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Underfloor heating: what is it, how does it work?
The Quebec winter lasts a long time. When it's -25 °C outside for three weeks straight, thermal comfort at home quickly becomes a priority. That's exactly why the heated floor has gained so much popularity in Quebec in recent years.
The principle? A heating system integrated under the floor that produces a soft and even radiant heat. No noise, no dust in the air, no radiator taking up space on the walls. Just constant heat that starts from the floor and naturally rises.
At L'Entrepôt de la Réno, we help hundreds of homeowners each year choose and install their heated floor system. This guide gathers what we've learned in the field: the two types of systems available, the real prices in Quebec, which coverings work (and which to avoid), and the steps for installing a heated floor from start to finish.
What is a heated floor and how does it work?
A heated floor, also called a radiant floor, is a heating system installed directly under the floor surface. Heating elements (electric cables or hot water pipes) are laid under the covering. The heat rises from the floor to the ceiling, warming the feet first, then the rest of the body.
It's the opposite of electric baseboards or a radiator. Those systems heat the air by convection, which creates temperature differences in the room: warm at the ceiling, cold at the floor. With a radiant floor, the temperature is almost identical from the floor to the ceiling (less than 2 °C difference, compared to 3 to 5 °C with baseboards).
The operation of the heated floor relies on thermal inertia. The slab or cement screed covering the cables stores the heat and slowly redistributes it throughout the room. Result: no peaks, no dips. The floor heat remains stable, comfortable, without drafts and without odor.
The question we're most often asked in the store: "Is it really better than baseboards?" Honestly, yes. The heat distribution through the floor is much more even. And the total silence of the system is something you underestimate until you experience it.
Types of radiant floors: electric vs hydronic
There are two types of radiant floors on the Quebec market. The right choice depends on three things: the size of the project, your budget, and whether you are in new construction or renovation.
Electric radiant floor heating
This is the most sold type of floor heating in Quebec. The system uses a heating wire or heating mat placed under the floor covering. Simple, reliable, and especially easy to integrate into a renovation project.
A qualified electrician can complete the installation of a bathroom in a single day. The product requires no maintenance once installed. Zero moving parts, nothing to replace for 25 years and more. If you want to add comfort in one or two rooms without touching the rest of the house heating, this is the solution.
👉 See our heating wires · Radiant floor membranes
Hydronic (water) radiant floor heating
The hydronic system circulates hot water (or a water-glycol mixture) through pipes installed under the slab. It connects to a boiler, a heat pump (heat pump), or a geothermal system. It is a complete central heating method, capable of covering the entire home.
The major advantage is the energy efficiency over the long term. Coupled with a heat pump, this system can significantly reduce the heating bill compared to baseboards. The catch: the installation is much more complex and costly. It is mainly recommended for new constructions or major renovations, when the heated area exceeds 1,000 sq ft.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Electric | Hydronic |
|---|---|---|
| Best use | Bathroom, kitchen, entryway | Basement, full floor, entire house |
| Material cost | $5 to $12 / sq ft | $5 to $7 / sq ft (+ boiler) |
| Installed cost | $15 to $25 / sq ft | $20 to $40 / sq ft (all included) |
| Maintenance | None | Annual inspection |
| Installation | Simple (renovation) | Complex (new construction) |
| Lifetime | 25+ years | 30 to 50 years |
| Thermal inertia | Moderate | Good inertia, very stable heat |
| Renewable energy | No | Yes (heat pump, geothermal, solar) |
Which floor covering to choose with a heated floor?
Not all floor types conduct heat the same way. The covering you install on top has a direct effect on the system's performance. Some materials transmit heat very well. Others act as an insulator and block it completely.
Ceramic and natural stone come out on top, by far. Their good thermal inertia and high conductivity make them the ideal duo with a heated floor. In fact, it is the most common combination in bathrooms and kitchens in Quebec.
Rigid SPC vinyl also works very well. It is thin, dense, and properly conducts the floor heat to the floor surface. Just make sure the manufacturer confirms compatibility with underfloor heating. The vast majority of modern SPC vinyls are.
Engineered wood is compatible, with some reservations. Its multilayer structure resists temperature variations better than solid hardwood. However, avoid boards that are too thick (more than ¾ inch). They act as an insulator and reduce the heat diffusion. Porcelain tile remains a good alternative if you like the wood look without the constraints.
What we do not recommend: solid hardwood (too sensitive), thick carpet (it blocks the heat like a blanket laid on the floor), and thick cork. Unsure about compatibility? Come see us in store, our advisors check that in two minutes.
How much does a heated floor cost in Quebec?
The price varies depending on the type of system, the area, and the complexity of the installation. Here are realistic ranges based on what we see from our customers.
For an electrical system in a bathroom of 60 to 80 sq ft: between $1,200 and $1,800 all included. This includes the heating wire, membrane, thermostat, and electrician's labor. For a 120 sq ft kitchen or an 80 sq ft entryway, expect about $15 to $25 per square foot depending on the quality of the product.
