To retrofit underfloor heating – in other words, to install underfloor heating (UFH) in an existing home as part of a renovation – doesn’t offer quite the same clean slate for installation as a self-build would. But that doesn’t mean underfloor heating is out of the question.

There’s a selection of specially designed systems tailored towards renovation projects. It’s simply a case of tracking down the product that best suits your house’s characteristics. Thanks to a thin height build up and easy installation, electric systems were once the go-to solution for retrofit scenarios. However, thanks to the development of many slim, low-profile systems, installing warm water UFH in an existing house is more achievable than ever.

‘It’s particularly reassuring to know that you no longer need to dig up your floors to bury a system beneath six inches of screed and cement,’ says Tom Edmunds, general manager at Wunda Group.

How to retrofit underfloor heating – the step-by-step process

1. Decide on the most appropriate system to retrofit

When it comes to choosing the correct setup, there are several key factors to bear in mind. The first is the thermal efficiency of your home. If the house is poorly insulated with single glazed windows, the thermal fabric will likely require upgrading to ensure UFH can run efficiently. The type of subfloor you have also plays a big part in the decision, too. As will the amount of upheaval required for installation.

Image credit: Future plc/Chris Snook

Underfloor heating to an existing space can be divided into two categories. Systems that warm the floor surface via electrically heated cables, or those that comprise a network of pipes filled with warm water. The one you choose will depend on how many rooms you’re fitting UFH in. Plus how much you want to spend on installation and how much you’re willing to spend on running costs long term.

Electric

Electric underfloor heating comes either in loose cable form or with the wires embedded into a sticky mat. It’s easy to lay directly atop the subfloor and have little impact on floor heights – a key factor for many renovations where you can’t change ceiling heights and door levels.

‘Warmup’s StickyMat System features an extremely thin heating wire,’ says Sarah Wazir, a marketing executive at Warmup. ‘It can be installed directly in a layer of tile adhesive when you’re fitting the system alongside a tiled surface.’

Warm water screeded

In this system, warm water pipes are embedded into a layer of sand and cement screed that helps spread the heat across the floor surface. In the past, the height build-up from this layer would have required the removal of skirting boards and for the bottoms of doors to be trimmed down to fit. However, modern low-profile systems for renovations are designed with a thin, self-levelling liquid compound in place of the screed. This can reduce the typical height of the system from around 75mm to as little as 15mm, depending on the product you go for.

Warm water non-screeded

Hydronic systems with no screed can also be known as ‘dry’ – don’t confuse them with electric UFH, which is sometimes described using the same terminology. Here, pre-routed tubes are laid into a panel, which often features a layer of foil on top to help spread the heat effectively. Overlay systems like this can be laid directly onto the existing floor and are ideal for homes that don’t have the vertical space for a screed or self-levelling compound.

2. Budget correctly

Before you start your project, bear in the underfloor heating costs. If you’re retrofitting underfloor heating, bear in mind that any renovation project comes with more unknowns than if you were working with a brand-new building. That’s why it’s so important to build a contingency fund into your overall budget.

It’s generally acknowledged that laying UFH in an existing home will be more expensive than in a fresh new self-build, too – especially if you’re making thermal upgrades to your house as part of the process.

Electric underfloor heating costs less to install than warm-water systems as it’s so easy to fit. However, it will result in higher running costs later.

If you’re only fitting it in the family bathroom and an ensuite, that may not be a problem. However, if you’re retrofitting UFH across the entire ground floor, a hydronic system will probably be more cost-effective in the long-term.

3. Inspect your subfloor

If you have suspended timber floors (eg a period property), there are two options. One is to take up the floorboards completely and lay the underfloor heating pipes so they’re suspended between the joists, with a layer of insulation underneath. A sand and cement mix would then be poured around the pipes on top of the joists. If adding the screed layer is going to cause any issues, a low-profile overlay system with insulated backing boards might be the better option, as it can be laid on top of existing floorboards.

For homes with concrete slab floors, the process will generally be less labour intensive as you can simply lay UFH over the top of the floor slab. A screeded solution will offer the best heat output, however, if you don’t have the vertical height to accommodate that, a modern slimline product might be the best match.

