Bathroom underfloor heating: electric or wet?
Electric mats suit most single-bathroom renovations; wet systems make sense when the whole house is being replumbed.
Warm floors are one of the small luxuries people miss most once they have had them.
Key takeaways
Electric underfloor heating is easier and quicker to retrofit in one bathroom.
Wet systems run off the boiler or heat pump and are cheaper to run across large areas.
Both work under tiles and stone; insulation boards improve response time.
In wet rooms, heating helps the floor dry quickly after showering.
A heated towel rail is still useful for towels and extra heat.
Comparison
Electric and wet systems compared
| Electric | Wet (water) | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Thin mat under the tile adhesive | Pipes in a screed or panel system |
| Floor height | A few millimetres | Usually more build-up |
| Install cost | Lower for one room | Higher for one room |
| Running cost | Higher per hour of use | Lower, especially with a heat pump |
| Best for | Single bathroom retrofits | Whole-house projects, extensions |
Installation
How it is installed
Insulation
An insulation board under the heater reduces heat loss downwards and speeds warm-up.
Heating layer
Electric mats are laid out to avoid fixed fittings; wet pipes are laid in loops.
Testing
Resistance and continuity are tested before and after tiling.
Controls
A thermostat with a floor sensor; programmable controls keep running costs down.
See electric heating mats on Deep Green, Warm Walnut and Framed in Black.
Electrics
Electrical requirements
Electric underfloor heating is a new circuit in a bathroom, so it is notifiable under Part P and needs RCD protection. See bathroom electrical zones.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
For most people, yes — warm floors, faster drying and no radiator on the wall.
Often in well-insulated rooms; many people still add a heated towel rail.
Yes. Stone conducts heat well; follow the manufacturer's guidance on temperature.
Yes, beneath the waterproofing and tiles, and it helps the floor dry quickly.
Related services: luxury bathrooms, wet rooms. Related projects: Deep Green, Warm Walnut, Framed in Black, Pattern and Precision.
