Screed, Overlay, or Between Joist? Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose.
Not all underfloor heating systems are the same. The right choice depends on your floor construction, whether you're building new or renovating, and how much disruption you're willing to accept.
Pipes are laid within a concrete or liquid screed. This is the most common system in new builds and major renovations where you have access to the floor structure.
Pre-formed panels that hold the pipe in place. Fast and consistent spacing.
Rails fixed to insulation with pipe clipped in. Reliable and popular with installers.
Pipe stapled directly into insulation. Lower material cost but more labour intensive.
Best for: New builds, extensions, and renovations where you’re replacing or lifting the floor. Excellent long-term performance and thermal mass.
Laid on top of an existing solid floor. Popular in renovations because of low build-up and minimal disruption.
Good thermal mass with relatively low build-up. Works well with tiles and engineered wood.
Modern systems designed to keep floor height increase to a minimum while delivering good heat output.
Often the most affordable overlay option with built-in insulation benefits.
Best for: Renovations where you want to avoid major structural work and keep floor height increase low.
Installed between timber joists in suspended floors. Common in older properties where floorboards can be lifted.
These systems usually use aluminium diffusion plates to spread the heat. Performance depends heavily on good insulation below the pipes and minimal air gaps.
Best for: Period properties and homes with suspended timber floors where you don’t want to raise floor levels significantly.
Use our Underfloor Heating Calculator to get personalised recommendations based on your floor type and project.