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Install whole-house UFH.
Wet underfloor heating throughout — manifolds, pipes, zoning and screed. The right call on a renovation.
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Top tips
Hiring a central heating, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Wrong floor finish
Thick carpet insulates the heat. Specify low-Tog underlay and thin floor finish for UFH.
Slow warmup
Concrete-screed UFH takes hours to warm up vs minutes for radiators. Smart timer essential.
Inadequate insulation under slab
100mm PIR minimum below pipes. Cheap installs skip — heat goes down, not up.
Manifold accessibility
Manifold buried in wall is impossible to service. Always leave accessible.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Wet UFH new build per m²Pipes in screed
£40–£80/m²
Wet UFH retrofit per m²Low-profile overlay panels
£70–£140/m²
Manifold for 6-port systemPolypipe, Robbens
£400–£900
Zone thermostat (smart)Per zone
£120–£350
Whole 3-bed semi wet UFH new build~100 m²
£5.5k–£10k
Retrofit wet UFH 3-bedHigher per m² cost
£9k–£16k/m²
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Whole-house underfloor heating (UFH) replaces radiators with discreet floor warmth — even, comfortable, frees wall space. Expect to pay £4,500–£15,000 for a UK whole-house UFH installation depending on size, system type, and whether retrofit or new build.
What Does the Work Involve?
Wet UFH: PEX pipes laid in screed (new build) or low-profile overlay panels (retrofit). Manifold connects pipes to boiler/heat pump via mixing valve. Each room has its own zone and thermostat. Electric UFH: heating mats laid under floor finish. Cheaper to install, more expensive to run. Whole-house electric is rare due to running cost.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet UFH new build per m² | 40 | 80 | Pipes in screed |
| Wet UFH retrofit per m² | 70 | 140 | Low-profile overlay panels |
| Manifold for 6-port system | 400 | 900 | Polypipe, Robbens |
| Zone thermostat (smart) | 120 | 350 | Per zone |
| Whole 3-bed semi wet UFH new build | 5,500 | 10,000 | ~100 m² |
| Retrofit wet UFH 3-bed | 9,000 | 16,000 | Higher per m² cost |
| Heat pump compatibility upgrade | +£500 | +£2,500 | If switching from boiler |
How Long Does It Take?
New build wet UFH (before screed): 1 week for pipe lay. Retrofit overlay: 1–2 weeks. Commissioning: 1–2 days. Full project including floor finishes: 4–6 weeks.
DIY or Professional?
Professional. Wet UFH systems need Gas Safe-coordinated install with boiler, and floor finishes need careful coordination. Electric UFH mats can be partly DIY but electrical connection needs Part P.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
UFH specialist (Polypipe Approved, JG Speedfit, Robbens), or general plumbing/heating engineer with UFH experience. Confirm manufacturer warranty (50 years on PEX pipe is industry standard).
UK Regulations
Building Regs Part L thermal compliance. Part P for electrical. New-build UFH must integrate with whole-house heat-loss calculations.
Common Problems
- Wrong floor finish: Thick carpet insulates the heat. Specify low-Tog underlay and thin floor finish for UFH.
- Slow warmup: Concrete-screed UFH takes hours to warm up vs minutes for radiators. Smart timer essential.
- Inadequate insulation under slab: 100mm PIR minimum below pipes. Cheap installs skip — heat goes down, not up.
- Manifold accessibility: Manifold buried in wall is impossible to service. Always leave accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wet or electric UFH?
Wet: most efficient running cost long-term, requires boiler/heat pump connection. Electric: easier retrofit, much higher running cost. Wet for whole-house; electric for single-room.
UFH vs radiators — which is cheaper to run?
UFH wet system: 15–25% cheaper to run because heats whole room evenly at lower water temperature. With heat pump, savings are even larger.
Can I retrofit UFH to a Victorian house?
Yes — low-profile retrofit systems add only 15–25mm to floor height. Particularly suited to character properties with high ceilings.
Will UFH work with a heat pump?
Yes — UFH is the ideal heat emitter for heat pumps. Low flow temperatures (35–40°C) match heat pump efficiency.
How long does UFH last?
PEX pipes: 50+ years. Manifold and valves: 20+ years. Thermostat: 10+ years.
Can I have UFH and radiators?
Yes — UFH downstairs, radiators upstairs is the most common UK configuration. Different zone controls for each.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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