Heated Floor Installer
Whether you are interested in a heated bathroom floor, heated tile floor, or a complete underfloor heating system, our team can help you determine the best solution for your project. We frequently install heated tile systems as part of bathroom remodeling projects and can coordinate more advanced radiant heating system installations when required.
What Is Radiant Floor Heating?
Radiant floor heating is a method of heating a room by warming the floor beneath its surface. A radiant heating system distributes heat evenly across the floor, which creates a more comfortable environment. You know how your heat can be on, your head can be warm, but your feet can still be frozen? This is because heat rises. Heated floors warm you from the ground up.
There are two primary types of radiant floor heating systems:
Electric Radiant Floor Heating – Electric UFH
Electric radiant floor heating, electric UFH for short, uses heating cables or heating mats installed beneath a finished flooring surface. Electric floor heating is one of the most popular options for bathroom remodeling projects because it is efficient, reliable, and easier to install in existing homes.
Benefits include:
- Fast installation
- Ideal for heated bathroom floor projects
- Excellent for small and medium sized rooms
- Works well under tile flooring
- Controlled with an underfloor heating thermostat
Electric underfloor heating is often the best choice for homeowners looking to add comfort during a remodeling project without extensive plumbing modifications.
Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating | Water Underfloor Heating | Wet Underfloor Heating | Hot Water Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Hydronic radiant floor heating uses heated water circulated through tubing beneath the floor. This heated floor system is also referred to as water underfloor heating or wet underfloor heating.
Hydronic systems are commonly installed in:
- New construction homes
- Large home additions
- Whole house radiant heat projects
- Multi room floor heating systems
These systems typically use an underfloor heating manifold to distribute heated water through multiple zones. Hydronic radiant floor heating can be highly efficient when installed correctly and is often recommended for larger applications.
Bathroom Underfloor Heating
A heated tile floor is a massive upgrade in comfort for every bathroom. Especially in January. Stepping out of the shower onto a warm floor is life changing. You might even put your towel on the floor to warm it up before you get into the shower.
Bathroom underfloor heating works especially well with:
- Ceramic tile
- Porcelain tile
- Natural stone tile such as marble, granite, or travertine
Tile is the best flooring material for radiant floor heating installation.
Schluter Ditra Heat
More often than not, we install Schluter Ditra heated floor systems. Schluter provides the best waterproofing and heated tile systems available for bathroom remodeling.
Benefits of Underfloor Heating (UFH)
Benefits include:
- Improved comfort
- Even heat distribution
- Energy efficiency
- Reduced cold spots
- Quiet operation
- Hidden heating components
- Enhanced home value
- Better temperature control
An underfloor heating system makes bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basement, and entryways much more comfortable.
Best Flooring for Radiant Heat
Recommended flooring materials include:
Under Tile Heating
Tile is the best option for heated floor installation because it transfers heat effectively and maintains durability over time. Under tile heating is one of many benefits of choosing tile.
Heated Natural Stone
Stone flooring stores and radiates heat efficiently, making it an excellent choice for radiant floor heating systems.
Engineered Hardwood
Some engineered hardwood products are approved for use with electric radiant floor heating and hydronic radiant floor heating systems.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Certain luxury vinyl products can be installed over in-floor heating systems when manufacturer specifications are followed.
Retrofit Underfloor Heating for Existing Homes
If you are remodeling a bathroom, kitchen, or basement, adding electric underfloor heating at the same time is usually the most cost effective approach.
A retrofit underfloor heating project may involve:
- Floor preparation
- Underfloor heating insulation
- Heating cable installation
- Underfloor heating boards
- New tile installation
- Thermostat installation
By incorporating radiant heat into a remodel, homeowners can enjoy modern comfort without major structural changes.
Heated Bathroom Floor Installation
Homeowners choose a heated bathroom floor because it:
- Eliminates cold morning floors
- Adds comfort after bathing
- Improves overall bathroom experience
- Works well with custom showers
- Enhances resale appeal
When paired with a custom shower remodel, heated tile flooring creates a spa like environment within your home.
