Warm Underfoot, Solid Foundation: Why Marchand Flooring Thrives with Underfloor Heating
- james42230
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Here in the South Island, and particularly in the crisp air of Central Otago, underfloor heating isn't just a luxury – it's often a necessity for comfortable living. Stick with the proven, not the thin unproven flooring alternative.

At Marchand Flooring, we understand this, and we're proud to say that the vast majority of our installations are laid over precisely that: efficient, warming underfloor systems.
Thermal Performance of Marchand Flooring (R-Value Calculation)
The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, indicating how well a material resists heat flow. For underfloor heating applications, a lower R-value enables more efficient transfer of heat from the system into the room. Marchand's Flooring R-value is 0.143 m²K/W. This result showcases that Marchand Flooring is well within the acceptable range for heat transfer and designed to perform in high spec environments delivering comfort, efficiency and style in equal measure
It's a testament to the quality and robust nature of our 20mm thick flooring that we consistently receive positive feedback regarding its performance in conjunction with underfloor heating. Homeowners enjoy the gentle warmth radiating through their homes, year after year, without any compromise to the integrity of their Marchand floor.
We've even forged strong relationships with local experts in the field. One underfloor heating company based in Cromwell specifically recommends Marchand Flooring. Why? Because they've witnessed firsthand the resilience of our 20mm boards. They understand that our flooring is engineered to handle the cyclical temperature variations inherent with underfloor heating far better than thinner alternatives. A Marchand floor performing flawlessly over a heated subfloor.

We can personally vouch for this proven performance. In our own home, we installed 200+ square meters of our 20mm flooring over a heated concrete slab in 2021. Since that renovation, we've experienced absolutely no issues – no warping, no gapping, just the same beautiful and stable floor we installed.
Our aftercare advice is simple and reflects the inherent strength of our product: avoid "shocking" the floor when turning on the heating after the warmer months. Instead, we recommend a gradual warm-up over 2-3 days. This gentle approach ensures the longevity and continued performance of your Marchand floor.
The strength of our 20mm board is paramount when it comes to enduring the decades of seasonal temperature fluctuations that underfloor heating can bring. This thickness isn't a new trend; it's been the standard in New Zealand flooring for generations. While some companies have recently opted for thinner, lower-quality options to boost their profit margins, the combination of 20mm flooring and underfloor heating is a time-tested and proven solution. Thin flooring over underfloor heating? That's a different story, and not one we recommend.
At Marchand Flooring, we stand by the enduring quality of our 20mm flooring. It's a choice that provides not only timeless beauty but also the structural integrity needed to perform flawlessly, especially when paired with the comfort of underfloor heating. Choose Marchand Flooring – a solid foundation for years of warmth and beauty underfoot.
