
✓ Fact: Underfloor heating is more eco-friendly than radiators and also uses less energy, which results in lower energy costs
What Is Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating is a type of heating system that uses pipes or electric cables to heat the floor of a room. It works by circulating warm water or electricity through the floor to create comfortable and even heat throughout the space.
This system is an efficient and cost-effective way to heat a room and it can be used in both residential and commercial buildings. When used correctly, underfloor heating is much more efficient at heating a room when compared to using radiators.
Wet Underfloor Heating System
Wet underfloor heating is a system of tubes or pipes that are connected via a manifold to a heat source such as a boiler. The pipes are filled with heated water and the heat radiates up through the floor to heat the room to a comfortable temperature.
The main benefit of wet underfloor heating is that it’s an efficient and cost-effective way of heating a room. The slow and even heat distribution is also an attractive feature when compared to the electric alternative.
However, wet underfloor heating requires careful planning beforehand and is more expensive to install. It’s also more difficult to control and it can be slow to respond to changes in temperature. In addition, wet underfloor heating isn’t suitable for all floor coverings and if installed incorrectly, it can cause water damage.
Dry Underfloor Heating System
Dry (also referred to as electric) underfloor heating is a type of heating system consisting of electric cables or mats installed underneath the flooring.
The main benefit of a dry underfloor heating system is that they are cheap to install and heat up quickly when compared to the wet alternative.
However, they do have some drawbacks, which include the fact that they are usually more expensive to run and that the heat isn’t distributed evenly.
How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost To Install?
The average cost for a wet underfloor heating system is between £100-£125 per square metre whereas the average cost for a dry underfloor heating system is between £50-£75 per square metre. Therefore, the cost of underfloor heating in an average size living room (30m2) would be between £3,000 to £3750 for a wet or £1,500 to £2,250 for a dry system.
It’s worth keeping in mind that the approximate underfloor heating costs include labour and materials. They don’t include the cost of removing and installing new flooring in the room which varies depending upon the type of floor.
What Factors Affect The Cost To Install Underfloor Heating?
- Room Size: The size of the room is a major factor in the cost of installing underfloor heating because it affects the amount of materials needed.
- Floor Type: Solid floors are easier to install the pipes and insulation whereas suspended floors require additional work to ensure that the pipes can be laid correctly.
- Insulation: If the room has poor insulation, additional materials may need to be purchased to ensure that the underfloor heating is effective.
- Installation Method: How the underfloor heating is installed can also affect the cost. For example, if the pipes are installed traditionally, then the cost may be lower than if the pipes are installed using a more modern, high-tech method.
- Labour Costs: The cost of labour to install the underfloor heating will vary depending on the region in the UK as well as the experience of the installer.
Underfloor Heating vs. Radiators
Underfloor heating and radiators are two popular methods of heating a home. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages so it’s important to consider which is best for your particular circumstances.
Underfloor heating is a great option for areas where space is an issue because you don’t have to have large radiators taking up wall space. It’s also very energy efficient because the heat is distributed evenly, so you don’t have to use as much energy to heat the room. However, underfloor heating can be expensive to install and can be difficult to access for repairs.
Radiators on the other hand are a more traditional and less expensive option for heating a home. They are easy to install and maintain and can be placed anywhere in the room. They also have the added advantage of providing quick heat because they heat up quickly when switched on. However, radiators are less energy efficient than underfloor heating because they don’t distribute heat as evenly. They also take up valuable wall space, which can be an issue in smaller spaces.
Ultimately, the best option to heat your home depends upon your personal needs. If you have a larger space or don’t mind sacrificing wall space, then underfloor heating could be the best choice. However, if you’re on a budget or need to heat a smaller space quickly, then radiators may be the better option.
How To Install Underfloor Heating
Whether you choose to install a wet or dry underfloor heating system, the process of installing it is pretty much the same. However, there are slight differences that you’ll see in the below installation briefs:
Installing A Wet System
- Prepare the Subfloor: Carefully remove any existing flooring material and inspect the subfloor for its level and moisture. If necessary, use a self-levelling compound or plywood to level the surface and a moisture barrier to protect the floor from any moisture damage.
- Layout the System: Determine the layout of the system and take into account the size of the room and the type of flooring you will be using. Lay out the system, connecting the manifold and the thermostat.
- Install the Pipes: Cut the pipes to the desired length and fit them into the grooved panels that’ll be used to secure them in place. Connect the pipes to the manifold and secure them in place with the panels.
- Install the Heat Source: Connect the heat source and the thermostat to the system. This can be either an electric heating element or a hydronic system.
- Install the Flooring: Lay the chosen flooring material on top of the system and secure it in place. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent any water damage.
- Test the System: Turn on the system and check to make sure it’s operating correctly and that the thermostat is working correctly.
Installing A Dry System
- Prepare the Subfloor: As with installing a wet system, you’ll want to prepare the subfloor by making sure it is level and free of any moisture.
- Install the Heating Mat: You’ll then need to measure the floor and cut the heating mat to size. Try to ensure that the mat is lying flat and that there are no kinks or creases. Once you are happy with the cut, secure the mat to the floor using the adhesive provided.
- Connect the Thermostat: The thermostat should then be connected to the heating mat using the provided instructions of the floor you are laying.
- Install the Insulation: Depending on the type of flooring you are using, you may need to install insulation before you lay the flooring. This will help to prevent heat loss and keep your floor warm.
- Lay the Flooring: Once the insulation is in place, you can lay the flooring of your choice. Make sure that the flooring is securely attached and that there are no gaps between the flooring and the walls.
- Test the System: Once the flooring is in place, you can test the system to make sure it’s working properly.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a wet or dry system, underfloor heating is an excellent addition to any home. Hopefully the guide on how much underfloor heating costs to install has answered all your questions. However, if it hasn’t, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

Written By Danny Morgan
Danny is a property developer by trade with over 15 houses successfully rennovated from the bottom up but other than rennovating houses, he's also a car enthusiast with multiple classic and performance cars.
If you want to find out more about Danny, our testing process or the website itself, visit our about page for further information.
Danny's Expertise
✔ Construction/Property Development
✔ House Rennovations
✔ Plumbing & Electrics
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✔ Gardening (Heavy Duty & Big Projects)
Citations:
- Installing Underfloor Heating, Nu-Heat, (https://www.nu-heat.co.uk/blog/diy-underfloor-heating-installation-tips/)