Everything You Need To Know About Electric Underfloor Heating Mats
15/05/2025
Adding underfloor heating is one of the most effective ways to bring luxury and energy efficiency to your home. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to fit electric underfloor heating mats, and any key information you may need about electric underfloor heating mat options. Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, kitchen, or installing a system throughout the house, this guide will help ensure your electric underfloor heating mat installation is safe, efficient, and built to last.
Why Choose Electric Underfloor Heating Mats?
An electric underfloor heating mat offers a slim, easy-to-install solution for homeowners and tradespeople alike. With a wide range of options available, you can tailor your system to your space.
Outside of ‘mesh’ matting options, we have ‘loose-lay’, which works in conjunction with underfloor heating decoupling matting, such as options from brands like Schluter Ditra, Premtool, Amber, and more.
Mesh-backed Options
Warmup StickyMat Self-Adhesive Underfloor Heating System 200W/m2 (Choice Of Size)
Mapei Mapeheat Mesh Self-Adhesive Underfloor Heating Mat 160w (Choice Of Size)
ThermoSphere Mesh Self-Adhesive Electric Underfloor Heating Mat 150Wm2 (Choice Of Size)
Amber AmberMat 100W/m2 Underfloor Heating Mat (Choice Of Size)
Loose-Lay Options
Mapei Mapeheat Loose Lay Underfloor Heating Cable (Choice Of Size) with Mapei Mapeheat Maxi Lightweight Uncoupling Anti-Fracture Waterproofing Membrane 15m
PREMTOOL ThermaHeat Loose Lay Underfloor Heating Cable with PREMTOOL ThermaHeat Underfloor Heating Decoupling Matting 15m2
Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E Heating Cable (sizes from 1.1m2 to 22.7m2) with Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E Matting 12.5Lm
Amber Loose Lay Heating Cable For Timber/Concrete Floors with Amber Underfloor Heating/Decoupling Mat 15sqm Roll
Before we dive into fitting electric underfloor heating matting, here’s what you’ll typically find in an electric underfloor heating mat kit:
Heating mats (decoupling matting)
Thermostat
Floor sensor
Instructions manual
Loose lay cable
A full electric underfloor heating kit often includes everything you need. Popular examples are:
Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-DUO-S WIFI And Voice Control Underfloor Heating Thermal Floor Kits
Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-S WIFI And Voice Control Underfloor Heating Thermal Floor & Wall Kits
The Premtool ThermaHeat range:
Read more:
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Fit Electric Underfloor Heating Mats
1. Plan Your Layout
Before unrolling a single mat, create a scaled layout of the room. Avoid installing mats under fixed furniture (without clearance), as this could cause overheating.
2. Prepare the Subfloor
The subfloor must be clean, level, and dry. For electric underfloor heating mat installation, a smooth surface ensures optimal heat distribution. If required, install insulation boards to improve energy efficiency. Apply a floor primer to enhance adhesion.
If you’re installing under a floating floor like laminate or engineered wood, make sure you’re using an electric underfloor heating mat for laminate flooring that is compatible with that material.
3. Lay the Heating Mats
For Loose Lay:
Lay your matting with a grey S1 adhesive, such as Laticrete 335 Maxi S Multi-Purpose S1 Cement Based Adhesive Grey 20kg, Ultra Tile ProFlex SPES Standard Set Flexible S1 Adhesive Grey 20kg, or Weber Weberset Trade S1 Rapid Set Flexible Adhesive Grey 20kg. Then clip in your cable.
For Mesh:
Unroll your electric underfloor heating mat and cut the mesh (not the cable) to help fit the mat around obstacles and in tight spaces. Stick the mat to the floor using the manufacturer-recommended adhesive or primer.
Read more: Your Guide To Tile Adhesive For Underfloor Heating
4. Install the Floor Sensor
Position the thermostat sensor centrally between two runs of heating cable, avoiding direct contact with the cable. This ensures accurate temperature readings.
Read more: Can I Use Any Thermostat For Underfloor Heating?
5. Test the System
Before covering the mats, run a system test. You could use a cable tester such as the Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-CT Cable Tester. It’s critical to ensure your system is functioning before it becomes inaccessible.
6. Apply a Levelling Compound (if required)
Some installations require a self-levelling compound before laying the final flooring. This protects the cables and provides a smooth finish.
7. Lay Your Final Floor
Once everything is tested and levelled, you can install your final flooring.
Tips for a Perfect Installation
Use insulation boards to improve efficiency and reduce heat-up time.
Stick to the manufacturer's guidelines for spacing and maximum wattage.
Always consult a qualified electrician to connect the thermostat and check compliance with UK building regulations.
Read more:
ThermoSphere Underfloor Heating: Leading The Charge For Electric Heating
Does Underfloor Heating Work With Wooden Floors? 5 Myths Debunked
Choosing the Best Electric Underfloor Heating Mat
Not all heating mats are created equal or suited to every situation. The best electric underfloor heating mat for your project will depend on:
Floor type (tile, laminate, vinyl, etc.)
Room size and layout
Heating needs (primary vs. a supplementary need alongside your radiators)
At Warm Floor Store, we stock a wide range of options, tailored for every floor finish and room size. Browse our selection of electric underfloor heating kits and find the right fit for your next project. If you need any assistance, contact our sales team today for expert advice on 0330 320 9900 or via email [email protected].