Everything You Need to Know About Electric Underfloor Heating and Heated Floors

If you’ve ever stepped into a cold bathroom on a winter morning, you’ll know the discomfort of the cold tiles underfoot that deteriorate the whole experience. With underfoot heating, this common every-day problem can be avoided, making each winter morning that little bit more enjoyable. 

At Cord Electrics, we champion electric underfloor heating systems that add that extra touch of luxury and warmth to your home, especially in spaces such as bathrooms that have tiled floors. 

But what makes heated floors under tile such a compelling choice? How can your day to day be improved with this understated luxury? And how can we achieve this in your home?

What Is Electric Underfloor Heating and Why Tile Is the Perfect Partner?

Electric underfloor heating is a system of heating cables, mats or foil elements installed beneath your floor covering. Unlike traditional radiators, it spreads gentle, consistent heat across the entire surface, beginning at your toes and radiating upward. It’s especially suited to tiled rooms as, thanks to tile’s excellent thermal conductivity, the heated layer beneath transfers warmth efficiently into the room above. The result is a surface that feels warmer to the touch while the space above enjoys evenly distributed comfort.

Benefits of Choosing Heated Floors Under Tile

While radiators still serve their purpose, electric underfloor heating offers a suite of advantages that make it an increasingly popular choice, particularly in wet or compact rooms.

First, the heating is efficient and even. With heat emanating from beneath your feet, there are no cold spots or zones left unchecked. The design reduces vertical temperature gradients, so the floor stays warm and the space above stays comfortable.

Secondly, it saves space. Without bulky radiators taking up wall space, your room design becomes more flexible; which is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, en suites or living areas where space is limited: allowing you to gain freedom in design and storage.

Another key advantage is that it’s low maintenance. Once installed properly, our electric underfloor heating systems require minimal upkeep. There are no valves to bleed or circulating pumps to maintain: just a reliable heating grid working quietly beneath your floor.

Our modern systems also offer smart controls and zoning capability. When integrated with modern thermostats and smart systems, you can schedule, zone and tailor your heating precisely to your lifestyle. Furthermore, by heating the parts of the house you use, when you need them, you can reduce your energy usage and bills.

It’s also a safe and practical choice for wet rooms. Since we install the electric underfloor heating systems underneath a waterproof tiled surface, they’re fully suitable for bathrooms, shower rooms and wet zones. When installed by our qualified electricians to run through a Residual Current Device (RCD), they meet all relevant safety standards.

Finally, electric underfloor heating systems are discreet and aesthetically pleasing. With the heating mechanism hidden below the surface, your rooms maintain a clean, uncluttered look, allowing the tiles themselves to shine as a design feature.

Our Approach: Delivering Excellence From Design to Finish

While the advantages of electric underfloor heating are clear, its success depends entirely on how well it’s designed and installed. At Cord Electrics, we put precision and craftsmanship front and centre.

We begin with assessment and design: Each project starts with a full evaluation of your room,  floor construction, insulation, layout and the tile or flooring material you plan to use. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, we tailor the system; whether it’s mats, loose cables, foil systems or hybrid setups; to match your specific needs and thermal dynamics.

Next comes integration and planning. We coordinate with tilers, flooring specialists or builders to ensure the heating layer fits seamlessly under your chosen tiles. Through paying close attention to every detail, from thicknesses (typically an extra 3mm-10mm) to heating coverage, we are able to avoid compromising room height or aesthetics.

Once the plan is finalised, our qualified electricians will handle the professional installation. They make all electrical connections, install thermostats and integrate the system with your home’s existing electrical infrastructure, including smart controls if required.

Before we leave, we’ll test and commission the system thoroughly; checking for even heat distribution, ensuring safety compliance and walking you through operation. We also offer advice on how to set up optimised schedules and energy-saving habits for daily use. 

Common Questions About Electric Underfloor Heating

Some of the most common questions we receive regarding our electric underfloor heating systems are as follows: 

Q: Can electric underfloor heating be installed in any room?

A: Yes. Electric underfloor heating can be installed in any room including bathrooms and kitchens, living rooms and conservatories. It works especially well under tiles but with the right system it can also suit laminate or engineered wood surfaces.

Q: Is it expensive to run?

A: Running costs depend on insulation, usage and your heating habits. With good insulation and smart zoning, underfloor systems can be very efficient. We design every installation carefully to meet the needs of the space without unnecessary power use.

Q: How long does installation take?

A: Typically, a single room can be fitted in one to two days, though larger or more complex projects may take longer. We always plan for minimal disruption.

Q: Will I need to raise the floor level significantly?

A: Most electric systems add only a modest increase (generally between 3 mm and 10 mm) so in most rooms it’s hardly noticeable. Low-profile systems are also available where needed.

Q: Can underfloor heating replace all my radiators?

A: In many cases, yes. With good insulation and a well-designed system, electric underfloor heating can act as the main heat source for your home.
If you’re ready to enjoy the comfort and efficiency of heated floors under tile, contact us today to discuss your project.