Heated Bathroom Floors in 2024: How Much They Cost and How to Install

Heated bathroom floors are the epitome of luxury — but that doesn’t mean they have to carry an exorbitant cost. The average homeowner has no idea how affordable heated floors are or that they can even install an electric floor-heating system themselves if they’d like. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. 

WarmlyYours Radiant Heating is helping to bridge the gap by sharing its expertise. We’ll share the elements that go into in-floor heating cost to purchase and run an electric floor heating system. This includes how to install a heated bathroom floor, and which flooring types are compatible with a radiant heating system.

Check out our Bathroom Floor Heating page for even more information!

How Much Does A Heated Bathroom Floor Cost in 2024?

Floor-heating systems for warming tile in a bathroom cost between $6-$12 per square foot for electric heated mats, rolls or cables with fixing strips. The in-floor heating cost can also be as low as $9 per square foot for heating cables with a waterproof installation membrane instead of fixing strips. You can calculate how much floor heating will cost for your specific bathroom by using WarmlyYours’s Radiant Floor Heating Quote Builder. 

Here's an example: a mid-sized bathroom is typically about 50 square feet, with about 35 square feet that can be heated (you can’t heat right up against the wall or under permanent fixtures like vanities, showers, tubs or toilets). That would put the price for a floor-heating elements between $339 and $519. If you’d like to use a waterproof installation membrane, that raises the price to between $548.

For a detailed floor heating installation plan and the estimated cost for your next project, go to 101 Bathroom Floor Plans. There you can select the floor plan that best represents the shape of your own bathroom. 

The estimated cost for a floor heating system for this bathroom with TempZone Cable with Strips would be $1,102 and with TempZone Flex Roll the total would be $1,462. Click here for details about this quote.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Heated Bathroom Floors

Several factors can influence the overall cost of installing heated bathroom floors. Understanding these elements can help homeowners plan their budget and make informed decisions when considering this home improvement project.

Bathroom Size

The size of your bathroom directly impacts the cost of installing heated floors.

Generally speaking, a smaller bathroom will cost more per sq. ft. but larger bathrooms will cost more overall because they require more materials and labor, resulting in higher total costs. On average, a heated bathroom floor (so the heating system plus the floor covering) will cost between $10 and $20 per square foot, depending on the type of heating system and flooring material chosen. 

Heating System Type

There are two main types of heating systems for bathroom floors: electric and hydronic. Electric systems use heating cables or mats installed beneath the flooring, while hydronic systems use hot water pipes to heat the floor. Electric systems are generally less expensive to install, with costs ranging from $600 to $1,200 for a typical master bathroom. Hydronic systems are more complex and expensive, with installation costs ranging from $1,800 to $4,500.

Flooring Material 

The type of flooring material you choose for your bathroom can also affect the cost of installing heated floors. Some materials, such as ceramic or porcelain tiles, are more compatible with radiant heating systems and are easier to install. Other materials, like natural stone or hardwood, may require special considerations and additional costs. The flooring material itself also varies in price, with options ranging from budget-friendly ceramics to high-end natural stone.

Installation Costs

Labor costs for installing heated bathroom floors can vary depending on your location, the complexity of the project, and the contractor you choose. On average, professional installation can cost between $500 and $1,500 for an electric system and $1,000 to $2,500 for a hydronic system. Some homeowners may choose to install the system themselves to save on labor costs, but it is essential to have electrical connections handled by a licensed professional.

Do Bathroom Heated Floors use a lot of Electricity?

No, a small bathroom will only end up using about 3 cents worth of electricity per hour of operation. The cost to operate your bathroom floor heating varies depending on the cost of electricity in your area, but generally it's only pennies a day to run. 

The best way to maximize your energy savings with a floor heating system is by using a programmable floor heating thermostat, like the nSpire Touch. This allows you to set up the floor heating system to only turn on when you need it. 

Many programmable thermostats come with the ability to program multiple "events" (for example, the nSpire Touch can program up to 6 events per day). This means that you can truly customize your heating system's performance to your daily routine while also cutting down on energy use without having to sacrifice comfort. 

Most homeowners only use their bathrooms for about 1-2 hours a day, but let’s overestimate and say that you’re heating your bathroom floors for 4 hours per day. The average cost of electricity in the United States is $0.12 per kilowatt hour, which would put you at a cost of just $0.11 a day, $3.30 a month and $40.15 a year to heat your bathroom. 

If you want to know how much floor heating will cost for your next project, we make it easy for you. Just visit our website and use our Radiant Floor Heating Quote Builder Tool.

Preparing for Installation

Before beginning the installation process, it's crucial to properly prepare your bathroom and gather all the necessary tools and materials. This section will guide you through the essential steps to ensure a smooth and successful installation of your heated bathroom floor.

Tools and Materials Needed 

To install a heated bathroom floor, you'll need the following tools and materials:

• Heated floor system (electric heating cables or mats)
• Thermostat and temperature sensor
• Thinset mortar
• Notched trowel
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Electrical conduit and junction box
• Digital ohhmmeter
• Flooring materials (tiles, stone, or hardwood)
• Tile spacers and leveling system
• Grout and grout float
• Wet saw (for cutting tiles)
• Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, and dust mask)

Having all the required tools and materials on hand before starting the project will help prevent delays and ensure a more efficient installation process.

Planning the Layout

Creating a detailed layout plan is essential for a successful heated bathroom floor installation. Start by measuring the dimensions of your bathroom and sketching a rough layout of the room. Consider the placement of fixtures, such as the vanity, toilet, and shower or bathtub, as these areas will not require heating.

