Underfloor Heating Prices
$50 – $200
Typical range per sqm · Updated March 2026
Real pricing data for electric mats, heating cables, hydronic systems, bathroom heating, whole-house systems, thermostats, retrofits, and more. Know what you should pay before you book.
How we get these prices: we review 200+ underfloor heating installation price points across electric mat systems, heating cables, hydronic systems, bathroom jobs, whole-house installs, thermostat upgrades, and repairs, then adjust for system type, floor area, floor covering, and location so the totals stay comparable.
Choose Your Country
Select a country to see detailed underfloor heating pricing by city
Australia
underfloor heating installation
From $15/sqm
12 services · 9 cities with data
8 regions covered
View Australia prices →
United Kingdom
underfloor heating fitting
From £11/sqm
12 services · 6 cities with data
4 regions covered
View United Kingdom prices →
United States
radiant floor heating installation
From $12/sqm
12 services · 5 cities with data
12 regions covered
View United States prices →
Canada
radiant floor heating installation
From C$14/sqm
12 services · 5 cities with data
6 regions covered
View Canada prices →
New Zealand
underfloor heating installation
From NZ$14/sqm
12 services · 5 cities with data
5 regions covered
View New Zealand prices →
Underfloor Heating Prices by Service Type — Australia
National average prices — including labour and GST
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Underfloor Heating Mat | /sqm | $50 | $68 | $90 |
| Electric Heating Cable System | /sqm | $60 | $82 | $110 |
| Hydronic (Water) Underfloor Heating | /sqm | $100 | $145 | $200 |
| Bathroom Underfloor Heating | /job | $600 | $1,100 | $1,800 |
| Whole House Electric System | /job | $8,000 | $12,500 | $18,000 |
| Whole House Hydronic System | /job | $15,000 | $23,000 | $35,000 |
| Thermostat / Controller Install | /job | $200 | $330 | $500 |
| Insulation Board Underlay | /sqm | $15 | $24 | $35 |
| Retrofit Under Existing Floor | /sqm | $80 | $112 | $150 |
| Under-Tile Heating System | /sqm | $55 | $74 | $100 |
| Under-Timber Floor Heating | /sqm | $70 | $96 | $130 |
| System Repair & Diagnostics | /job | $150 | $300 | $500 |
Based on verified quotes from licensed electricians and plumbers. All prices AUD including GST. Last updated March 2026.
Common Underfloor Heating Jobs and What They Cost
Real project costs based on complete scope — including materials, labour, and commissioning.
| Job | Typical scope | Typical price | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric heating mat in a bathroom renovation | Supply and install an electric heating mat under new tiles in a standard bathroom (5–8sqm) — includes mat, thermostat, floor sensor, and licensed electrical connection | $700–$1,800 | 1 day on site |
| Retrofit electric heating under kitchen tiles | Lift existing kitchen tiles, install electric heating mat or cable, relay tiles, connect thermostat and wiring — includes all electrical work by licensed electrician | $1,200–$3,500 | 1–2 days on site |
| Whole-house electric underfloor heating (new build) | Install electric heating mats in all wet areas and living spaces of a new build — includes all mats, multiple thermostats, switchboard upgrades, and commissioning | $8,000–$18,000 | 3–5 days, licensed electrician |
| Whole-house hydronic underfloor heating (new build) | Complete hydronic UFH installation in a new build — includes all pipework, manifolds, insulation board, screed pour, boiler or heat pump connection, and commissioning | $15,000–$35,000 | 5–10 days, licensed plumber |
| Replace a faulty thermostat or controller | Diagnose and replace a faulty thermostat or controller on an existing underfloor heating system — includes new programmable or smart WiFi thermostat and commissioning | $200–$500 | 1–3 hours on site |
| Diagnose and repair a failed heating cable | Use thermal imaging or cable fault location equipment to diagnose and repair a broken or failed heating cable or mat — includes section repair or full mat replacement | $300–$1,200 | 2–4 hours on site |
What Affects the Price of Underfloor Heating?
