Underfloor heating (UFH) has moved from a luxury to a mainstream choice in UK new builds and renovations. It offers better thermal comfort than radiators, works particularly well with heat pumps, and frees up wall space. But the choice between wet and electric systems, and understanding which floor finishes work with UFH, matters enormously.
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Find a tradesperson — freeWet vs electric underfloor heating
Wet (hydronic) UFH uses warm water pumped through pipes embedded in the floor — connected to a boiler or heat pump. It is more expensive to install but cheaper to run, making it the preferred choice for large areas and whole-house installations. Electric UFH uses resistance heating elements under the floor — much cheaper to install but more expensive to run, making it better suited to bathrooms or kitchens where it supplements other heating.
Compatibility with heat pumps
Underfloor heating is the ideal companion for a heat pump. Heat pumps deliver water at lower temperatures (35-45°C) than gas boilers — exactly the temperature range where UFH works best. Fitting UFH alongside a heat pump gives you the most efficient possible heating system for a well-insulated home. Retrofitting UFH with an existing gas boiler is also possible but requires the boiler to have a modulating function.
Underfloor heating and heat pumps are a natural partnership — both operate at lower temperatures than traditional boiler-radiator systems, delivering maximum efficiency when paired correctly.
— Heat Pump Association
Floor finish compatibility
Not all floor finishes are compatible with UFH. Stone, tile, and polished concrete are ideal — they conduct heat well and are stable. Engineered wood is generally compatible if it is rated for UFH use. Solid wood is problematic — it expands and contracts with temperature changes and can cup or split. Thick carpet with high tog rating insulates against the heat and should be avoided. Always check manufacturer compatibility before ordering flooring for an UFH installation.
Installation costs
Wet UFH in a new screed typically costs £30-£70 per square metre installed, depending on the complexity of the manifold system and controls. Electric UFH in a bathroom is considerably cheaper — £500-£1,500 installed depending on the size. The control system (manifold, actuators, thermostats) is a significant element of the cost for wet systems covering multiple zones.