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myUnderfloor Heating Cost
At a Glance
- The average underfloor heating installation cost is around £800.
- This type of job will typically take between 1 to 2 days to complete.
- NEW! Our underfloor heating cost calculator, which gives you a quick and easy estimate for how much it costs to install underfloor heating in 2026.
- A breakdown of how much underfloor heating costs per square metre for wet and electric installations in the UK.
- Additional jobs you might need to budget for, which might impact the total underfloor heating cost you're quoted.
- Advice shared by tradespeople on MyJobQuote.
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£800
Table of Contents
Video Overview: How Much Is Underfloor Heating?
How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?
Underfloor heating has become a popular alternative to conventional radiators in UK homes — especially in luxury bathroom renovations, kitchen extensions, and loft conversions. It can be installed under almost any type of flooring, as long as it's compatible — including stone, wood, tiles, and carpets.
There are two different types of underfloor heating you can get.
Let's take a look at these (and their typical costs) below:
Electric Underfloor Heating Cost
Electric underfloor heating systems use a network of wires running in a mat which is fitted under the surface of the floor. They warm the floor and can heat the room when correctly designed, but are typically best for smaller rooms (e.g., bathrooms).
In 2026, electric underfloor heating costs between £40 and £90 per m² to get installed by an experienced professional. (This estimate includes materials and labour.)
Smaller rooms (e.g., downstairs toilets or ensuites) will typically have higher installation costs per square metre. Larger rooms will be towards the lower end of this range, as it works out more efficiently for the tradesperson to fit.
Below are a few quick cost examples for different types of rooms:
| Room Type and Size (m²) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Downstairs Toilet (2m²) | £160 – £180 |
| Ensuite Bathroom (4m²) | £240 – £300 |
| Medium Kitchen (12m²) | £600 – £900 |
| Conservatory (14m²) | £630 – £980 |
| Living Room (20m²) | £800 – £1,200 |
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Electric Underfloor Heating Systems Are Best For: Retrofits of smaller rooms (e.g., downstairs bathrooms, ensuites, small extensions).
Main Tradesperson Required: Electrician
Pros
- ✔ Electric underfloor heating installation costs are lower than a wet underfloor heating system.
- ✔ Typically involves limited additional costs.
- ✔ Minimal impact on the height of the floor.
Cons
- ✖ Electric underfloor heating running costs are higher than a wet underfloor heating system.
- ✖ Not as efficient at heating larger rooms (e.g., living rooms).
Wet Underfloor Heating Cost
Wet uses a network of pipes to run hot water from the boiler or heat pump, which then radiates heat through the floor and into the room. These wet underfloor systems are much more efficient than electric underfloor systems — and can even be more efficient than conventional radiators.
In 2026, wet underfloor heating costs between £100 and £190 per m² to get installed by an experienced professional. (This estimate includes materials and labour.)
Below are a few quick cost examples for different types of rooms:
| Room Type and Size (m²) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Downstairs Toilet (2m²) | £340 – £380 |
| Ensuite Bathroom (4m²) | £600 – £720 |
| Medium Kitchen (12m²) | £1,200 – £1,500 |
| Conservatory (14m²) | £1,300 – £1,600 |
| Living Room (20m²) | £1,800 – £2,200 |
Wet Underfloor Heating Systems Are Best For: Major renovations of large areas (or an entire property), as well as new builds.
Main Tradesperson Required: Heating Engineer
Pros:
- ✔ Wet underfloor heating running costs are lower than those of an electric underfloor heating system.
- ✔ More efficient at heating larger rooms (e.g., living rooms).
Cons:
- ✖ Wet underfloor heating installation costs are higher than an electric underfloor heating system.
- ✖ Might necessitate a boiler replacement (~£2,000).
- ✖ Heats up more slowly than an electric underfloor heating system.
- ✖ Typically requires extensive new piping to connect to the boiler.
Underfloor Heating Costs Per m²
The table below summarises how much underfloor heating costs per m² in the UK for these two different types of systems.
As this shows, a factor that significantly impacts the cost to install underfloor heating is whether it's a new build or you're retrofitting an older property.
| Job Description | Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Electric underfloor heating (new build) | £40 – £80 |
| Electric underfloor heating (older home) | £50 – £90 |
| Water underfloor heating (new build) | £100 – £140 |
| Water underfloor heating (older home) | £150 – £190 |
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What Impacts Underfloor Heating Costs?
Here are some of the underfloor heating cost factors that can affect your overall quote:
- System Type — Electric systems are cheaper to install but have higher running costs. Wet systems are more expensive upfront but more energy efficient, resulting in lower running costs over time.
- Floor Area — The larger the room, the lower the cost per square metre. Smaller areas, such as bathrooms, tend to sit at the higher end of pricing per square metre.
