Screeded floors
New Concrete or Screeded Floors
For new concrete slabs, extensions and major renovations where the heating system can be installed within the screeded floor build-up.
Project guide
Underfloor Heating For New Builds & Renovations
Planning underfloor heating for a new build, extension or renovation? Compare electric and water-based systems by floor construction, available build-up height and room requirements—then find the most suitable system for your project.
Choose your floor construction
What Type of Floor Are You Working With?
Choose the floor construction that most closely matches your project. We’ll show you the underfloor heating systems and installation methods best suited to it.
Screeded floors
View In-Screed Solutions
Low-profile systems
Existing Solid Floors
Low-profile overlay systems for adding underfloor heating above a suitable existing floor while minimising additional build-up height.
Joisted floors
Suspended Timber & Joisted Floors
Lightweight underfloor heating systems designed to fit between or above timber joists where a traditional screeded floor is unsuitable.
Not sure which floor construction you have?
Use our system selector or speak to our design team and we’ll help identify the right starting point.
Compare Underfloor Heating by Floor Construction
| Comparison criteria | Screeded Floors | Existing Solid Floors | Suspended Timber & Joisted Floors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable project | New builds, extensions and major renovations | Renovations, extensions and individual-room upgrades | New builds, renovations and upper-floor projects |
| System types | Electric or water | Electric or low-profile water | Electric or water |
| Build-up height | Planned within the screeded floor build-up | Low-profile options minimise added floor height | Designed around the available joist or deck construction |
| Installation position | Within the screed or approved screeded build-up | Above the structural floor and beneath the finish | Between or across the timber joists |
| Response | Steadier response that benefits from the floor's thermal mass | Generally faster response than in-screed systems | Varies by plate, overlay, insulation and finished floor |
| Compatible finishes | Tile, stone and other approved floor finishes | Tile, timber, laminate, vinyl or carpet with the correct build-up | Timber, laminate, carpet and other approved finishes |
| Best suited to | Whole-house heating, larger rooms and new ground floors | Retrofits, extensions and rooms where floor height is limited | Suspended floors, upper storeys and lightweight structures |
Screeded Floors
- Suitable project
- New builds, extensions and major renovations
- System types
- Electric or water
- Build-up height
- Planned within the screeded floor build-up
- Installation
- Within the screed or approved screeded build-up
- Response
- Steadier response that benefits from the floor's thermal mass
- Floor finishes
- Tile, stone and other approved floor finishes
- Best suited to
- Whole-house heating, larger rooms and new ground floors
Existing Solid Floors
- Suitable project
- Renovations, extensions and individual-room upgrades
- System types
- Electric or low-profile water
- Build-up height
- Low-profile options minimise added floor height
- Installation
- Above the structural floor and beneath the finish
- Response
- Generally faster response than in-screed systems
- Floor finishes
- Tile, timber, laminate, vinyl or carpet with the correct build-up
- Best suited to
- Retrofits, extensions and rooms where floor height is limited
Suspended Timber & Joisted Floors
- Suitable project
- New builds, renovations and upper-floor projects
- System types
- Electric or water
- Build-up height
- Designed around the available joist or deck construction
- Installation
- Between or across the timber joists
- Response
- Varies by plate, overlay, insulation and finished floor
- Floor finishes
- Timber, laminate, carpet and other approved finishes
- Best suited to
- Suspended floors, upper storeys and lightweight structures
Choose the heating type
Electric or Water Underfloor Heating?
Both can provide comfortable, efficient heating. The right choice depends on your floor construction, available build-up height, heated area, heat source and how frequently the heating will be used.
