Everything You Need to Know About Electric Underfloor Heating

What is Electric Underfloor Heating and how does it work?

Electric Underfloor Heating uses ultra-thin heating elements installed directly beneath your floor finish. The result is fast, even warmth across the whole room, reduced cold spots, and more wall space (no radiators).

Learn more about our full range of heating systems and components across The Floor Heating Warehouse.

Which system should I choose — Heating Mats, Loose Cables or Ecofilm?

• Heating Mats — Best for larger or regular-shaped rooms. The cable is pre-attached to a mesh with self-adhesive backing, so you simply roll it out for a rapid install and consistent spacing.
• Loose Cables — Ideal for smaller or intricate areas. It’s the same high-quality heating cable used on mats, supplied on a reel so you can route neatly around fixtures and irregular shapes.
• Ecofilm / Ecofoil elements — Perfect under floating floors. Carbon film elements are laid over insulation boards for wood, laminate or vinyl finishes and deliver responsive, low-build radiant heat.

If you’re exploring wet installations, view our Water Underfloor Heating systems for screed and retrofit projects.

For mats which output should choose?

We offer mats in two outputs to match room heat demand:

• 150 W/m² — The go-to choice for most internal rooms (kitchens, living spaces, bedrooms, hallways).
• 200 W/m² — High-output option for higher heat-loss areas such as conservatories or particularly cold rooms.

What floor finishes can I use?

• Tiles & Stone — Install mats or cables directly beneath tiles/stone (or under a thin self-levelling layer) for superb heat transfer.
• Wood & Laminate — Use Ecofilm beneath floating engineered wood or laminate floors.
• Vinyl/LVT — Lay Ecofilm, then a vapour barrier, then add EcoMax-Duo boards before the vinyl for a smooth, heat-friendly substrate.

Do I need insulation boards for Electric Underfloor Heating?

It’s optional but will make the system more efficient and reduce running costs — insulation boards significantly reduce downward heat loss and improve warm-up times. For tile/stone and self-levelling installs, fit 6 mm tile backer boards first, then lay your heating mats or cables on top. For Ecofilm under floating floors, use 6 mm EcoMax-Lite insulation as the base layer.

How do I install Ecofilm for wood, laminate or vinyl?

1. Lay 6 mm EcoMax-Lite insulation over the subfloor (dry-laid).
2. Position the Ecofilm elements on top.
3. Add the polyester vapour barrier.
4. Finish with the floor:
   • Wood/Laminate — Lay the interlocking floor directly on the vapour barrier.
   • Vinyl — First add EcoMax-Duo boards, then lay the vinyl.

Can I use a self-levelling screed?

Yes — for tiles/stone or to receive other finishes, you can cover mats or loose cables with a thin layer of self-levelling compound. This creates a flat surface and further improves heat spread before tiling or laying the final floor.

Which thermostat do I need?

Choose from simple digital thermostats, wireless options, or app-controlled smart thermostats for remote access via the APP. A dedicated floor sensor is typically included to protect sensitive finishes and ensure accurate temperature control.

Tip: For best results, always confirm subfloor prep and floor-finish suitability with your installer and follow product instructions for spacing, outputs (150 W/m² vs 200 W/m²) and maximum area per thermostat.

Need help specifying your project? Request a free underfloor heating design and quotation today.