System type: electric vs hydronic
Electric systems ($50–$150/sqm installed) cost significantly less to install than hydronic (wet) systems ($100–$200/sqm) but are more expensive to run. Hydronic systems require a boiler or heat pump, manifolds, pipework, and screed — much more complex and costly to install but cheaper per hour to operate. For bathrooms and small areas, electric is usually the better choice. For whole-house heating in cold climates, hydronic wins on running costs.
Floor type and condition
Under-tile installation is the most straightforward — electric mats sit in the tile adhesive layer with minimal floor height increase. Timber and engineered wood floors require low-temperature systems and careful specification to avoid warping. Existing floors that need lifting and relaying add significant labour cost. New-build installations are cheaper than retrofits as the floor is not yet laid.
Room size and system complexity
Small bathrooms (4–8sqm) cost $600–$1,800 fully installed including thermostat. A whole-house electric system for a 200sqm home can cost $10,000–$18,000 as the electrician must install mats in multiple areas, run new circuits, upgrade the switchboard, and commission multiple thermostats. Larger jobs offer better per-sqm rates.
Insulation and substrate
Without adequate insulation board beneath the heating system, a significant proportion of heat is lost downward into the slab or subfloor. Insulation board ($15–$35/sqm) adds to upfront cost but reduces running costs by 20–40% over the system's life. On suspended timber floors, insulating the subfloor before installing UFH is essential.
Thermostat and control technology
A basic thermostat with manual programming costs $150–$300 installed. A smart WiFi thermostat with app and voice control costs $250–$500 installed. Smart thermostats can reduce running costs by 20–30% through scheduling and occupancy sensing. Multi-zone systems with separate thermostats for each room offer more precise control but add cost.
Underfloor Heating System Types Compared
Compare electric mat, electric cable, hydronic, and retrofit underfloor heating systems
| System Type | Price Range | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Mat System | $50–$90/sqm | Lowest installed cost, thin profile (3–4mm), fast warm-up time, simple installation by electrician, ideal for bathroom and kitchen tiles | Higher running costs than hydronic, limited to smaller areas for cost-effectiveness, not suitable under all floor types | Bathrooms, en suites, kitchen areas, tiled floors under 20sqm |
| Electric Cable System | $60–$110/sqm | Flexible layout around obstacles and fixtures, good for irregularly shaped rooms, slightly higher heat output than mats, same simple installation | Slightly more complex to install than pre-spaced mats, higher running costs vs hydronic, not ideal for large open areas | Irregularly shaped bathrooms, rooms with obstacles, any tiled area requiring custom cable layout |
| Hydronic System | $100–$200/sqm | Lowest running costs per hour, ideal for whole-house heating, compatible with heat pumps for maximum efficiency, long system lifespan (25+ years) | Much higher installed cost, requires boiler or heat pump, complex installation, longer warm-up time, requires screed or concrete pour | New builds, major renovations, whole-house heating, cold climates where the system runs for extended periods |
| Retrofit Under Existing Floor | $80–$150/sqm | Adds heating to existing finished spaces, can use foil mat under engineered timber or LVP, no new screed required in most cases | Higher total cost due to floor lifting and relaying, not suitable for all floor types, risk of floor height increase | Existing homes adding heating to rooms with timber or engineered floors where tiles are not an option |
What's Included vs What Costs Extra
Usually Included in an Underfloor Heating Quote
- ✓ Professional installation by licensed electrician or plumber
- ✓ Heating mat or cable supply and installation, including fixing and layout
- ✓ Thermostat and floor sensor supply, wiring, and programming
- ✓ Electrical connection and testing of the complete system
- ✓ Clean-up of work area on completion
Often Costs Extra
- ✗ Insulation board underlay ($15–$35/sqm if not included)
- ✗ New dedicated circuit from switchboard ($200–$500 if not already present)
- ✗ Tiling or floor covering supply and installation (often quoted separately)
- ✗ Screed or concrete pour for hydronic systems ($30–$60/sqm)
- ✗ Smart WiFi thermostat upgrade ($100–$200 above basic thermostat)
How to Get Underfloor Heating Installed
Step-by-step guide from system selection to running your new underfloor heating
Choose the system type and floor area
Measure the floor area to be heated. Decide between electric (best for bathrooms and small areas) and hydronic (best for whole-house heating in cold climates). Consider the floor covering — tile is the most compatible, followed by engineered timber. Confirm your floor substrate will accept the system and allow for any height increase.