Once you have a solid drawing of your project, you can submit this to WarmlyYours. More on this

How to Install Heated Bathroom Floors?

One of the fastest, least expensive ways to heat a bathroom floor is with a TempZone™ Flex Roll. These rolls feature electric cable embedded in a serpentine pattern in green mesh, so they are already properly spaced. The green mesh of the rolls helps to protect the electric heating cables during installation. Heated bathroom floor mats or rolls are typically installed by embedding them in thinset beneath a new tile floor.  

More specifically, TempZone™ Flex Rolls are installed in about 6 steps. 

Get a Custom Installation Plan

Installing an electric floor heating system is relatively simple when you have WarmlyYours’s custom SmartPlan installation plan in hand. By submitting the bathroom dimensions you've already measured online, WarmlyYours will provide you with everything you need to know to get your project started. This includes what products you need, where the thermostat should be located, and how to lay out the heating element. 

Prepare the Subfloor

Before you start the installation, you need to make sure your subfloor is clear of any debris. That means ensuring that there are no staples, nails or other sharp objects protruding from the subfloor that could damage the heating element. 

Test the Heating Element

Use a digital ohmmeter to test your heating element. The results should be within 15 percent of the value marked on the UL label. 

Install the Heating Element

Following the directions on your installation plan, roll out your TempZone™ Flex Roll with the heating cable face down. When you reach the end of a run, cut the mesh (not the cable) and turn the heating element to continue installation. You can free form the cable as well if you run into an awkward corner or pillar in the room.

If your thermostat is compatible with a floor sensor, you can install it now. Place the sensor in between and parallel with two heating cables, making sure not to overlap them. Secure the sensor with hot glue to make sure it won’t move when you apply the thinset or self-leveling cement to bind to your flooring. 

Test the Heating Element Again

Once the heating element has been installed, test it again with a digital ohmmeter as well as a Circuit Check to ensure it is in good working condition. 

Install the Thermostat

Finally, have an electrician connect your thermostat per the instructions provided with the control. 

When heating under tile, stone or nailed hardwood, loose cable is also an option. TempZone™ Cable can be installed with fixing strips or a Prodeso Cable Installation Membrane. Fixing strips are provided with your purchase of TempZone™ Cable. 

This option is generally the most affordable, but it is also the most labor intensive. On the other hand, TempZone™ Cable with a Prodeso Membrane is the easiest installation method but also the most expensive. 

To see an installation of cable in a Prodeso Membrane in action, watch the video below. 

Best Materials for Heated Bathroom Flooring

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular materials selected for heated bathroom flooring. From these sturdy tiles to more sensitive options like marble, electric floor heating was designed to work with nearly all flooring materials available. And as advancements in laminate make the material more waterproof, that’s another option for radiant floor heat. 

Because we’re talking about the bathroom, which is prone to water spills, you may want to consider waterproofing your floor-heating system. In fact, you may want to consider waterproofing your subfloor regardless of whether you have heated floors as a proactive defense. The best way to ensure your subfloor and heating element stay dry is with the Prodeso Membrane and waterproofing accessories. When it comes to rooms like the bathroom, it never hurts to waterproof.

If you're going install a tile shower, by far the best option for including a floor heating system is with one of our Shower Waterproofing and Floor Heating Kits. These include not only all of the components of a traditional shower waterproofing system, but also an entire pre-sized electric floor heating system.  

Elevate Your Bathroom Experience with Heated Floors

Installing a heated bathroom floor is a worthwhile investment that can enhance your comfort, energy efficiency, and home value. By understanding the factors that affect the cost, such as bathroom size, heating system type, flooring material, and installation costs, you can make informed decisions and plan your budget accordingly.

Proper preparation is key to a successful installation. Gathering the necessary tools and materials, getting a detailed layout plan, and ensuring your subfloor is clean, dry, and level will help streamline the process and ensure the best results.

While the initial cost of installing a heated bathroom floor may seem high, the long-term benefits often outweigh the investment. Not only will you enjoy the luxurious comfort of a warm floor on cold mornings, but you may also see energy savings and an increase in your home's value.

If you're considering a heated bathroom floor for your home, it's essential to work with a reputable manufacturer like WarmlyYours and experienced contractors to ensure a quality installation. With proper care and maintenance, your heated bathroom floor will provide comfort and value for years to come.

To find out how much it would cost to heat your bathroom floors, you can use WarmlyYours’s Radiant Floor Heating Quote Builder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions we receive about heated bathroom floors. 

Can you install heated floors under any bathroom flooring?

You can install heated floors under most bathroom flooring materials, including tile, stone, hardwood, and luxury vinyl. However, some materials may require special considerations or installation techniques to ensure optimal performance and safety. You should consult both the radiant heating supplier and the flooring manufacturer for more information. 

How long do heated bathroom floors last?

With proper installation and maintenance, heated bathroom floors can last up to 30 years or more (although the floor heating thermostat will likely need to be replaced a few times during that timeframe). The longevity of the system depends on factors such as the quality of the materials, the installation process, and the level of use and care. 

Are heated bathroom floors safe?

Yes, heated bathroom floors are safe when installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. These systems are designed with safety features, such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the thermostats, to prevent electrical hazards.

Can I install heated bathroom floors myself?

While it is possible to install heated bathroom floors as a DIY project, we recommend hiring a professional electrician to handle the electrical connections and ensure the system is installed safely and in compliance with local building codes. Homeowners with experience in flooring installation can often handle the layout and installation of the heating mats or cables themselves.