We are installing radiant heat in our kitchen/family room remodel.  The installation will be from below the sub floor.  Can we use regular hard wood flooring planks or do we need to use a manufactured hard wood and why?  Are there some hard woods that are better than others?

Thanks!

What type of radiant are you installing, hydronic or low voltage electric?

We are installing a hydronic system.

Kristy

you can use real hardwood just make sure your designer knows that he will need to adjust water temps for that . If you use wide plank floor 5 inch or more in width the chance of cupping does increse. but the most critical thing is proper water temps

Just as important is moisture content. If you don't maintain the mfr's recommended moisture content via a whole house humidifier, you will get cracks, depend on it!