How much does a heated bathroom floor cost?
How much does a heated bathroom floor cost?
$12 – $55 average cost per square foot (with new flooring)
$500 – $2,800 average total cost (electric radiant heat + new flooring)
Heated bathroom floor cost by size
Installing a heated bathroom floor costs $12 to $55 per square foot, or $500 to $2,800 on average for a typical bathroom, including the underfloor heating elements and new flooring. The total cost of a heated bathroom floor depends on the area size, complexity, heating system type, and the new flooring material.
| Bathroom size | Cost without new flooring* | Cost with new flooring* |
|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom / half-bath (20 – 30 square feet) |
$200 – $500 | $250 – $1,700 |
| Average full bathroom (40 – 50 square feet) |
$300 – $800 | $500 – $2,800 |
| Primary bathroom (60 – 160 square feet) |
$500 – $2,400 | $700 – $8,800 |
*Some contractors charge a $500 to $600 minimum job fee for radiant floor heating installation.
Heated bathroom floors cost by system
The two main types of heated bathroom floor systems are electric radiant and hydronic radiant. If you're installing heated floors in just the bathroom or a couple of small areas, an electric system may be more cost-effective. Hydronic systems work best for larger installations that will be left long-term at a set temperature.
| System type | Cost per square foot (without new flooring) |
Average total cost* (heating system + new flooring) |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $8 – $15 | $480 – $4,400 |
| Hydronic | $7 – $17 | $440 – $4,600 |
*Based on a 40- to 80-square-foot bathroom.
Electric
Electric radiant floor heating costs $8 to $15 per square foot installed, before adding new flooring. This heating system consists of electric cables or mats installed under the floor, which connect to the home's electrical panel.
Electric radiant flooring is ideal for small areas like a bathroom and works well under many floor types and materials.
Electric systems install for less but cost more to run than hydronic systems. However, electric heated bathroom floors don't typically cause a significant increase in your electric bill when timed to fit your use schedule.
Hydronic
Hydronic radiant bathroom flooring costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed on average, excluding new flooring. This system works well with tile, stone, and concrete but is best for larger areas or new construction. Hydronic radiant systems circulate heated water from a boiler or water heater through flexible plastic tubing under the floor.
A plumber installs the tubing in either a layer of concrete (or "thinset") or aluminum flooring panels with pre-cut channels. The water heats the floor surface, providing consistent warmth.
A new hot water heater costs $600 to $3,100 installed for a dedicated unit to supply small, one-room, or two-room hydronic radiant systems. For larger systems, you may need to factor in the cost of a new boiler or heat pump to handle the demand.
Consider Warmboard hydronic panels for new construction or a home addition (or remodel) involving a new bathroom subfloor. Warmboard costs more than others but acts as a radiant heating panel and subfloor in one, greatly reducing installation time.
Cost of heated bathroom floors by material
In addition to the heating system costs, the new flooring type and material impact the total installation cost. Ceramic and porcelain are popular choices for their superior ability to conduct and retain heat. The table below shows the cost for several common heated floor materials:
| Flooring type / material | Cost per square foot* | Average total cost* (40 – 80 SF bathroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic tile floor cost | $20 – $55 | $800 – $4,400 |
| Porcelain tile floor cost | $23 – $65 | $920 – $5,200 |
| Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floor cost | $12 – $31 | $480 – $2,500 |
| Linoleum floor cost | $12 – $26 | $480 – $2,100 |
| Waterproof laminate flooring cost | $12 – $29 | $480 – $2,300 |
| Polished concrete floor cost | $11 – $30 | $440 – $2,400 |
| Stone tile floor cost | $18 – $65 | $720 – $5,200 |
| Engineered hardwood floor cost | $15 – $35 | $600 – $2,800 |
| Real hardwood floor cost | $19 – $40 | $760 – $3,200 |
*Includes electric radiant heating and new flooring.
IMPORTANT: Not all vinyl and linoleum floor materials are suitable for heated flooring. No matter what new flooring you choose, check with the manufacturer to confirm the floor type and all installation materials are specifically rated for radiant floor heating.
Heated bathroom floor cost factors
The cost to install heated floors in a bathroom depends on several factors:
System type: Electric radiant heat systems cost less to install but are not as efficient. Hydronic systems cost more to install but cost less to run. Still, most pros recommend electrical systems for small areas like the bathroom due to the straightforward installation.
Bathroom size & design: A smaller job will cost less overall than a major renovation, but the cost per square foot is often higher for a small project. A bathroom floor with a complex custom layout takes longer to install than a simple square or rectangular floor.
Retrofit vs. new construction: Installing radiant floors in an existing bathroom costs 50% to 80% more than in new construction, as retrofitting requires removing the floor and often other adjustments and prep work that add time and materials to the project.
New floor material: New flooring adds $4 to $40+ per square foot, depending on the material. Some systems may also require insulation, which adds to the cost.
