How Long Does Underfloor Heating Installation Take in the UK?
Category: Business | Published: December 3, 2025
Underfloor heating has gone from a luxury feature to a practical upgrade many homeowners now consider essential. It spreads heat evenly across the floor, lifts comfort levels, and pairs well with heat pumps and modern insulation standards. Still, as popular as it is, most people have one big question before they commit: how long does it actually take to install an underfloor heating system in the UK?
The answer depends on the system type, the condition of the home, and who you hire. A small electric setup in a single room might be ready in a day. A full hydronic system connected to a manifold underfloor heating UK homeowners rely on can stretch across several days or even weeks if screed needs to dry. Knowing what affects the timeline helps you plan ahead and avoid delays.
Let’s break down what goes into the installation process, how long each step typically takes, and why choosing the right system matters.
Electric vs Wet Underfloor Heating: Why Timelines Differ
When people search for the best underfloor heating system UK wide, they usually end up comparing electric and wet systems. Electric systems use heating mats or cables under the floor, while wet systems circulate warm water through pipes.
The main difference is complexity. Electric systems sit close to the floor surface, so they install quickly. Wet systems require pipe layout, connection to a boiler or heat pump, and full integration with a manifold.
Here is the usual timeline:
Electric underfloor heating:
1 to 2 days for most rooms
Wet underfloor heating:
3 to 7 days for installation
Plus up to 7 to 21 days for screed drying, depending on the method
If you are aiming for comfort and long-term energy efficiency, especially in a whole home, the best wet underfloor heating systems UK installers offer may be worth the longer timeline.
Stage 1: Floor Preparation
No matter the system, floor prep comes first. Installers check levels, insulation, and the general condition of the subfloor.
How long it takes:
Electric: 2 to 4 hours
Wet: 1 to 2 days
Wet systems often require insulation panels, pipe fixing boards, or routing channels. In a retrofit, installers may need to remove old flooring, correct uneven areas, or add insulation to prevent heat loss. Since these systems operate at low temperatures, insulation matters a lot.
This prep stage is also when a professional might walk you through which underfloor heating system UK option suits your home best. A well prepared subfloor gives you better output and lower energy bills over time.
Stage 2: Installing the Heating Mats or Pipework
This is the core of the installation.
Electric systems:
Installers roll out mats or lay loose heating cables. The process is simple, especially in square or rectangular rooms.
Time required:
4 to 8 hours for most rooms
Wet systems:
Installers lay pipe loops across the space, secure them in place, and plan the flow routes for an efficient system. This step takes longer because it requires precision to avoid cold spots or uneven heat.
Time required:
1 to 3 days depending on room count and layout
This is where choosing a skilled installer matters. A strong wet installation paired with the right manifold can make a big difference in long-term performance. This is why many homeowners look for experts who specialise in manifold underfloor heating UK systems.
Stage 3: Connecting to the Manifold or Thermostat
Electric systems:
Electric mats connect to a thermostat and the main supply. A certified electrician must handle this part.
Time required:
1 to 2 hours
Wet systems:
Pipe loops must be connected to a manifold. The manifold controls flow rates and temperature zones. A well designed system uses the manifold to balance each loop so that every room heats evenly.
Time required:
Half a day to a full day
If you chose one of the best wet underfloor heating systems UK suppliers offer, the manifold will likely come with quality components that simplify long-term maintenance. Installers usually test pressure and check for leaks before moving on.
Stage 4: Screed or Floor Covering Installation
This is the part of the process that surprises most homeowners.
Electric systems:
Some setups only need a thin layer of self levelling compound before the final floor goes down.
Time required:
Same day or next day
Wet systems:
Most hydronic systems need a screed layer to encase the pipes. Traditional screed takes time to cure. Fast-drying versions cut that down but still require planning.
Typical drying times:
Traditional screed: 7 to 21 days
Fast drying screed: 3 to 7 days
Low profile retrofit boards: No long drying time
This stage is why wet systems take longer overall.
If you are renovating a lived-in home, a low-profile solution can cut the project timeline dramatically. These modern boards often appear in searches for the best underfloor heating system UK has available today because they offer quicker turnaround and less disruption.
Stage 5: Final Testing and Commissioning
Once the floor is ready, installers test the system.
Time required:
2 to 4 hours
Testing includes checking the thermostat, balancing zones, verifying flow rates through the manifold, and ensuring that all loops heat evenly. This step is essential for both long-term comfort and efficiency.
Wet systems especially benefit from a careful commissioning process. Your installer should walk you through how to control the zones, what temperatures to expect, and how to adjust timers for cold months.
Whole Home Timeline Examples
Here is a practical breakdown of what homeowners in the UK typically experience:
Small bathroom, electric system:
1 day
Medium kitchen, electric system:
1 to 2 days
Whole ground floor, wet system with screed:
5 to 7 days for installation
Plus 1 to 3 weeks for drying
Whole ground floor, wet low-profile retrofit:
3 to 5 days, no long drying period
These estimates assume qualified installers and no major subfloor issues.
Factors That Can Extend the Timeline
Even the best underfloor heating system UK installers offer can run into delays based on:
Subfloor repairs
Removal of old tile or stone
Poor insulation that needs upgrading
Complex room layouts
Multi zone manifolds with numerous loopsCoordination with other trades like plumbers and electricians
Planning ahead helps avoid friction between teams and keeps the project running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Underfloor heating installation time varies, but with the right system and an experienced installer, the process is predictable and smooth. Electric systems offer quick turnarounds for single rooms. Wet systems take longer but deliver higher efficiency, especially when paired with a quality manifold and modern heat sources.