Disadvantages of Radiant Floor Heating
Heated floors offer comfort and energy efficiency, but, as with anything, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
Higher Initial Cost
One of the biggest disadvantages of radiant floor heating is the upfront investment. The total under floor heating cost depends on the size of the space, flooring material, and whether the project involves new construction or retrofit underfloor heating. You can read more on costs below.
Longer Heat Up Times
Unlike a forced air system that can quickly raise the temperature of a room, radiant heat is gradual. The benefit is that the warmth is more comfortable and evenly distributed, but it takes longer, especially with hydronic radiant floor heating systems.
Limited Flooring Compatibility
Not every flooring material is suitable for radiant floor heating systems. Tile and stone perform exceptionally well, but other flooring options are not compatible, or do not perform as well.
Increased Floor Height
Some electric radiant floor heating systems and hydronic installations require additional layers of insulation, heating mats, underfloor heating boards, or self leveling materials. This raises the finished floor height and may require adjustments to doors, transitions, or fixtures. As part of a full room remodel, this is not a problem. However, if you’re only looking to replace your flooring and heat it, this can increase costs beyond what you initially expected.
Hydronic Systems Require Additional Equipment
Hydronic radiant floor heating systems are more complex than electric floor heating systems. They often require a boiler, pumps, controls, and an underfloor heating manifold. These components increase installation costs and require adequate mechanical space within the home.
Not Always Cost Effective for Every Room
A heated bathroom floor is often a worthwhile upgrade because of the comfort it provides in a smaller space. However, installing radiant floor heating throughout an entire home is not practical or cost effective for every homeowner. The best applications is in a tiled bathroom floor, the kitchen, a basement, mud room, laundry room, or other areas with tile flooring.
Underfloor Heating Installation Process
Consultation
We listen to your goals, help you select flooring, and the heating system.
System Design
We determine whether electric floor heating or hydronic radiant floor heating is the best solution.
Floor Preparation
The old floor is removed, the subfloor is inspected, and repaired if necessary.
Installation
Heating mats, cables, or tubing are installed according to manufacturer specifications.
Controls and Testing
The underfloor heating thermostat is connected and the system is tested before the finished flooring is installed.
Flooring Installation
Tile or other approved materials are installed over the heated floor system.
Under Floor Heating Cost
One of the most common questions homeowners ask concerns under floor heating cost.
The cost of underfloor heating installation depends on several factors:
- Room size
- Flooring material
- Electric or hydronic system
- Existing floor condition
- Thermostat selection
- Project complexity
Small bathroom projects are more affordable, and typically where heated floors are installed.
The best way to determine the cost is to Call Us at (812) 944-6383 to schedule a free consultation and receive a free, detailed estimate for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Heated Tile Floor Cost?
Is radiant floor heating worth it?
Many homeowners consider radiant floor heating worth the investment because of the comfort, efficiency, and luxury it provides in bathrooms and other tiled spaces.
Can heated floors be installed in an existing home?
Yes. Retrofit underfloor heating solutions can be installed during bathroom remodeling and flooring replacement projects.
What is the difference between electric and hydronic radiant floor heating?
Electric radiant floor heating uses electric cables or mats. Hydronic radiant floor heating uses heated water circulating through tubing beneath the floor.
What flooring works best with radiant heat?
Tile and stone flooring provide the best performance because they transfer the heat efficiently.
Can I install a heated tile floor in a bathroom?
Yes. A heated tile floor is one of the most popular upgrades for bathroom remodeling projects.
Need to Know More?
If you have more questions or are considering radiant floor heating installation, call FM Pro Remodeling at (812) 944-6383 with any questions, for a consultation, or to schedule a free estimate. Whether you are planning a heated tile floor, electric underfloor heating, hydronic radiant floor heating, or a complete bathroom remodel, we can help you create a warmer and more comfortable home.