- New Build vs Retrofit — Installing underfloor heating during construction is cheaper than retrofitting into an existing home. Retrofits often involve lifting old flooring, adding insulation, and working around your current floor construction.
- Boiler Capacity — If you're opting for a wet system, your existing boiler may not be able to handle the extra demand. If an upgrade is needed, the overall underfloor heating cost will increase.
- Flooring Type — Underfloor heating works best under tiles or stone because these materials conduct heat well. Thick carpets trap heat and reduce efficiency.
- Room Access — Ground floor rooms are typically easier to work on than upper floors, where access to the subfloor can be more complicated.
- Controls and Zoning — Smart thermostats and zoning allow you to heat different rooms separately. These features add to your underfloor heating cost but are more energy efficient and can help reduce your energy bills.
Electric vs Wet Underfloor Heating: Which Fits Your Project?
The choice between electric and wet underfloor heating systems often comes down to the scale of the project that you're planning.
In the UK, electric underfloor heating is often the more popular choice for retrofits because it's more suitable (i.e., when homeowners are upgrading an existing room). They're nowhere near as disruptive as installing a piped underfloor heating system and an affordable (yet luxurious!) upgrade option when renovating a single room.
However, wet underfloor heating systems are the more common choice for new builds or when homeowners are undertaking major renovations (e.g., single-storey extensions).
But why is that?
- Wet underfloor heating systems are often powerful enough to replace radiators (which is especially valuable for open-plan renovations).
- The installation of underfloor heating can be built into your renovation plans, so it's nowhere near as disruptive as it otherwise would be.
- Wet underfloor heating running costs are lower, so it's more cost-efficient in the long run (especially with rising energy prices in the UK).
So, while electric underfloor heating systems might be the go-to choice for smaller renovations (e.g., luxurious ensuite upgrades), wet underfloor heating systems are typically the better option if you're planning a larger renovation.
Underfloor Heating Cost Calculator
How to Find an Underfloor Heating Installer
MyJobQuote is the simplest, easiest, and fastest way to find an underfloor heating installer near you.
All you need to do is:
- Head over to our quote form.
- Give us a few details about what you're after.
- Sit back and wait for local tradespeople to get in touch to arrange visits.
This is the perfect way to get multiple quotes from local underfloor heating specialists — and get the best price for your job.
Additional Underfloor Heating Costs
When estimating the total cost of an underfloor heating installation, you might need to budget for some additional jobs.
Let's take a quick look at these below:
New Flooring
While it's sometimes possible to reuse your current flooring when getting underfloor heating installed in an existing space, most homeowners take the opportunity to install new flooring.
And in new builds (e.g., extensions), you'll always need to budget for this on top of the underfloor heating costs covered above.
Flooring installation costs vary significantly depending on the type of flooring you'd like to get. Overall, you're looking at somewhere between £15 and £100 per m².
The table below gives a better idea of flooring installation costs for 3 of the materials that are most popular among homeowners getting underfloor heating installed.
| Flooring Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Ceramic / Porcelain Tiles | £40 – £70 per m² |
| Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | £30 – £50 per m² |
| Engineered Wood | £50 – £80 per m² |
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What type of flooring does not go well with underfloor heating?
"Stone or tile flooring works best, however there are many options — including Vinyl or wood!"
Moving or Removing Radiators
If you're planning to install underfloor heating in a room that already has radiators, then you'll need to budget to move or remove them.
The average cost of moving a radiator is around £275 per radiator.
If you're rather just remove the radiators, then you'll need to budget around £200 per radiator.
We're planning to install underfloor heating in our kitchen. Do we still need a radiator?
"You do not need to have radiators in the room if you install underfloor heating."
Boiler Relocation
You may have to move your existing boiler to a different location for ease of access, especially if you're installing a wet system into your property.
The average boiler relocation cost is around £725.
New Boiler
If you're opting for a wet underfloor heating system (i.e., connected to your boiler), then it's possible you may need to upgrade your boiler to accommodate the additional demand placed on it.
This is something you'll want to clarify with the professional installer when getting a quote, as the cost of installing a new boiler is around £2,400.
What's Involved in Underfloor Heating Installation
Wet underfloor heating systems are not DIY friendly. With a system which is connected to your main boiler, it's simply not worth chancing it on your own.
Electric systems are simpler to fit, but still require an electrician. You will still need an electrician to connect the power to your heating system and wire the thermostat.
The vast majority of homeowners choose to hire a professional for this job
You can compare several quotes from local underfloor heating installers, using MyJobQuote. It's fast, free, and there's no obligation to go ahead.
Before the Job Starts
- Professional Survey — A survey carried out by a professional will help you select the best underfloor heating system and ensure your boiler can support the additional heating system.
- Flooring Removed — Existing flooring and, in some cases, the subfloor will need to be lifted to make way for the heating system.
