How to Install Underfloor Heating in the Bathroom

Introduction 

Are you building a new home or undertaking renovations? If so, this is a fantastic opportunity to install underfloor heating in your bathroom. 

Underfloor heating is a luxurious addition that not only keeps your toes warm but will also save you money in the long run. What more could you want? 

Summary

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about installing underfloor heating in your bathroom. We’ll answer questions such as:

• Can underfloor heating be installed in my bathroom? 

• Can I install underfloor heating on my own?

• How much will underfloor heating cost? 

• What are the benefits of bathroom underfloor heating?

Can you put underfloor heating in a bathroom?

Underfloor heating is most often installed in bathrooms, though it can be used to heat flooring in other rooms as well. The flooring material and shape of the room will determine what type of underfloor heating you can put in your bathroom.

Tile flooring

Most people who decide to install underfloor heating have tile bathrooms. Tile is easy to keep clean and isn’t susceptible to water damage, making it the perfect choice for bathrooms, showers, and wet rooms. The biggest drawback to tile is that it can be cold. Fortunately, you can easily fix cold tile with underfloor heating. 

Although many types of underfloor heating are designed with tile in mind, some are not. An underfloor heating system designed for tile flooring will protect the tile from cracking due to the seasonal contracting of the subfloor.

Wood flooring

Though less popular in bathrooms these days, wooden flooring can also be heated. The softmat underfloor heating system is designed with laminate and wooden flooring in mind and comes with a lifetime guarantee. 

Square or rectangular bathrooms

For bathrooms with a regular shape, you can easily install electric mats beneath the floor in long strips. The thermopads undertile heating mat is made for multiple types of tile and stone. It’s also very thin, making it ideal for renovations. 

Irregularly shaped bathrooms

For bathrooms without clean lines, a loose wire system may be the superior choice. With loose wire, you can easily install heating around bulky objects and irregularly shaped spaces. 

Can you install underfloor heating yourself?

You may be able to install underfloor heating yourself, depending on the project and type of underfloor heating. There are two main types of underfloor heating: wet and electric. 

Wet underfloor heating

Wet underfloor heating uses water instead of electricity to heat the flooring. If you’re renovating your bathroom, this type of underfloor heating may be challenging to install on your own. With the right expertise, you can install the water underfloor heating kit with ease. This kit comes with everything you need to install wet underfloor heating in a 15m2 space. 

Electric underfloor heating

If you’re doing your renovations yourself, electric underfloor heating is probably the best choice. By using mats or loose wire systems, you can quickly and easily install electric heating. Timerstats can be used to programme your electric underfloor heating so that it turns on only when you need it. 

The mirage timerstat has a modern, mirrored display that enables you to set the times you want your flooring to be heated. It even comes with a holiday setting, so you won’t waste energy when you’re away. 

To control your underfloor heating from your home, install a wifi timerstat that can connects to your home router. 

How much does it cost to install underfloor heating in a bathroom?

The underfloor heating installation cost will depend on the existing structure in place and the type of heating you choose. 

Suppose your subfloor doesn’t currently have any insulation. In that case, you’ll need to have this fitted first to ensure there isn’t any downward heat loss. You should also expect to spend more on water underfloor heating than electric heating, as it is more difficult to install and may require hiring multiple tradespersons. 

For a loose wire system in a 4m2 bathroom, installation should cost you less than £500. 

Is bathroom underfloor heating worth it?

Installing underfloor heating is an excellent choice for several reasons. 

• Adds value to the home. If you decide to sell your home in the future, bathroom underfloor heating is a huge selling point. 

• Great for cool climates. During cold winters and chilly mornings, you’ll appreciate stepping out of your warm shower onto the warm tile. 

•  

Energy-efficient and cost-effective. Heating your bathroom with underfloor heating is generally much more cost-effective than other traditional forms of heating, thanks to its high energy efficiency. You’ll save considerably on your electrical bill.