Electric systems can typically be laid over concrete slab and suspended timber floors without any difficulties.

4. Lay a suitable flooring on top

Many materials are compatible with underfloor heating, but if you want your floor to conduct the heat effectively into the room above, dense tile surfaces have the edge. Solutions such as porcelain and ceramic are smooth and level, so you’ll get an even spread of warmth across the whole tile. Stone works well, too.

Timber is a possibility, though it won’t match porcelain or ceramic tiles in terms of its heat conductivity. Engineered products made from several cross-laminated layers of plywood, finished with a top veneer, are typically chosen over solid boards. Any floor finish that uses solid wood will need to be designed properly to allow for expansion and contraction as the wood heats and cools with your heating.

If you’re after a soft feel underfoot, carpet works. However you’ll need to ensure the combined value of the carpet and the underlay doesn’t exceed the Tog value specified by your UFH supplier. Otherwise, the layer of carpet will be too insulating for heat to move up into the room above.

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Are there any other key considerations?

As it’s a low-temperature heat distribution system, UFH works best in homes that don’t leak heat through the walls, floors and roof. ‘To prevent heat loss, it’s always a plus to add insulation or improve the quality of the windows and doors as much as possible,’ says Michael Schienke, director at Vorbild Architecture. ‘Some of this may require separate permissions, but it’s always a plus to upgrade old single glazed windows to double glazed.’

In retrofit scenarios, floor profile is another key factor. ‘One of the biggest issues we face is keeping the existing floor finish level if you have areas in the house with UFH and areas without it positioned side by side,’ says Michael Schienke. Getting this aspect of your project right will come down to careful planning at the design stage. And making sure you choose the right product in terms of height build-up.

The post How to retrofit underfloor heating – a complete guide appeared first on Ideal Home.

While tray dinners in front of the TV on the weekends feels like a treat it’s not a preferable solution to a dining table for everyday mealtimes. And while not every kitchen can accommodate a full-sized dining table,  you’d be surprised how many smart small kitchen table ideas can offer even the tiniest kitchen layout a fine place to dine.

With extending tables and smart space-saving designs there’s a small kitchen table idea to suit all spaces, to ensure you can take a seat for dinner – that’s not the sofa.

Small Kitchen Table Ideas

‘From a design perspective, a dining table is a clever way of creating the illusion of a bigger kitchen, thanks to the light that beams through the empty space that sits underneath the table’ explains Andy Briggs, Interior Designer at Optiplan Kitchens. ‘As a result, the effect of a larger floor plan is created, making your kitchen feel bigger and brighter.’

‘For those whose tastes are ever-changing or homeowners who like to keep up with the latest trends, dining tables can be replaced very easily and fairly cost-effectively. They can be spruced up with a new set of chairs, refreshed by injecting colour with soft furnishings or accessories. They can also be moved, turned and pushed against a wall if more space needs to be made.’

Let’s explore those small kitchen table ideas to maximise your living space…

1. Soften the edges to make it more compact

Image credit: Optiplan Kitchens

There’s something about soft edges in design that makes furniture pieces feel less oppressive, especially when talking tables – in small kitchen layouts. Choosing a round or at least rounded edge table will help to create a sense of flow, rather than feeling like a block shaped in a small space.

Same goes for the chairs you choose to match. Opting for rounder designs automatically makes them feel less intrusive to the space.

2. Make a small table multifunctional

Image credit: Future PLC/ Ryan Wick

A small kitchen table is best used as a multipurpose surface – from a kitchen work prep small kitchen island idea to a tiny dining table the next. Choose a design of small kitchen table that can lend itself to all manner of kitchen tasks.

Choosing a lightweight design will ensure the table can be manoeuvred with ease around the space, to create a sense of freedom and flow. Moveable kitchen furniture aids a small kitchen idea because it feels less restrictive.

3. Incorporate storage to save space

Image credit: IKEA

When space is limited smart design is a must. To afford the space for a small kitchen table try seeking a multifunctional design that doubles as a savvy small kitchen storage idea. This brilliantly clever design at IKEA, the experts of problem solving furniture solutions, provides additional storage while serving as a dining table.

