What radiant floor heating means
Radiant floor heating warms a floor with electric heating cable or mats, or with hot water tubing, set under the finished floor.
Also called heated floor, in-floor heat.
Where it matters on a tile job
Electric mats under bathroom tile are a common upgrade. Test the cable before, during and after tiling, and plan the circuit and thermostat with the electrician.
What the model code says
- Electric heating cables installed under floor coverings need GFCI protection. (IRC 2021, Chapter 39)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for radiant floor heating before you quote.
What it costs
The radiant floor heating cost guide has the typical job at $4,000 and the usual range at $1,700 to $6,150. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price.
Work it out
- Cost guide: Radiant floor heating cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free tile resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 39, Power and Lighting Distribution (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.