HEATING
How to Estimate Radiant Floor Heating
Contractor method for estimating radiant floor heating: area, system type, zones and the subfloor line.
Radiant floor bids fail on the system type and the zones. The area is easy math; electric and hydronic are very different rates, and each zone and the subfloor prep grow the quote.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you estimate radiant floor heating?
Measure the area, choose the system (electric $8, hydronic $15/sq ft), then add zones (~$150 each) and subfloor prep. A 400 sq ft electric system with 2 zones runs about $3,500.
Measure the heated area
Measure the heated area in sq ft and note the subfloor. Electric radiant runs ~$8/sq ft and hydronic ~$15/sq ft. Confirm the floor finish before quoting.
- Measure the heated area
- Note the subfloor type
- Check the floor finish (tile, wood, carpet)
- Confirm the available height for the system
Pick the system type
Electric is simpler and suits retrofit zones; hydronic is cheaper to run but pricier to install and often needs a boiler or heat pump.
Price the zones and subfloor
Each zone/thermostat adds ~$150 and subfloor prep ~$2/sq ft. Use the Radiant Floor Heating Cost Calculator to build the full quote, then add any boiler or heat-pump work.
Check the total
Your total should land within 10% of the calculator output before markup. Radiant floor runs $6-$20/sq ft installed.