Thermostats: A new thermostat installation costs $140 to $350 to control the floor temperature. If you're installing underfloor heating in other areas as well, each room or separate heating zone needs its own radiant-heat thermostat.
System updates: Some radiant flooring installations require electrical upgrades to handle the new system. A dedicated circuit costs $250 to $900 installed on average.
Permit requirements: Permits may cost anywhere from $50 to $800, depending on the system size and whether the installation is part of a larger remodeling project.
Repairs: Some problems may not be visible until your old flooring is removed. Subfloor repair or replacement costs $100 to $570 on average.
Additional features: Depending on the system, a heated bathroom floor may only be enough to warm your feet, not the entire room. Heated towel racks cost $50 to $500+ before installation and act like an extra radiator to warm the air.
Combining a heated bathroom floor installation with other bathroom updates reduces overall costs. A bathroom remodel costs $120 to $275 per square foot, or $5,500 to $15,000 on average.
Installation labor
Labor makes up a sizable portion of heated bathroom flooring installation, especially when retrofitting the heated floors in an existing space. Depending on the type of radiant heating system and the project scope, several professionals may be involved:
Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour to install electrical radiant floor heating and make any necessary system upgrades.
Plumbers charge $75 to $150 per hour for hydronic radiant floor heating installation.
Flooring installers charge $50 to $100+ per hour to remove the existing floor and install new flooring once the radiant heating system is in place.
Make sure the electrician or contractor installs the new thermostat for your heated floors at eye level, not switch level.
DIY radiant bathroom floor cost
For very experienced DIYers, installing radiant floor heating under a new bathroom floor may be possible. However, this requires proper knowledge of electrical work and flooring. Hiring an experienced contractor is best to ensure a safe and correct installation.
Electric radiant floor heating mats cost $10 to $12+ per square foot for the mats alone.
Radiant heating mats come in 120- and 240-volt models. 120-volt mats work best for bathroom floors.
These mats heat the floor but are typically not powerful enough to heat the entire space.
Heated bathroom floor FAQs
Are heated bathroom floors worth it?
Heated bathroom floors are worth the cost for some homeowners to provide comfort underfoot, energy efficiency, and reduced noise. They are especially beneficial in northern climates where winter months can make bathroom floor tiles feel extremely cold.
How much does a heated bathroom floor cost to run?
Heated bathroom floors cost $5 to $10+ per month to run. However, operating costs vary depending on home usage, local utility rates, and the type of radiant system you have. Electric systems typically cost more to run than hydronic systems.
How long does it take to install heated floors in a bathroom?
Heated bathroom floor installation time varies based on the system, bathroom size, and the prep work required. Professional installations take about 1 to 3 days for an average-sized bathroom when replacing the flooring material as well.
What is the best flooring material for a bathroom with underfloor heating?
Ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles are among the most popular choices for heated bathroom floors due to their ability to retain heat well. Concrete also works well. Vinyl, waterproof laminate, and thin-wood floors are suitable options if they are rated for in-floor heating, but they don't perform as well.
How long do heated bathroom floors last?
Radiant floor heating coils or tubes last 30 to 50 years, depending on the system type and installation quality. The lifespan of the flooring on top of the radiant system depends on the floor material, quality, usage, and how well it is maintained.
Are heated bathroom floors safe?
When installed correctly, heated bathroom floors are safe. The radiant heating system installs below the flooring surface, making it a low-profile heating option with no exposed elements. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and hire a trained professional for the installation.
Getting estimates from heated flooring installation companies
Consult with several qualified heated floor installers near you to determine the best radiant heating approach for your specific bathroom and preferences. Before hiring one for the job, remember to:
Get quotes with similar details to compare from at least three companies.
Look for contractors with certifications from professional organizations like:
Provide your room dimensions, desired floor material, and as many details as possible about the space to ensure accurate estimates.
Hire a licensed, insured, and bonded contractor with at least 5 years of experience installing heated floors in your area.
Avoid hiring the contractor with the lowest bid, as this may signal low quality or lack of experience.
Review heated floor installer ratings on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed contract and warranty in hand before the installers begin working.
Verify that the estimate includes all materials, labor, equipment costs, and cleanup.
Don't pay in full until the job is completed.
Questions to ask a radiant floor heating professional
Ask the following questions when consulting with heated bathroom floor installers to ensure you understand the project scope and costs:
How long have you been installing heated floors in this area?
Can you provide references or examples of previous heated bathroom flooring installations you have done?
What kind of radiant floor heating system do you recommend for my bathroom, and why?
What are my flooring material options, and what do you recommend?
Will you be using subcontractors, and if so, have you used them for previous installations?
Do you charge for an in-person estimate, and if so, how much?
What is the estimated total cost, including materials, labor, permit fees, cleanup, and any other expenses?
Can you provide a breakdown of the cost for each item included in the estimate?
How long will the installation take, and what might affect that timeline?
Can I get a copy of the contract and warranty before the work begins?
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.