Tiled vs. Vinyl Floors: Which Underfloor Heating System is Best? 

If you’re considering bringing some energy-efficient warmth to your bathroom, then a new underfloor heating system is a great idea. In this guide, we’ll explore the best heating options to use with tiled and vinyl floors in these rooms. You’ll discover:

The benefits of vinyl and tiled floors in wet rooms
What makes floor heating perfect for use these floor finishes
How to choose the best heating system for tiled floors
UFH solutions to install with vinyl floor coverings
How insulation helps keep your floor heating working at its best

What are the benefits of vinyl and floor tiles in a ‘wet’ room?

A ‘wet’ room can describe a room in your home which features plumbing services such as a bathroom with its toilet, bath or shower. Due to the presence of water in these spaces, it’s a smart idea to choose a floor covering which will repel splashes and spills; tiles and vinyl floor finishes are a perfect solution. Both vinyl and tiled floors won’t be affected by the increased moisture levels of these rooms and both floor types are easy to keep clean too. In ‘dry’ rooms, such as your bedroom or living room, carpeting and wooden floors feature most commonly but these floor coverings can be damaged by water penetration. If you’re looking for more information about heating floors in ‘dry’ rooms, read our article on choosing the best UFH system for carpets and wood floors.

Is underfloor heating suitable for vinyl and tiled floor finishes?

Floor heating is a much more sustainable technology than central heating systems that can help dramatically reduce the costs of heating your home and we offer UFH systems that are perfect to use with tiled and vinyl floor finishes.

Tiled floors are an excellent floor finish for both new-build homes and renovation projects and will work with all interior design styles, from traditional cottages to ultra-contemporary lofts. Tile and stone floors have high levels of thermal conductivity, meaning they retain heat well, which makes them ideal for use with underfloor heating as this allows the room to heat up quickly, with less energy required. Tiles can be constructed from a variety of materials; you can find out more about the differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles in our expert guide.

Vinyl floors are a softer floor type than floor tiles but are also a great idea for wet rooms. Vinyl floors offer good value for money and whilst this material isn’t as efficient as stone and tiling in retaining the warmth produced by a UFH system, we offer systems suitable for use with these floor types. It’s worth noting that the temperature of vinyl flooring should not exceed 27°C, so we recommend that you carry out a heat loss calculation before starting your project to ensure the heating system will provide sufficient levels of heat.

What is the best UFH system to install with my tiled floors?

The DCM-PRO Heated Decoupling System is an electric floor heater that has been specifically designed for use with floor tiles. Its innovative decoupling attributes help to separate the system from the subfloor, preventing cracking and damage to the floor’s finish due to lateral subfloor movement. The system is formed as a heating cable and membrane combination, with two membrane options available for use: the Peel-and-Stick membrane features a self-adhesive backing for quick installation times whilst the fleece-backed membrane has been designed to use with traditional adhesives.

Is there a low wattage heating solution to use with floor tiles?

If you’re looking for a heating solution for a property which utilises solar power or features low load supplies, then the DCM-PRO Low Wattage System is perfect for these kinds of projects. Featuring a flexible heat output of 41.3 W/m² – 82.5 W/m², using this system with solar panels and accompanying batteries can provide a 100% renewable energy solution, allowing your home to be heated entirely by self-generated electricity.

Which system can I install with my room’s vinyl flooring?

The StickyMat System is perfect to install with vinyl floors in wet rooms. Featuring a 1.8mm heating wire ready-spaced for optimal heat output on to pre-sized mats with a self-adhesive backing, StickyMat is a low-profile electric system that will not raise floor levels. The system offers an easy installation; when used with vinyl floors, simply adhere the system to your subfloor and cover the heater with a levelling compound to provide a flat and level surface on which to lay the vinyl.

Looking for a heating system to use with vinyl floors in your living rooms or hallway? Warmup’s Foil Heater is a great option for ‘dry’ rooms in your home. It will have little-to-no impact on floor levels and because it doesn’t require the use of adhesives or screed, it can be fitted by your installer quickly and cleanly. When used with vinyl flooring and other softer floor finishes, the Foil Heater should be installed alongside the Dual Overlay System which helps to protect for the system.

Can I use a water underfloor heating system with tiles and vinyl?

Yes, you can. Water floor heating solutions are typically recommended for new-build projects and can be used with almost all floor coverings, including tiled and vinyl floors. If you’re interested in water underfloor heating for your upcoming refurbishment project, then our VLo line of low-profile heating systems are a brilliant choice.

Should I use insulation with my floor?

Insulation is always recommended for installation with underfloor heating and we offer a range of high-quality insulation solutions for all our systems. Insulation enhances the energy-efficiency of a UFH system, promoting quicker heat-up times and reducing heat-loss in your home.

Floor heaters also require a system-dedicated thermostat to provide accurate temperature control. Warmup’s 6iE Smart WiFi Thermostat 6iE features SmartGeo technology which provides radiant warmth at the right temperature, at the right time for you, automatically. Using the 6iE with Warmup’s partnered Smartphone apps can reduce your energy usage by 25%. Thermostats can be purchased alongside your new heating system and accompanying insulation in a complete, energy-saving package. Get an instant online quote today to find the perfect heating system for your home.