The idea of under tile heating sounds a bit flash, doesn’t it? The kind of thing you would expect in a luxury penthouse or a day spa in Byron.
But with so many homeowners in Australia moving towards the comfort of underfloor heating, it might make more sense than you’d expect.
For the right space, under tile heating can be a smart, affordable upgrade that adds real value.
Let’s break it down, plain and simple, and help you figure out if it’s the right fit for your space and budget.
What is Under Tile Heating?
Heating sits under your tiles and gently heats your floor with no visible elements and no blowing air - just cosy toes and even warmth.
Two main types:
- Electric (Dry) Systems -
This is what most people mean when they say under tile heating. A thin electric heating mat or cable that is laid beneath the tiles before they are glued and grouted.
- Hydronic (Wet) Systems -
Uses pipes beneath the floor that carry heated water to warm the room. It is more expensive to install and needs more space under the floor, making it more common in big new builds.
Quick Tip: For most Australian bathrooms, the electric “dry” system is the go-to - it’s cheaper to install, easier to run, and you don’t need to tear half the house apart to fit it.
Pros of Under Tile Heating
1. Luxury Comfort
Gone are the days of stepping onto an ice rink first thing in the morning, instead, wake up to a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
2. Even Heat Distribution
Instead of one hot spot (like a fan heater), the whole floor warms evenly.
3. More Energy Efficient Than You Would Think
Run them on a timer for just the hours you need. Because the heat starts at your feet and naturally rises, you don’t need to crank it as high as other heating - the lower operating temperature feels just as warm and comfortable.
4. Boosts Property Value
A premium feature and selling point in a competitive housing market.
5. Space-Saving For a Cleaner Look
Under tile heating can replace radiators and towel warmers. Whether you prefer a clean, minimalist look or need to make the most of a small bathroom, you can design your space without bulky heaters getting in the way.
6. Silent and Invisible
No fans, no buzzing - just quiet, steady warmth.
Cons of Under Tile Heating
1. Initial Cost
It’s efficient once running, but expect a higher setup cost than other heating options like radiators or towel warmers.
2. Must be Installed Before Tiling
You cannot add after the tiles go down. If you are halfway through a reno, it’s probably too late. Best suited for new builds or full bathroom renovations.
3. Heat Up Times
Does not provide instant warmth like a traditional heater. However this can be addressed with a thermostat timer.
How Much Does Under Tile Heating Cost (2025)?
|
Item |
Average Cost (AUD) |
Notes / What’s Included |
|
Heating mat (2 sqm) |
$200 – $300 |
Price varies by brand & warranty length |
|
Thermostat |
$250 – $450 |
Programmable models save on running costs |
|
Installation (per sqm) |
$70 – $120 |
Optional, includes laying heating + tiling labour |
|
Total (standard bathroom) |
$800 – $1,500 |
Based on a 4–6 sqm tiled area |
- Installation Costs
Installing under tile heating costs between $70 and $120 per square metre for electric systems. DIY is possible here but the electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician.
- Running Costs
So, how much will it cost to run under tile heating every day in 2025?
Around $1 - $3 per week if you run it for a few hours. Electric mats heat up quickly, so you don’t need to run them all day. Exact costs will depend on electricity rates.
Let’s use an open floor area of 3.8 square metres, an average Aussie bathroom, as an example.
We don’t need to go right up to the edge, so if we take 3 metres of 150w/m2 mat.
This will be enough to help heat the bathroom, not just the floor. If you have it on for two hours in the morning and two at night the cost will be about $2.87 a week, less than a small coffee.
- How does this compare with other heating?
Radiators and towel warmers usually have a lower upfront cost, but run at higher temperatures and often heat air unevenly. This means they can use more energy overall.
Trade Tip: Don’t just shop on price for the heating kit. Cheap, untested systems can fail early and cost more to rip up and replace. Go for a reputable brand that offers a proper warranty.
Our Verdict: Trade Talk, No Fluff
Under tile heating can keep the whole room evenly warm, frees up wall space for a cleaner look, and runs efficiently thanks to its low operating temperature.
If you are retiling a bathroom, ensuite, or laundry in a cooler part of Australia - under tile heating is absolutely worth it. Walking onto a warm floor in winter is a small luxury that makes a big difference in daily life. For many, the long-term comfort factor alone justifies the spend.
A quality system, installed correctly, should last decades with no maintenance. That means your upfront spend spreads out over years of use, making the real yearly cost surprisingly low.
But if your floors are already finished and the budget’s tight, treat it as a luxury, not a must-have. Your money might be better spent on something you see and enjoy every day, as retro fitting is very costly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is under tile heating expensive to run?
Not as expensive as you may think. The introduction of multi programmable timers means accurate and complete control over heating temperature and heating time. You only heat the floor when you need it, keeping running costs to a minimum.
Can I install under tile heating myself?
DIY installation of the electric mat is straightforward, and there are useful installation videos to help. You will need a licensed electrician to do the final connection.
How effective is underfloor heating under tiles?
Underfloor heating is very effective at heating tiles. Porcelain, stone and ceramic tiles are excellent conductors of heat, making them an efficient choice. Once warm they will provide a nice even heat across the floor.
Will under tile heating heat the whole room or just the floor?
It depends on what you want from the heating:
- Just the floor?
Then only do the areas where you may walk.
- The whole room?
If you would like to heat the whole room then tile the whole floor (including the shower area) up to within 100mm of the wall.
Quick Tip: Do you have high ceilings or stone flooring? Then it would be best to upgrade to 200w/m2 and set the smart thermostat to measure ambient room temperature, instead of the probe measuring floor temp.
How long does under tile heating take to warm up?
Under a normal thickness porcelain/ceramic tile (i.e. 10mm)?
We would recommend setting the timer to switch the heating to come on one hour before use.
Quick Tip: Would you like to shorten the warm up time? Install a 200w/m2 kit, especially if you are installing a thicker stone product on top of the heating.
What is the lifespan of under tile heating?
The only time we have heard of a failure is when the mat has been damaged due to poor site/installation practice (i.e. the wire was damaged before tiling commenced).
The beauty of under tile heating is that it is maintenance free.
The mat has a 25 year warranty and the thermostat has a 3 year warranty.
Does under tile heating work with all floor types?
Under tile heating works very well with ceramic, porcelain and natural stone.
The thicker your flooring, the longer it takes for heat to come through, and certain vinyl or engineered timber options may not be suitable. Before you commit, double-check the flooring manufacturer's advice before fitting underfloor heating.
Will it crack my tiles or damage the floor?
No, in 25 years of selling under tile heating we have never heard of a properly installed floor cracking tiles or damaging floors!
Most issues come from cutting corners during install.