The underside of the table features storage compartments to keep placemats, tableware and kitchen clutter – even laptops and home office must-haves if needed. The smart design also accommodates the chairs when not in use, to prevent them taking up valuable floorspace.

‘IKEA’s range of drop-leaf tables, such as the new KALLHÄLL table, can be pressed up against any free wall space, and extended only when needed’ explains Clotilde Passalacqua at IKEA. ‘The table also multi-tasks as storage where you can keep foldable chairs when not in use.’ Genius.

Buy now: KALLHÄLL Gateleg Table, £179, IKEA

4. Keep the dining chairs to a minimum

Image credit: Future PLC

When your kitchen is lacking space any surface is valuable, whether it be for dining or preparing food – so how you organise a small kitchen is key. By keeping the seating less formal your kitchen table can feel more flexible in use. For example small table placed adjacent to the units can create a galley-style kitchen and form more of a worktop when not being used as a dining table.

Choose a similar style tabletop to the kitchen counter makes it feel even more forgiving – creating a sense of an extension of worktops.

5. Seek space-saving bench seating to tuck under

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

When space is tight it helps to keep furniture to a minimum, to avoid a feeling of overcrowding. Having said that what’s the point of having a dining table with no chairs? The smart solution to provide seating and save space at the same time is bench seating. Bench seating is flexible enough to provide plentiful seating while also having the ability to hide away, under the table out of sight, when not in use.

Having seating that disappears is also a great solution if you have a wall to push the table flush against. This gives you the freedom to move the table to one side and use the wall as a buffer for stacking items against. Or also idea for a party buffet table, over to one side out pf the way.

6. Create a window seat dining area

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Place a small kitchen table idea directly in from of a window seat to create a banquette booth-style arrangement. The window seat idea will provide plentiful seating to one side to balance the feel of the small room. Use low level stools on the opposite side of the table so they don’t feel imposing.When not in use they can simply be tucked under the table out of the way, a smart way to make a small kitchen look bigger.

An extending table design is always a welcome way of making more of a limited space.

7. Set aside a small bistro table and chairs

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

To avoid breaking the flow and feel of a compact kitchen choose a less intimidating small bistro table and chairs set. The round shape offers a softer feel, without hard edges to avoid as you manoeuvre around the space, making it flow more freely.

There’s a reason bistro sets are so popular for balcony spaces, because they offer a small-space seating solution fit for purpose without taking up more space than needed.

8. Choose highly adaptable designs

Image credit: IKEA

‘With kitchens being the place for entertaining guests, everyday dining and grabbing a quick morning coffee – it’s often a space we need to adapt to several different scenarios’ says Clotilde Passalacqua, Interior Design Manager at IKEA UK & Ireland. ‘Even if your kitchen is cosy, there are clever table solutions that allow you to entertain, without compromising your day-to-day space.’

As with any kitchen, but particularly in a small kitchen, choosing multifunctional designs allows you to tailer your space to suit your needs. A drop leaf table that extends means you can go from slimline breakfast bar feel to a generous banquette table in no time at all. Folding chairs ensure surplus seats aren’t taking up unwanted space when not in use.

9. Make a small table feel like an extension of the kitchen design

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Look for a small kitchen table idea that reflects the feel and design of your existing kitchen to ensure it blends seamlessly. When the dining set is made of similar material in the same colour palette to that of the kitchen design it helps the space feel more coordinated, and therefore less cluttered.

Keep walls and flooring choices in the same cohesive palette to create a calming colour scheme to stop the small space from feeling overwhelmed.

10. Opt for a wall-mounted design

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

A wall-mounted table is always a winning way to save valuable floorspace in a small room. Elevating the design frees up the space below, leaving room for extra storage and even a moveable kitchen trolley. As long as there is space for legs to fit under the small table when seated, anything goes.

How do you put a table in a small kitchen?

Put a table in a small kitchen with careful consideration. The last thing you want to do is make the already small space feel constricted by a bulky table. Choose a smart design, one that extends, folds away or offers a storage solution to make it multifunctional and therefore justifiable for the space.

‘Even if you have a smaller kitchen, keep the dining table central to the room so people are still immersed in the space’ advises Andy Briggs, Interior Designer at Optiplan Kitchens.

