How much does Warmboard cost?
How much does Warmboard cost?
$15 – $30 cost per square foot (without new flooring)
$19 – $45 cost per square foot (with new flooring)
$1,900 – $11,250 average cost per room (100 – 250 SF)
$30,000 – $75,000 average whole-home system cost
Average Warmboard cost
Warmboard costs $15 to $30 per square foot installed or $30,000 to $75,000 on average for a whole-home radiant floor heating system. The total cost after installing new flooring ranges from $38,000 to $112,500. The cost of Warmboard depends on the project size, location, and whether it's new construction or a remodel.
| Floor size (square feet) |
Cost without new flooring* | Cost with new flooring* |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $1,900 – $4,500 |
| 150 | $2,250 – $4,500 | $2,850 – $6,750 |
| 200 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $3,800 – $9,000 |
| 250 | $3,750 – $7,500 | $4,750 – $11,250 |
| 500 | $7,500 – $15,000 | $9,500 – $22,500 |
| 1,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 | $19,000 – $45,000 |
| 1,500 | $22,500 – $45,000 | $28,500 – $67,500 |
| 2,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 | $38,000 – $90,000 |
| 2,500 | $37,500 – $75,000 | $47,500 – $112,500 |
*Includes boiler and all necessary system components.
Warmboard is a radiant floor heating system that uses hydronic tubing embedded in aluminum panels to provide efficient and comfortable heating throughout a home.
Warmboard is a high-end system that costs more than others upfront but offers high efficiency and lower operating costs.
The company offers two-panel types—one that installs over an existing subfloor or slab and one that doubles as a subfloor, ideal for new construction.
Warmboard price factors
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of a Warmboard system, including:
Project size: Larger projects typically benefit from cost advantages, potentially lowering the cost per square foot.
Installation complexity: Warmboard requires specialized installation like upfront custom design work, precise tubing layout, zoned heating integrations, and construction sequence coordination, which increase labor costs significantly versus basic radiant options.
Remodel vs. new construction: Retrofitting Warmboard in an existing home often costs 50% to 80% more than installing it during a new build, since remodels require more site prep like old floor removal and subfloor repairs, as well as other unknowns.
Old floor removal adds $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot to the total project cost.
Subfloor repair costs $100 to $300 to patch a small area or $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot to replace sections.
Flooring type: The type of flooring you choose to install over the Warmboard system impacts the overall cost. On its own, new flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot installed on average, depending on the material.
Permit requirements: Permit fees vary by location but typically range from $75 to $180 for Warmboard installation. Most contractors include this in the installation estimate.
Incentives: Depending on the project specifics, Warmboard system installation may qualify for an energy-efficient home improvement tax credit.
For early-stage new construction projects, Warmboard offers a "Bound Into Plans" (BIP) program, which waives the design fees for qualifying projects when Warmboard is specified within the architectural bid documents.
Labor
Warmboard installation involves the knowledge and skills of several professionals:
Design: If Warmboard doesn't design the system for you and include that fee in your estimate, hiring an architect costs $100 to $250 per hour or 10% to 20% of the remodel construction cost.
Panel installation: Flooring contractors charge $100 to $150 per hour on average to install the Warmboard panels over an existing slab or subfloor.
Plumbing: Plumber rates range from $75 to $150 per hour to install a hydronic radiant system.
Electrical: Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour to install J-boxes, manifold controls, and thermostats for the Warmboard system.
Insulation: Warmboard recommends non-foil-faced fiberglass batts with a minimum value of R-19. This type of insulation costs about $0.90 to $2.30 per square foot for the materials and installation.
Warmboard's panel design makes for quick and easy tubing installation, reducing the plumbing labor compared to other hydronic systems installations.
Panel types
Warmboard offers two different panel types. Warmboard-S provides both the radiant panel and subfloor in one, reducing the installation labor on new builds or renovations involving new subfloor installation. Warmboard-R is thinner and designed to be installed over top of an existing subfloor or concrete slab.
| Type | Best for | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Warmboard -S | New construction |
|
| Warmboard-R | Remodels and retrofits |
|
For project designs that intend to preserve the original flooring, Warmboard-R panels may be installed in walls or ceilings instead.
