Radiant Heat Flooring

Warm Big or Small Spaces

Radiant heat systems installed between the subfloor and the finished floor usually have a network of electrical heating cables or tubes that hold hot water. Most systems can be installed across the entire floor—such as the family room or home theater where people like to camp out on the floor—or confined to a specific area such as in front of a vanity or bathtub in the bathroom. Like other heating systems, radiant heat is controlled by a thermostat that can be turned on or off and up or down.

You can install a radiant heating system yourself—they're available at most home centers and are surprisingly affordable—or you can hire a flooring professional to install the system for you.