Heated Tile Floors in Bathroom Remodels: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you’re planning to remodel a master bathroom in an older home, there’s one luxury upgrade that will completely change your morning routine.  That upgrade is heated tile floors. Radiant floor heating is more accessible and efficient than ever, and it's a unique feature that adds both comfort and long-term value to your home.  Not to mention a little bit of luxury.

In this guide, we’ll explain how heated floors work, what’s required to install them in older homes, and whether they’re worth the investment during a bathroom remodell.

What is heated tile flooring and how does it work?

Heated bathroom flooring typically uses electric radiant heating, a system of thin cables or heating mats installed beneath the tile. Once installed, the system gently warms the tile surface through electric resistance, creating a consistent and comfortable heat across the floor.

Temperature is controlled by a dedicated thermostat, usually mounted on the wall. Many systems now offer smart thermostats with programmable schedules and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to adjust the heat using your smartphone—even when you’re not home. You can set it to warm the floor before you wake up or return from work, adding a layer of convenience and energy efficiency.

These systems are completely silent, hidden from view, and compatible with most tile types, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone.

Can radiant floor heating be installed in older homes?

Yes, we can install radiant floor heating into older homes.  Even homes that are 40, 50, or 60 years old can be retrofitted with heated bathroom flooring during a full remodel. However, there are several variables and some preparation may be required for your specific bathroom.

Here’s what you'll need to upgrade or have installed:

• • Subfloor leveling – The subfloor must be clean, flat, and stable for proper heating installation.
  • Electrical upgrades – Older homes may need a new breaker or dedicated circuit to support the heating system.
  • Insulation – Adding insulation under the heating layer improves efficiency and ensures the heat rises into your bathroom, not into the framing below.
  • Moisture protection – Proper waterproofing is essential, especially in homes without a vapor barrier.

We assess all of these factors before starting any installation, so you know exactly what’s needed.

Benefits of adding heated tile floors to a bathroom remodel

1. Comfort and luxury

Nothing compares to stepping onto warm tile in the morning. Heated flooring eliminates the shock of cold floors—especially in winter or early mornings.

2. Even, energy-efficient heat

Unlike forced-air systems that heat the air, radiant floor heating warms objects and surfaces. This results in even, consistent warmth without hot or cold spots.

3. Moisture and humidity control

Warm tile dries faster, which reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and slippery surfaces—especially helpful in bathrooms with poor ventilation.

4. Increased resale value

Heated tile floors are considered a premium feature and can increase your home’s appeal to future buyers—especially in a master bathroom suite.

Is heated bathroom flooring worth the cost?

In Southern California, the average cost to install electric radiant floor heating in a bathroom ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on square footage, electrical upgrades, and tile selection.

For many homeowners, the comfort and luxury it provides far outweigh the upfront cost—especially when included as part of a full bathroom remodel. It’s one of the few upgrades that improves both daily quality of life and property value.

Popular Heated Flooring Systems for Southern California Homes

Not all radiant floor heating systems are created equal. For master bathroom remodels in Southern California, homeowners often prioritize efficiency, reliability, smart features, and ease of installation. Here are some of the most trusted brands we recommend and install:

1. Schluter® DITRA-HEAT

• • Combines electric heating with uncoupling and waterproofing in one system.
  • Ideal for tile and stone floors.
  • Thermostat options include smart, programmable, or touchscreen interfaces.
  • Reliable performance and great for older homes with uneven subfloors.

2. Nuheat® Floor Heating Systems

• • Offers both standard and custom-sized mats for irregular bathroom layouts.
  • The Nuheat Signature thermostat is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled via smartphone app.
  • Works well with porcelain, ceramic, and stone tile.
  • Clean, low-profile installation.

3. WarmlyYours® TempZone™

• • Known for flexibility and fast heat-up time.
  • Offers rolls, cables, and mats depending on the space.
  • Smart thermostats with Wi-Fi, touch controls, and energy usage tracking.
  • Popular for spa-like master bathroom designs.

4. SunTouch® WarmWire® and TapeMat®

• • Budget-friendly yet reliable.
  • WarmWire is ideal for free-form installations; TapeMat works well for standard-shaped spaces.
  • Compatible with programmable thermostats and smart home integration.

Which system is right for your remodel?

The best heated flooring system depends on your subfloor conditions, tile type, layout, and personal preferences. During your consultation, we’ll help you compare the right systems and select a thermostat that fits your lifestyle—whether that’s a simple programmable controller or full smartphone app control.

Proudly serving Southern California homeowners

At All Exclusive Construction, we install heated tile flooring as part of our bathroom remodeling services in:

• • Santa Clarita
  • Beverly Hills
  • Calabasas
  • Culver City
  • Los Angeles
  • Santa Monica
  • Westlake
  • Orange County
  • Ventura County

If you're remodeling a master bathroom in an older home, now is the perfect time to add heated tile flooring to your plans.

Let’s bring warmth and comfort into your bathroom remodel

If you're ready to enjoy the comfort of warm tile floors every morning, we’re ready to help. All Exclusive Construction will assess your existing home setup, recommend the right heating system, and deliver a master bathroom remodel that blends luxury, function, and lasting value.

Contact us today to schedule your bathroom remodeling consultation and learn more about adding heated tile floors to your project.