Prepare the Subfloor
Ensure it’s clean, dry, and level.
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Reach out for efficient, cost-saving, and luxury wood floor heating.
With decades of hands-on experience, we've honed our craft to become leaders in the heated floor industry. Trust in our expertise to deliver solutions that truly stand the test of time.
For our heated floors, we carefully select and offer only the best products. With GWD you're investing in durability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.
We're committed to providing top-tier heated floor solutions at prices that are competitive and fair. No compromises, just the best value for our valued clients.
Our team of highly skilled installers ensures that your heated floor system is set up seamlessly, with precision and care. Experience excellence from the ground up with our expert installation crew.
Delving into the world of radiant underfloor heating, there are two primary contenders: electric and hydronic systems. Both come with their unique set of benefits and challenges, ranging from installation complexities to maintenance needs.
Electric Radiant Underfloor Heating systems utilize electric resistance cables or mats to produce heat.The electric cables or mats are spread out and fixed across the floor, and once activated, they directly heat the floor surface above. Electric systems are inherently more reliable than hydronic systems as they have no mechanical or moving parts that could break down. The installation process is also much quicker and simpler, and there is no required maintenance.
Hydronic systems use a series of tubes laid beneath the floor into which warm water from a boiler circulates, producing radiant heat. They are typically more complex and expensive to install compared to electric systems and have a much higher likelihood of breaking down and need of repair. Hydronic systems also require regular maintenance unlike their electric counterparts.
Wooden floors are a timeless choice that elevates the ambiance of any room. Whether you’re planning a new installation or considering a renovation, it’s essential to be aware of the costs involved, from selecting the wood variety to the subfloors and underlayment.
| Hardwood | $6-22/ft² |
|---|---|
| Or | |
| Engineered Wood | $4-16/ft² |
| Plus | |
| System Cost | $14/ft² |
| Plus | |
| Installation Cost | $8-20/ft² |
| Plus | |
| Subflooring Replacement Costs | $3-10/ft² |
| Plus | |
| Underlayment Costs | $0.50-4.50/ft² |
| Total | |
| Low End Estimate | $29.50/ft² |
| Upper End Estimate | $86.50/ft² |
Same as New Build
Plus
Removal of Old Flooring = $1.50-3.50/ft²
Same as New Build
* Retrofitting entails placing the heating component between the floor joists from underneath the room. This method doesn’t necessitate changing the completed floor; however, it does demand access from an open ceiling below the room. If there’s an existing finished ceiling, like drywall or plaster, it will have to be taken down to access the joists.
Heated wood floors offer a cozy warmth paired with classic elegance. A precise installation is fundamental to fully harness these benefits.
Ensure it’s clean, dry, and level.
Decide on the layout and spacing.
Prevent heat loss and direct warmth upwards.
Follow the planned layout.
Ensure a safe electrical connection.
Adhering to manufacturer’s guidelines.
Re-test the system post-installation.
Yes, it’s possible to install underfloor heating beneath wood floors. Both electric and hydronic radiant heating systems are compatible with both hardwood and engineered wood floors.
Yes. Hardwoods, like oak, are well suited to use with radiant floor heating. Hardwood species like oak, cherry and walnut are well-known for their inherent stability.
For wooden floors, electric systems, particularly heating mats, are commonly recommended due to their ease of installation, thin profile, and rapid heating capability. They work well with the thermal properties of wood, ensuring an even spread of warmth.
While it’s technically possible, rooms with higher moisture levels, like bathrooms, can pose challenges. Wood naturally reacts to humidity changes, so combining this with heat can increase the risk of warping. If you’re keen on using wood in such rooms, ensure proper ventilation and consider a moisture-resistant finish.
Yes, excessive temperatures can damage wood floors, causing them to dry out, shrink, or crack. It’s important to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature limits, usually not exceeding 27°C (80.6°F), and to use a thermostat for monitoring. In such cases, low-voltage systems, such as those offered by Green Wave Distribution, are ideal.
The only other additional cost you are likely to encounter when installing radiant heated floor systems is for floor insulation. This can be required for retrofits, remodels or new build projects but only in certain scenarios, such as rooms that are located above an unheated room or rooms that are on concrete slabs.