- Subfloor Prepared — The subfloor is checked for levelness and repaired if necessary, as an uneven base can affect the performance of the system.
During the Job
- Insulation Laid — Insulation boards are fitted over the subfloor to direct heat upwards into the room and improve energy efficiency.
- Heating System Installed — For electric systems, heating mats or cables are rolled out and secured in place. For wet systems, pipework is laid in a continuous loop pattern and connected to a manifold.
- Connections Made — You will need an electrician to connect the power to your heating system and wire the thermostat. For wet systems, a heating engineer connects the pipework to your boiler or heat pump.
- Screed Applied — A layer of screed or self-levelling compound is poured over the heating elements to protect them and distribute heat evenly.
After the Job
- Curing Period — The screed must fully cure before heating is switched on, which can take several weeks depending on the product used.
- System Commissioned — The installer tests the system to ensure it heats evenly and operates correctly.
- Flooring Fitted — Once cured and tested, your chosen floor finish is laid over the top.
As we need a new central heating system, should we switch to underfloor heating rather than replace the radiators? What's more cost-effective in your opinion?
"UFH is more energy efficient due to lower running temperatures so you will save energy usage.
Radiators are cheaper but take up wall space and generally cost more to run due to higher flow temperatures"
Radiators are cheaper but take up wall space and generally cost more to run due to higher flow temperatures"
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Checklist: Hiring an Underfloor Heating Installer
When the time comes to hire an underfloor heating specialist, here's some key considerations:
- Is the electrician registered with a Competent Person Scheme? For electric underfloor heating, the electrician installing the system should be registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA so they can self-certify the work.
- Are they Gas Safe registered? For wet underfloor heating connected to a gas boiler, the final boiler connection must be made by a Gas Safe-registered engineer.
- Do they have insurance? Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong during the installation.
- Is waste removal included in the quote? If existing flooring needs to be lifted, confirm that disposal is included in your total quoted underfloor heating cost.
- How much experience do they have with underfloor heating? Make sure the installer has experience with your type of underfloor heating (e.g., wet or electric, or installed during construction or retrofitted).
- Do they have examples of similar work? Look at the photos on their MyJobQuote profile to get an idea of their standards.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote to read what other homeowners are saying about their work.
FAQs
What are the downsides to underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating can take longer to heat up than radiators, and in some cases, it won't be able to heat the room comfortably, which means you will still need radiators. It carries a high upfront cost, especially when retrofitted, and may require bigger plumbing upgrades, such as a new boiler. It's also not suitable for all flooring types, particularly those with high tog ratings, such as thick carpet.
Can underfloor heating be used as a whole-house heating system?
Yes, in fact, this would offer a number of benefits, including reduced energy consumption and more living space without radiators. In many cases, wet underfloor heating systems can be used as the primary source of heat as long as the rooms themselves are well insulated.
A heat loss calculation needs to be carried out to determine how much heating is needed, and this is normally carried out by a heating engineer or underfloor heating designer.
A heat loss calculation needs to be carried out to determine how much heating is needed, and this is normally carried out by a heating engineer or underfloor heating designer.
Should I leave underfloor heating on all the time?
It's generally more efficient to leave underfloor heating on at a consistent low temperature rather than turning it on and off. The system takes longer to heat up than radiators, so constantly reheating from cold uses more energy than maintaining a steady temperature.
Can I completely install underfloor heating by myself?
You can lay electric underfloor heating mats yourself, though you will still need an electrician to connect the power. For a typical bathroom, the total cost for DIY electric underfloor heating can be under £500. There are DIY wet underfloor heating kits for those who are very confident in their skills. If you just hired a plumber or heating specialist for the important bits, you could have a wet system installed for under £1,000
How long does underfloor heating last?
You can expect wet underfloor heating to last upwards of 50 years, with most manufacturers guaranteeing the pipework for this long. Electric systems have a shorter lifespan, at around 20 to 25 years.
Does underfloor heating increase house value?
Underfloor heating is considered a desirable feature by many buyers, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, and can make your property easier to sell.
Can underfloor heating be repaired if something goes wrong?
Faults in electric systems can usually be found and fixed without lifting the entire floor. Wet systems rarely develop problems, but if a leak does occur, thermal imaging can pinpoint the location so only a small section needs to be accessed.
How often should underfloor heating be serviced?
Electric systems require virtually no maintenance and can be left alone once installed. Wet systems should be serviced annually to check that the heat pump, manifold, and boiler connections are all working correctly.
Do I need planning permission to install underfloor heating?
Planning permission is not usually required, as underfloor heating counts as an internal alteration. The electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, and any gas connections must meet Gas Safe requirements.
What are the alternatives to underfloor heating?
The most common alternative to underfloor heating is traditional radiators connected to a gas boiler. Other alternatives include electric panel heaters, infrared heating panels, and skirting board heaters.