Warmboard vs. other systems
In most cases, electric floor heating systems cost less than hydronic floor heating systems like Warmboard. As Warmboard is considered a premium hydronic radiant heating solution, even most hydronic systems cost less when compared to Warmboard.
While there are others on the market, Ecowarm RadiantBoard tends to be the competitor most people compare against Warmboard as a potential hydronic radiant system. The table below provides some key details of each system to help you evaluate your options:
| Brand | Warmboard | Ecowarm |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | 20% to 30% more expensive than Ecowarm upfront | 20% to 30% cheaper than Warmboard upfront |
| Materials | Thick, continuous aluminum surface for superior heat conductivity | Recycled and sustainable materials with a lightweight design, thinner aluminum top layer |
| Installation | More complex installation process | Straightforward installation, suitable for DIY projects |
| Pros | High efficiency, low operating cost, works with any floor type, structural and retrofit options | Lower initial cost, sustainable, energy-efficient, easy installation |
| Cons | Higher initial cost, more complex installation | Smaller distribution network, some reports of noise issues, no structural option, needs higher temp to run |
Warmboard FAQs
What is Warmboard?
Warmboard is a hydronic radiant heating system that uses plywood or OSB with a conductive aluminum top layer to evenly distribute heat across the entire floor surface. This innovative design provides superior comfort and energy efficiency compared to traditional forced-air systems.
The Warmboard Comfort System (WCS) includes everything needed for whole-home heating—the panels, PEX tubing, mechanical designs, manifolds, controls, thermostats, and their proprietary compact boiler and/or heat pump.
Where can I buy Warmboard?
Warmboard only sells their products directly from the company, so the local contractor you work with will buy the components directly from Warmboard. For DIY projects, you can submit plans on their website or contact them to connect with one of their regional managers.
Who installs Warmboard?
A framing contractor or crew usually installs the Warmboard panels. Then, a plumber installs the tubing and other related system components. Finally, an electrician installs the manifold controller, thermostats, and any other electrical components needed to complete the system.
Homeowners typically work with an architect, general contractor, or homebuilder to ensure a successful design plan and installation.
Is Warmboard worth the price?
While Warmboard has a higher upfront cost compared to some alternatives, its exceptional performance, energy efficiency, and long-term durability can make it a worthwhile investment for some homeowners, especially during a remodel. Some pros believe the higher cost is difficult to justify for new construction.
Can Warmboard be used for cooling?
Warmboard has announced plans to release a new cooling system in 2024. This multi-zone hydronic fan coil system is hidden behind the drywall, one or two in each room depending on the room size. The system connects to an air-to-water heat pump outside and delivers cool air from a horizontal register at the top.
While the current Warmboard system can be used for cooling, it's typically paired with a different cooling system due to the installation complexity of the cooling functionality. Many factors must be considered and calculated to ensure proper humidity control and prevent potentially damaging condensation.
Getting estimates from Warmboard installers
Before hiring a heated floor installer near you for your Warmboard system, remember to:
Look for professionals with certifications from:
Select a licensed, insured, and bonded contractor with a solid, several-year record of Warmboard installations in your area.
Provide details like room dimensions, desired floor type, and any unique requirements to ensure accurate quotes.
Avoid selecting the contractor with the lowest quote that could signal low quality or lack of experience.
Review Warmboard installer ratings on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed estimate, contract, warranty, and copies of all plans, heating-load calculations, equipment orders, and permits.
Confirm the estimate includes all material, labor, and equipment costs, plus the installation schedule and timeline.
Never pay in full upfront. Work out a plan to pay as the work is completed instead.
Questions to ask a Warmboard installer
When consulting with Warmboard installers, ask the following questions to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the project scope and costs:
How long have you been installing radiant floor heating?
Do you work with a local architect or go through Warmboard for the design plans?
Can you provide references or examples of previous Warmboard installations you have completed?
Will you be using the same subcontractors you used for those previous installations?
Do you charge for consultations, and if so, how much?
What is the estimated total cost, including materials, labor, and any additional expenses?
Can you provide a full breakdown of the costs for each component (panels, installation, flooring, etc.)?
What is the estimated timeline for the project, and what factors could affect the schedule?
Can I get a copy of the contract and all the related project documents before the work begins?
What warranties or guarantees are provided for the materials and workmanship?
Who is my main point of contact during the installation?
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