Get 2–3 quotes from licensed tradespeople
For electric systems, engage a licensed electrician experienced in underfloor heating. For hydronic systems, engage a licensed plumber or specialist UFH installer. Provide the floor area, floor type, system preference, and whether the floor needs lifting. Ask for a quote that separates material and labour, and confirms what's included.
Installation day
For electric mat systems: the floor may need lifting, the insulation board is laid, the heating mat or cable is installed and connected to the thermostat and power circuit, and the floor covering is relaid. For hydronic systems: the pipework is installed, manifold connected, screed poured, and the system connected to the boiler or heat pump. Commissioning and testing completes the installation.
Post-installation setup and running costs
Programme the thermostat with your preferred schedule — most systems should be set to pre-heat the floor 30–60 minutes before the room is used. Electric systems typically cost $0.03–$0.08/hour to run per sqm depending on electricity tariff. Hydronic systems cost significantly less per hour but require more complex commissioning. Keep the installation certificate and warranty documentation.
How to Save Money on Underfloor Heating
Choose electric for small areas
For bathrooms under 15sqm, electric mat systems are the most cost-effective choice — installed cost of $600–$1,800 per bathroom vs $5,000+ for a hydronic system in the same room. The higher running cost of electric is offset by the short running hours in a bathroom (typically 1–3 hours/day).
Install insulation board from day one
Insulation board ($15–$35/sqm) is the single best investment to reduce running costs. Without it, 30–50% of heat is lost downward into the slab. Including insulation board at installation costs less than adding it later and pays for itself in reduced electricity bills within 1–3 years.
Use a smart programmable thermostat
A smart thermostat ($250–$500 installed) allows scheduling, geofencing, and remote control via smartphone. Studies show smart thermostats reduce UFH running costs by 20–30% compared to manual control or always-on operation. The payback period is typically 1–2 years.
Combine with solar panels
If you have rooftop solar, scheduling your electric underfloor heating to run during peak solar generation hours (10am–2pm) can dramatically reduce running costs. In Australia's sunny climates, solar-powered electric UFH in bathrooms and kitchens can approach zero marginal running cost during the day.
Underfloor heating in Australia costs $50–$90/sqm for an electric mat system, $60–$110/sqm for an electric cable system, and $100–$200/sqm for a hydronic (wet) system. A complete bathroom installation (electric mat, thermostat, and fitting) typically costs $600–$1,800. A whole-house hydronic system costs $15,000–$35,000 fully installed. Prices include GST and are for a licensed installer.
Electric underfloor heating uses electric resistance cables or mats installed under the floor. It is cheaper to install ($50–$110/sqm) but costs more to run. It suits bathrooms, kitchens, and small areas. Hydronic underfloor heating circulates warm water through pipes in or under the floor, heated by a boiler or heat pump. It costs more to install ($100–$200/sqm) but is far cheaper to run, making it ideal for whole-house heating in cold climates.
Yes, but it requires careful system specification. Timber and engineered wood floors require a low-temperature system (typically hydronic or a low-wattage electric cable) to prevent the wood from drying out and warping. The timber must be specified for use with underfloor heating and must have a maximum moisture content of 10%. Electric foil mats under floating engineered timber or LVP floors are a common retrofit solution.
Electric mat and cable systems typically warm a tiled floor to a comfortable temperature in 20–45 minutes. Hydronic systems in a concrete slab take longer — typically 1–3 hours to reach operating temperature, but the thermal mass of the slab then radiates heat for hours after the system switches off. Programme your thermostat to start heating 30–60 minutes before you need the room.
Yes. Electric underfloor heating involves electrical work and must be installed by a licensed electrician in all Australian states and territories. Hydronic underfloor heating involves plumbing and must be installed by a licensed plumber. DIY installation of either type is illegal in Australia and will void insurance. Always request a compliance certificate on completion.
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