Cold Weather, Warm Floors: A Guide to Heated Tile Installation

By The Tile Shop
There’s nothing quite like stepping onto a warm floor on a chilly morning. In-floor heating adds comfort, luxury, and energy efficiency, making it one of the most appealing upgrades for homes in cooler climates.

And in-floor heating’s benefits don’t end at comfort. Because it achieves a cozy feel without carpeting, it can help reduce trip hazards—especially from high-pile rugs—and create smoother, more durable, and more accessible surfaces for those using walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids.

Thinking about adding heated floors this season? Here’s what to consider before you get started.

How In-Floor Heating Works

In-floor heating uses a heat source—such as electric heating cables—installed beneath the floor’s surface. The system warms the flooring from below, eliminating cold spots and helping you feel warmer.

Featured: SunTouch WarmWire Cable and SunTouch HeatMatrix Uncoupling Mat

Controlling Heated Floors

Heated tile floors are controlled with a simple wall-mounted thermostat. Just set your desired temperature, and the system’s built-in floor sensor keeps it steady and comfortable. Many thermostats are programmable or Wi-Fi enabled, so you can schedule warmth ahead of time or adjust the heat right from your phone.

Best Rooms for Heated Tile Floors

While in-floor heat can be installed in almost any room, it’s especially popular in:

• Bathrooms: No more stepping onto cold tile after a shower.
• Mudrooms & Entryways: Keeps snow and slush from freezing on the floor.
• Basements: Adds comfort to naturally cooler spaces.
• Kitchens: A cozy upgrade where you spend a lot of time standing.

Featuring: Montauk Light Grey Mosaic. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

Best Tile Materials for Heated Floors

Choosing the right tile material can make all the difference when installing radiant heating. Here are top-performing options that pair beautifully with in-floor heat:

• Porcelain & Ceramic Tile: These are ideal because they conduct heat efficiently and have a slim profile, so floors warm up quickly. Porcelain is particularly durable and less porous than ceramic, making it an excellent choice for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, mudrooms, and entryways.
• Natural Stone: Marble, travertine, and other stone tiles heat up slightly slower due to their thickness, but they also retain warmth longer, creating a cozy and luxurious underfoot experience. 
• Luxury Vinyl Flooring: While not a traditional hard surface, some types of LVF are compatible with in-floor heat and can be a great, affordable alternative to wood, stone, or cement flooring.

Featuring: Softcement Graphite. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. Build by Rick and Kelli Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. Photography by Spacecrafting.

Planning Your Heated Tile Project

Before you start, consider:

• System Type: Electric heated floors are ideal for warming up individual spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, while water-based (hydronic) systems are better for heating large areas or an entire home.
• Overall Timeline: Heated tile floors take longer to install than standard tile. Homeowners should plan for the space to be out of use for several days to over a week, depending on the system and project size.
• ​Professional Installation: Some rooms, like bathrooms or basements, may need waterproofing or extra insulation under your heated floors. Electric systems also need their own circuit and thermostat, which requires a licensed electrician before tile installation. Work with an experienced tile installer to make sure your floor is laid out correctly and all electrical connections are made safely. (Need help finding an installer? Your local Tile Shop showroom can help you find trusted professionals in your area.)

Featuring: Silver Mist Honed and Noir Honed. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

Bring Warmth Home This Winter

Heated tile floors combine beauty, comfort, and practicality—especially during cold months. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom or upgrading your entire main floor, this is one investment you’ll appreciate every day. 

Ready to get your feet toasty with in-floor heat? Schedule a free design consultation—available in person or online—and let The Tile Shop’s experts help you choose the perfect materials for your space.