, using heat transfer plates that have been screwed to the subfloor from below. The water temperature will be in the low 90s.
Hence, I am now looking for a recommendation for a proper underlayment for the engineered hardwood floor that has the following characteristics (in that order):
– no thicker than 1/8″
– very low or zero VOC and free of other questionable products
– low R-value
– sound absorbing
Any guidance and suggestions for a specific product?
Thank you,
Torsten
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb1.png)
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb2.png)
Replies
Torsten,
1. I don't think that there is any material that is less than 1/8 inch thick that is also "sound-absorbing."
2. Engineered hardwood floors are not generic. They are manufactured products. You need to follow the installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the product you intend to install.
-- Martin Holladay