The hydronic system represents a bigger purchase: $20 to $40 per square foot once fully installed (pipes, boiler or heat pump, labor). The investment is justified in the long term for large areas, where energy savings offset the initial outlay.
A good tip: check our promotions before placing your order. We regularly offer up to 50% off on certain heated floor systems.
👉 Heated floors on sale — up to 50% off
Heated floor installation: how does it work?
The installation of an electric heated floor is simpler than you think. Here is how the project unfolds, step by step.
Step 1 — Floor preparation. The surface must be clean and level. In homes built more than 20 years ago, the existing plywood sometimes needs to be doubled to prevent the floor from sagging over time. A decoupling membrane can also be installed (the Schluter DITRA-HEAT is the most common). It protects the cables and facilitates the installation of the covering on top.
👉 Our membranes for heated floors
Step 2 — Cable installation. The heating wire or heating mat is laid on the membrane or directly on the slab. The spacing between cables depends on the wattage required per square foot; your electrician handles this. A test is performed before moving on.
Step 3 — Cement screed. A layer of self-leveling cement is poured over the cables. This screed has two roles: protecting the system and creating a thermal mass. It is what gives the heated floor its good inertia and stable temperature. Without this step, the heat would be less uniform.
Step 4 — Covering and thermostat. We install the ceramic, vinyl, or chosen covering, then connect the thermostat. A programmable model with a floor sensor allows precise control of the floor heat and limits your consumption.
👉 See our thermostats for heated floors
Important point: the installation of the heating wire can be done by yourself if you are handy. But the electrical connection must be done by a certified master electrician. This is Quebec regulation (RBQ), and it is non-negotiable.
Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating
What we like
Thermal comfort, first. Walking barefoot on a warm floor in the middle of a Quebec winter is hard to beat. Radiant heat warms bodies and objects directly, not just the air. You feel good even when the ambient temperature is a bit lower than usual.
The space saved, next. No radiator against the walls, no baseboards dictating where to place furniture. The entire floor surface works for you, completely invisible. In a small bathroom, it changes everything.
Modern systems stay below 28-30 °C on the surface. No risk of burns, no dust stirred in the air, no odor. It's a type of heating that families with young children especially appreciate.
What about maintenance? The electric system requires none. Zero. The hydronic system can be powered by a heat pump, geothermal energy, or solar panels. A sustainable choice in the long term.
What you need to know before getting started
The entry price is higher than baseboards. That's a fact. But energy savings and added property value compensate over the years.
The system's inertia can be surprising. An underfloor heating system does not react instantly like a radiator. Expect 30 to 60 minutes to feel a temperature change. The solution: a programmable thermostat that preheats the room before you wake up or return home.
And then there is the thickness. The slab or screed adds a few centimeters to the floor level. In renovations, this may require adjusting doors or managing transitions between rooms. It's rarely a major problem, but better to plan for it from the start.
In which rooms should you install underfloor heating?
The quick answer: anywhere you walk barefoot. But some rooms offer a better return on investment.
The bathroom is the classic case. Stepping out of the shower onto a warm tile floor rather than an icy one is like day and night. As a bonus, the floor dries much faster thanks to the heat, which limits humidity problems.
The kitchen is also an excellent choice, especially with ceramic or natural stone flooring. You spend time standing in this room; the heat at the floor makes the experience much more comfortable when it is -15 °C outside.
The basement is probably where the effect is most spectacular. Concrete slabs are naturally cold. A heated floor transforms a cold, uninviting basement into a year-round living space, without baseboards or air conditioning in heating mode.
The entrance and vestibule are also popular. A warm floor that helps dry boots and wet coats is a very tangible advantage in a Quebec home.
Ready to switch to heated flooring?
We have everything you need for your project: heating wires, membranes, thermostats, and compatible floor coverings. Our in-store advisors can help you calculate the area, choose the right product, and plan the installation.
Visit us in Québec, Trois-Rivières, or Brossard, or browse our online heated floors catalog. And take a look at our current promotions before ordering.
Questions? Call us at 418-717-6000 or write to info@entrepotdelareno.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a heated floor consume a lot of electricity?
An electrical system consumes about 12 watts per square foot. For a 60 sq ft bathroom, that amounts to 720 watts, roughly equivalent to a small portable heater. With a programmable thermostat, consumption remains reasonable.
Can a heated floor be installed under SPC vinyl?
Yes. Most rigid SPC vinyls are compatible. Check the manufacturer's technical sheet to confirm the maximum temperature tolerated by the product.
How long does a heated floor last?
The electrical system easily lasts 25 to 30 years without maintenance. Hydronic systems can last up to 40-50 years with minimal maintenance.
Is an electrician required for the installation?
The installation of the wire and membrane can be handled by an experienced DIYer. However, the connection to the electrical panel and thermostat must absolutely be done by a certified master electrician. This is a requirement of the Quebec Construction Code.