How complicated is it to do under-the- floor heating?

So many ways to install flooring in concrete floors to prevent cold floors and moisture. Underfloor heat is a great solution. Heat rises and with concrete floors the bottom half ( about two to three feet) above the floor will be cooler than above the waist line. Electric radiant flooring is a great option. Heat wire in weaved into mats rolled out on the floor, secured to the floor recommended by the manufacturer. Also great for bathroom remodels to prevent cold feet from tile.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/wood-floor-installation/installing-wood-flooring-over-concrete/

https://macwoods.com/hardwood-floors-concrete-diy/

http://community.homedepot.com/howto/DiscussionDetail/Installing-Hardwood-Floor-over-Concrete-9065000000005sJ

https://macwoods.com/best-moisture-barriers-hardwood-flooring/

I think the only logical, but VERY expensive heat, would be electric panels. The hot water systems require imbeding the pipes IN the concrete.

Hi Sue,

Our lake home is built on a slab and our carpeted floors are not cold. Our ceramic tile however is very chilly. If you are considering adding a heating element to your floor I would speak with a professional and get a quote.

If I remember correctly, heating elements can only be placed under tile.

There are many tutorials online explaining how to apply a heating element when installing ceramic tile if you decide to go that route.

Lauren - The Little Lake Cottage

Radiant heat is a system using electric coils or tubes of hot water underneath the flooring. Traditionally it has been used for tile floors but now it is also used with wood flooring. Heating floors is becoming increasingly popular due to the ease of warming up your entire home.Never use solid wood flooring with underfloor heating because planks of solid wood are not stable enough to deal with the changes in temperature and can become severely damaged. Underfloor heating works well with wooden floors because it keeps the whole floor at a uniform temperature. Engineered hardwood flooring looks exactly the same as solid wood flooring once you have installed it. ... They are more stable and less prone to warping than solid hardwood floors. An engineered floor can easily be taken up and refitted once the underfloor heating system has been fitted. Foil heating mats This is the most popular system for most wooden floors! Our advanced aluminium heating mats are designed to be installed under laminate, engineered and most floating solid wood floors (always check with the floor manufacturer first) they can NOT be used under glued down or nailed down floors. https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/confused/electric-underfloor-heating-systems-for-wooden-floors

Thanks for all your answers and links. I will save them all. I was not thinking of a hot water system...I know that needs to be done when the house is built. The mat type heater is what I was thinking of. And prefinished engineered wood floors are the best option, I think. You've given me good info. Thanks again!

Sue