Choose a smart design that works harder in a compact space. ‘Whether you’re planning an intimate sit down dinner party, or simply need a functional space to enjoy dinner with your housemate, as opposed to squeezing on the sofa, the NORDVIKEN, INGATORP and IDANÄS drop leaf tables are great options’ says Clotilde Passalacqua, Interior Design Manager at IKEA. ‘They give you an all-important space to sit properly for meals.’

It’s likely if a kitchen is on the small size the rest of the downstairs will be limited for space, meaning it’s important to give each room its own identity to help make the layout feel more generous.

What shape table is best for a small kitchen?

Generally speaking the best shape table for a small kitchen is round from a visual perspective – because the soft edges feel less structured and therefore less intrusive on the small space. If you’re looking for more of a classic dining table the best shape is a narrow oblong, to take up less space but still provide plenty of room to cater for your dining requirements.

Any extending table shape is ideal for small kitchens because it can be made bigger or smaller depending on the needs of the occasion.

The post Small kitchen table ideas to cater for tiny dining spaces appeared first on Ideal Home.

Looking for the best garden furniture? Finding the right outdoor seating to relax, entertain and dine alfresco will instantly update your outdoor area, and, it’s never too early to get started shopping. After all, having your garden furniture set-up sorted early will ensure you can get straight out into the fresh air as soon as the sunshine hits.

Plus, after a sell-out season last year, it’s worth investing in your outdoor space early whilst garden furniture stock levels are at their best, whether you’re in search of a timeless rattan corner sofa, a contemporary outdoor lounge set, or a space-saving dining set for a small patio.

As such we’ve rounded up the best garden furniture on the Ideal Home team’s radar, with rust and weather-resistant aluminium and hardwood options from John Lewis, Homebase, and B&Q, plus on-trend, affordable, and small-space friendly options from Habitat, Argos, and many more.

What’s the most durable outdoor furniture?

Garden furniture certainly doesn’t come cheap, so before you buy, it’s worth understanding just what you’re investing in, in terms of outdoor materials and the longevity you can expect from them.

If your budget allows, then look out for options made from lightweight and rust-resistant aluminium or weather-resistant hardwoods like teak, acacia, or eucalyptus if you want your garden furniture to weather the elements for years to come. This includes paying attention to the metal used in the frames of otherwise low-maintenance rattan-effect outdoor furniture. Powder-coated steel is a (much) cheaper alternative to aluminium, but will have less weather resistance so will need more careful storage during bad weather to prolong its lifespan.

We’ve included a range of options in our round-up, from aluminium and hardwood furniture that’s worth investing a little more cash into for its durability, to affordable powder-coated steel options that deliver good looks on a lower budget.

So, without further ado, let’s get onto our pick of the best garden furniture of the year, then all that’s left to do is fire up the BBQ, and get ready for the summer sunshine!

The best garden furniture of 2022

The post Best garden furniture of 2022: the most stylish, practical, and affordable outdoor designs appeared first on Ideal Home.

Insulate a garage door to reduce the risk of cold and damp and make it a better place for storage and pursuing hobbies.

Garage doors are typically thin and made from metal. This means they will stay cold on the inside or quickly overheat unless there’s an insulating barrier in place. Even if yours is made from wood, it could still benefit from insulation – just like insulating your home.

‘Most garage doors come with problems like being cold to touch or draughty. They normally have steel or other metal frame materials which have very low, if any, insulation value,’ says Craig Phillips, DIY celebrity and one half of Mr & Mrs DIY. ‘Insulating your garage door will reduce heat loss.’

Insulating a garage door isn’t tricky to do, but, if you’re going to do it yourself, there are things to be aware of to ensure a successful result.

Before you start: what type of garage door do you have?

Image credit: Robert Schneider / Alamy Stock Photo

There are no rules or regulations stating that garage doors must be well insulated, so unless you’ve upgraded it yourself or bought a high spec door, it’s unlikely to be insulated.

The material, style and condition of your garage door will impact on how easy it is to upgrade with insulation. If it’s a bit on the ropey side, you might need to install a new one – but remember that insulation doesn’t come as standard on new garage doors.

