10th October 2025
As the nights draw in and the chill creeps into our homes, nothing feels better than warm floors under your feet. If you’re thinking about replacing your flooring or upgrading underlay, autumn is the perfect time.
In this guide we’ll walk you through which flooring types retain heat best, how insulation and underlay help, and whether carpet or laminate makes more sense in cold weather.
Floors act as a bridge between your living space and the subfloor or ground below. Some floor materials conduct cold directly into your rooms; others help trap warmth. Choosing a floor with good thermal insulation, or pairing a less-insulating floor with the right underlay, can reduce heat loss and boost comfort.
Also, well‑installed flooring helps seal gaps and reduce drafts, so you get less cold air creeping up.
| Feature | Why it’s important | What to aim for |
|---|---|---|
| R‑value / thermal resistance | Measures how well a material resists heat transfer | Higher is better (for insulation) |
| Thickness & density | More mass can slow heat loss | Thicker boards or plush carpets help |
| Underlay / underfloor insulation | Adds extra barrier to heat loss | Use quality underlay with good thermal properties |
| Sealing & tight installation | Prevents heat escaping through gaps | Choose trusted installers who seal skirting, joins, edges |
Here’s how popular flooring types stack up when it comes to warmth:
Carpet remains the warmest flooring option for cold months. Its fibres trap air, providing a natural cushioning and insulation layer.
Tips to make carpet even warmer:
Choose a high tog rating carpet; this gives better heat retention.
Pair with a thick, quality underlay (e.g. felt, memory foam types)
Use carpet in main areas where warmth is most felt (bedrooms, living rooms)
Consider wool or wool-mix fibres – they perform well as natural insulators
The downside: carpet doesn’t always suit wet areas, and it may be less ideal where durability or moisture resistance is key.
Laminate and engineered wood floors can strike a good balance between style and warmth. Because they are wood-based, they tend to be better insulators than stone or tile.
For better performance:
Use a high-thermal underlay under the laminate or engineered boards
Make sure temperature and humidity control are managed (avoid extremes)
Engineered wood is more dimensionally stable than solid wood in changing temperatures, so less risk of warping or gaps
These floors aren’t as insulating as carpet, but can still feel cosy, especially with the right underlay and installation.
Vinyl is less insulating by nature, but modern designs offer improvements. Many products come with thin built-in underlay or are compatible with a very slim thermal layer.
Caveats & tips:
Avoid thick underlay layers under vinyl because too much cushioning can destabilise click-lock systems.
Opt for vinyl with attached pad or built-in backing
Use over warmer subfloors (e.g. wood joists) rather than cold concrete, or ensure there is insulation beneath
Vinyl gives you the look of wood or tile, with easier maintenance and acceptable warmth when done right.
Even the best flooring won’t perform if you skip on underlay or insulation. Here’s how to pick and use them smartly:
Check thermal (R‑value) ratings. Many underlays now state both acoustic and thermal performance.
Use cork, felt, or specialised warm underlay materials. Some cork‑foam blends can deliver noticeable insulation for rigid floors.
Don’t overdo thickness (especially under vinyl). Too thick a cushion can cause instability.
Insulate subfloors & cavities. Especially if you’ve got a ground floor above a cold basement or slab, make sure there is insulation below or in joist spaces.
Seal the edges & thresholds. Gaps around skirting or at transitions let cold air sneak in. Good installers will seal those.
Here’s a quick breakdown comparing carpet and laminate when it comes to warmth:
| Feature | Carpet | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Warm underfoot | Excellent | Good with underlay |
| Heat retention | High | Moderate |
| Durability / maintenance | Needs cleaning, can stain | Easier to clean, resistant |
| Suitability for base rooms | Bedrooms, living areas | Hallways, dining, open plan |
| Moisture resistance | Poor | Better (with proper moisture barrier) |
Choose carpet where warmth is priority and foot comfort matters most. Use laminate where you want a wood-look floor with ease of cleaning and less maintenance, and boost its warmth with top-tier underlay.
Q: Which type of flooring is the warmest in winter?
A: Carpet usually leads because its fibrous structure traps air and acts as insulation.
Q: Can you put underlay under vinyl for warmth?
A: Only very thin underlay is advisable. Thick cushioning risks destabilising click systems. Many vinyl options now include built-in backing instead.
Q: Is laminate good for keeping a room warm?
A: Yes, with the right underlay and insulation underneath, laminate can become comfortably warm underfoot.
Q: Does tile floor make a room cold?
A: On its own, yes, stone and ceramic conduct and radiate cold. But when paired with radiant heating, tile becomes efficient at distributing and holding warmth.
Q: How much difference does underlay make to warmth?
A: A good underlay can significantly reduce heat loss and improve underfoot comfort. It acts as a thermal barrier between cold subfloors and your chosen flooring.
When autumn rolls in, your flooring becomes more than a design choice. it’s part of your home’s warmth strategy. If you’re aiming for maximum comfort, carpet combined with quality underlay is a top bet. But if your heart is set on wood, vinyl or laminate, you can still achieve cosy floors – just be smart about underlay and insulation. And if you pair tile or stone with underfloor heating, you get the best of both warmth and elegance.
Ready to pick your autumn winner floor? Visit your local Frank’s store and we’ll help you choose the perfect floor and underlay combo for your home.
