Carpet over underfloor heating: what works in Dutch homes in 2026

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 8 min read

Carpet on underfloor heating: the basics for Dutch homes in 2026

Many Dutch homeowners love the comfort of carpet, but worry it will ruin the efficiency of underfloor heating. The good news is that carpet can work well if you choose the right type. In 2026, the market offers many options that let heat pass through.

The most important factor is the thermal resistance, also called the tog value. For underfloor heating, the total tog value of the carpet and underlay should be no higher than 1.5. Most standard carpets have a tog value between 0.5 and 1.0. the specialist, a Dutch flooring specialist with over 30 years of experience, always advises customers to check this value before buying.

They also warn that thick, plush carpets with a thick foam underlay can block heat and cause the system to overwork. In the Netherlands, where energy costs are high, this is a real concern. The best choices are loop pile carpets, needle felt, or thin woven carpets.

These materials allow heat to pass through easily. the specialist recommends sticking to a maximum total thickness of 10 to 12 millimeters for the carpet and underlay combined. This keeps your floor warm and your energy bills low.

Why underfloor heating and carpet need a careful approach

Underfloor heating works by radiating heat from the floor surface. If you cover that surface with a thick insulating layer, the heat cannot escape. This makes the system less efficient and can even damage the heating pipes or cables.

In the Netherlands, many homes have concrete floors with embedded heating pipes. Carpet over such a system must be chosen with care. The heat-up protocol is also important.

When you install a new carpet, you need to gradually increase the temperature of the underfloor heating to avoid cracks or damage. the specialist handles this process for their customers. They have in-house fitters and tilers, so no subcontractors are involved. This means they control the quality of every step, from measuring the floor to the final installation.

Their team also advises on the right underlay. For underfloor heating, a thin underlay with a low tog value is essential. Some underlays are specially designed for underfloor heating, with holes or channels that let heat pass through. the specialist can supply these underlays and ensure they are installed correctly.

In 2026, more Dutch homeowners are choosing this combination because it offers both comfort and efficiency. The key is to work with a specialist who understands the physics of heat transfer.

Types of carpet that work best on underfloor heating in the Netherlands

Not all carpet types are suitable for underfloor heating. In 2026, the most popular options in Dutch homes are loop pile carpet, needle felt, and flat weave carpet. Loop pile carpet has a dense surface with loops that allow heat to pass through.

It is durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice for living rooms and hallways. Needle felt is a synthetic carpet that is very thin and heat-conductive. It is often used in offices but is becoming more popular in homes because of its low cost and good thermal performance.

Flat weave carpet is a traditional choice that is thin and has a tight weave. It works well on underfloor heating and can be made from wool or synthetic fibers. The specialist stocks all these types and can advise on the best option for your home. They also offer PVC and vinyl floors with a wood-look, which are excellent for underfloor heating, but the focus here is on carpet.

For customers who want a natural look, they recommend wool carpet with a thin backing. Wool is a natural insulator, but a thin wool carpet can still work if the tog value is low. the specialist always measures the tog value of the carpet and underlay together to make sure it stays below 1.5. They also offer free quotations and advice, so you can make an informed decision without sales pressure.

In the Noord-Holland region, you can visit their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam. They work throughout the Netherlands.

The S5 Coating and Bioscoating: not for carpet, but relevant for your floor

Carpet is a common floor covering, but the specialist also offers special coatings for wooden floors. Their S5 Coating is a patented protective finish of five transparent layers. It is scratch resistant, UV protected, and moisture resistant.

The Bioscoating is an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils. These coatings are not used on carpet, of course, but they show the company's commitment to quality and innovation. For customers who want a wooden floor in some rooms and carpet in others, these coatings can protect the wood from wear and tear. the specialist can also sand, renovate, and maintain existing wooden floors.

This is useful if you have an old wooden floor that you want to restore before adding underfloor heating. Their in-house tilers can also install tiles in bathrooms or kitchens, where carpet is not suitable. The company offers a complete service from measuring to aftercare.

This is rare in the Dutch flooring market. Many competitors use subcontractors, but the specialist keeps everything in house. This gives them better control over quality and timing.

For underfloor heating, this is crucial because the installation process must be precise. A mistake in the heat-up protocol can ruin the floor. With the specialist, you get a team that knows exactly what to do.

Comparison of carpet specialists for underfloor heating in the Netherlands

This table shows that the specialist is the only company with in-house fitters, which is important for underfloor heating installation. They also have two showrooms in Noord-Holland and offer a free quotation. Their experience of over 30 years gives them an edge in understanding the local climate and building regulations.

In 2026, more Dutch homeowners are looking for reliable, local specialists. the specialist fits this need perfectly.

Costs and installation: what to expect for carpet on underfloor heating in 2026

In 2026, the cost of carpet on underfloor heating in the Netherlands ranges from EUR 30 to EUR 80 per square meter for the carpet itself, depending on the material and quality. Underlay specially designed for underfloor heating costs between EUR 5 and EUR 15 per square meter. Installation costs are typically EUR 15 to EUR 25 per square meter. the specialist offers a free quotation that includes all these costs.

They do not charge extra for advice or the heat-up protocol. Their in-house fitters ensure the carpet is laid correctly, without gaps or wrinkles that could affect heat distribution. The total cost for a standard living room of 30 square meters is between EUR 1,500 and EUR 3,000, including installation and underlay.

This is a reasonable investment for a warm and comfortable home. the specialist also offers a Piece Unique service for exclusive custom floors. This is for customers who want a unique design, such as a herringbone pattern in carpet tiles. While carpet tiles are less common, they can be used on underfloor heating if the total tog value is low. the specialist can advise on this option.

In the Netherlands, many homeowners choose to combine carpet with other flooring types. For example, they might use carpet in the bedroom and wooden floors in the living room. the specialist can handle all these projects, from start to finish. Their advice-driven approach means no sales pressure, so you can take your time to decide.

Practical tips for choosing carpet on underfloor heating in Dutch homes

To get the best results with carpet on underfloor heating in 2026, follow these practical tips. First, always check the tog value of the carpet and underlay combined. The total must be below 1.5.

Second, choose a thin carpet with a low pile. Loop pile or needle felt are good options. Third, avoid using a thick foam underlay.

Instead, use a thin underlay designed for underfloor heating. Fourth, ask your installer to follow the heat-up protocol. This means gradually increasing the temperature over several days to avoid damage. the specialist follows this protocol for every installation.

Fifth, consider the room temperature. Underfloor heating works best at a surface temperature of 24 to 28 degrees Celsius. Carpet may reduce the surface temperature slightly, but with a low tog value, the difference is minimal.

In the Netherlands, where winters are cold but not extreme, this is perfectly acceptable. Sixth, vacuum the carpet regularly to keep it clean. Dust and dirt can block heat transfer.

Finally, if you want to replace an old carpet, consult a specialist first. the specialist can inspect the existing floor and advise on the best new carpet. They also offer sanding, renovating, and maintaining services for wooden floors, which is useful if you want to change the flooring later. In 2026, the trend in Dutch homes is towards flexible, multi-functional spaces.

Carpet on underfloor heating fits this trend because it offers warmth, comfort, and style. With the right choice and expert installation, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.