How does it open? The points where the door hinges and folds could stop working properly if your new insulation gets in the way. Also be aware of the extra weight and thickness insulation adds, which some garage doors won’t take – meaning the door springs could break. If the style of door doesn’t suit the insulation you add, then all that hard work will be for nothing when the thermal barrier, or even the garage door itself, gets damaged.

‘You can always tell by the thickness of the panel,’ says Ian Chubb, Managing Director at garage door specialist Deuren. ‘Non-insulated doors are only a couple of millimetres thick, whereas insulated doors are usually 45mm in thickness.’

How to insulate a garage door – step by step

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

1. Choose the right insulation for your garage door

There are various ways to insulate a garage door. A popular DIY insulation product for garage doors is reflective foil. You can buy garage door insulation kits that come with everything you need to do the job, including tape and adhesive. These packs are affordable and readily available online.

Rigid foam insulation is another option. ‘You can clad the inside of your garage door with materials such as Kingspan (rigid foam) sheets, which come in various sizes and in different depths,’ says Craig Phillips. Make sure the foam is thinner than the channels inside your door.

2. Work out how much insulation you need to insulate a garage door

Take accurate measurements of the door to make sure you calculate the right amount of insulation. Check for areas where you shouldn’t install insulation to make sure you don’t damage the opening mechanism. Once you’ve got the overall measurement you can then buy your insulation. It’s always a good idea to purchase an extra 5% for cutting and wastage.

3. Prepare your garage door

Clean the door and make sure the surfaces are sound. Clear anything near the door out of the way to allow enough space for you to work, especially if you need to cut the insulation.

4. Make sure you’ve got the right equipment to insulate a garage door

You’ll need to get the right adhesive for the insulation product you choose. You’ll also require the right cutting tools to prepare it. ‘You may need to cut the insulation to fit panels on the door, so that it can still open. For instance, if you have a roller door you’ll need to trim the sheets and fit them exactly to each roll panel,’ says Jo Behari, DIY expert and TV presenter.

5. Mark up & cut the insulation

Mark up each insulation panel accurately (making sure you don’t damage the product) and cut it safely. Multifoils can be trimmed with a Stanley knife and steel rule, or a good pair of scissors. You’ll probably need a standard handsaw to cut rigid foam.

6. Try the insulation against the door

Before applying the adhesive, offer up the insulation to the panel you want to treat to check that it fits. Adjust if necessary.

7. Fix the insulation to the door

There are different ways to attach different types of insulation. Some kits come with adhesive already attached or you might want to get heavy-duty double-sided tape. Bear in mind some adhesives can damage foam insulation.

8. Seal up the gaps

Depending on the type of garage door, you may want to treat the gaps between boards with insulating tape or seals to further enhance the insulation performance.

9. Draught proof the garage door

It’s very important to seal any gaps around the garage door frames to create a fully insulated result. ‘Make sure the four edges of the door frame and where the door meets the frame are sealed correctly,’ says Craig Phillips. ‘This can be done by fitting commercial weather strips.’

Is it difficult to DIY install garage door insulation?

Image credit: Future PLC

Installing garage door insulation and draught proofing yourself isn’t difficult and most confident DIYers will be up to the task. However, the type of insulation you use and the style of door could add complexity. You also need to make sure you don’t disrupt the opening mechanisms and damage the door.

To simplify things, you could buy a DIY garage door insulation kit. This will include instructions on how to do the job.

Do make sure you have all the necessary materials suitable for the type of insulation – tapes, fixings etc.

Do check out our step-by-step guide to installing garage door insulation.

Don’t apply the insulation unevenly across the garage door. This could unbalance the door, meaning it won’t open well, and create cold spots.

Should a professional fit my garage door insulation?

If you’re concerned about whether your DIY skills are up to the task, then you could employ a tradesperson to fit your garage door insulation. If you’re buying a new garage door then you’re going to want a professional to fit it. Check whether the company can offer a supply and install contract.

Do ask if the trades will supply the materials – but look to see if it’s cheaper to get them yourself.

Do speak to more than one trade when looking for quotes.

Don’t expect busy builders to want to take a small job on – they might be more likely to quote a sensible price if insulating your door is part of a wider garage renovation project.

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