Compare these project details:
- Floor construction and available build-up height
- One room, several rooms or the whole property
- Room heat loss and usable heated area
- Planned heat source, controls and project budget
| Comparison criteria | Electric underfloor heatingExplore electric heating | Water underfloor heatingExplore water heating |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Individual rooms, smaller areas and projects where simple installation or minimal disruption is important | Larger areas, whole-property heating and projects where the system can be incorporated into the floor design |
| Floor construction | Available for screeded, overlay and joisted-floor build-ups | Available for in-screed, low-profile overlay and joisted systems |
| Build-up | Very low-profile options are available | In-screed and purpose-designed low-profile systems are available |
| Installation | Usually simpler and quicker to install | More involved and best planned as part of the wider heating design |
| Response | Often faster, depending on the complete floor build-up | Varies from faster overlay systems to high-mass screeded floors |
| Heat source | Powered directly by electricity | Works with suitable boilers and heat pumps |
Electric underfloor heating
- Best for
- Individual rooms, smaller areas and projects where simple installation or minimal disruption is important
- Floor construction
- Available for screeded, overlay and joisted-floor build-ups
- Build-up
- Very low-profile options are available
- Installation
- Usually simpler and quicker to install
- Response
- Often faster, depending on the complete floor build-up
- Heat source
- Powered directly by electricity
Water underfloor heating
- Best for
- Larger areas, whole-property heating and projects where the system can be incorporated into the floor design
- Floor construction
- Available for in-screed, low-profile overlay and joisted systems
- Build-up
- In-screed and purpose-designed low-profile systems are available
- Installation
- More involved and best planned as part of the wider heating design
- Response
- Varies from faster overlay systems to high-mass screeded floors
- Heat source
- Works with suitable boilers and heat pumps
Plan the complete project
What to Consider When Planning Underfloor Heating
The floor construction is the starting point, but a reliable design also considers the complete build-up, insulation, heated area, room heat loss and final finish.
Floor Construction
Identify whether the floor is screeded, timber joisted or an existing structural floor
Build-Up & Insulation
Confirm the available height and the supporting layers below and above the system
Room Design
Check the usable heated area, room heat loss and any required zoning
Finish & Control
Choose an approved floor finish and the right controls for comfortable operation
Planning advice
Underfloor Heating FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about planning electric and water underfloor heating for new builds and renovations.
Which underfloor heating is best for a new build?
Both electric and water systems can suit a new build. Water underfloor heating is often considered for larger areas or whole-property heating because it can be designed into the floor construction and connected to a suitable boiler or heat pump. Electric systems can be practical for individual rooms or zones. Final selection should follow a room-by-room heat-loss calculation and the planned floor build-up.
Can water underfloor heating be retrofitted?
Yes. Low-profile overlay systems can be installed above a suitable existing structural floor, subject to available build-up height, floor condition and heat-loss requirements. Confirm the complete build-up and finished-floor level before ordering.
How much floor height does underfloor heating add?
It depends on the system. In-screed systems are incorporated into a planned screed. Low-profile electric mats and cables may add only a small amount before adhesive or levelling layers, while water overlay systems require purpose-designed panels and pipework. Always compare the complete floor build-up rather than the heating element alone.
Can underfloor heating work with a heat pump?
Water underfloor heating can work particularly well with a correctly designed heat-pump system because both can operate at lower flow temperatures. Suitability depends on room heat loss, pipe spacing, flow temperature, controls and floor finish. The system should be confirmed by a qualified heating professional.
Which floor finishes are compatible with underfloor heating?
Tile and stone transfer heat efficiently. Many engineered timber, laminate, vinyl and carpet constructions can also be suitable when the flooring manufacturer's temperature and thermal-resistance limits are followed. Check the complete finish, underlay and adhesive build-up before installation.
Can underfloor heating replace radiators?
It can in many properly insulated rooms when the usable heated area and selected output meet the calculated room heat loss. In higher-loss spaces or rooms with limited heated floor area, an additional heat source may be required.
Is electric or water underfloor heating cheaper to run?
There is no universal answer. Running cost depends on energy tariffs, heat-source efficiency, room heat loss, controls, heated area and usage. Electric heating is often practical for smaller areas or occasional use, while water heating is often considered for larger areas or whole-property heating. Compare the complete project rather than energy price alone.