Screed

• The screed is the top layer of a solid floor. It is cement-based. When you lay the screed, you can place heating pipes into it. Hot water circulates through the pipes from the central heating system. Pipe installations such as this come with separate controls. You can adjust the heat independently from the radiators in other rooms. Screed pipe systems for underfloor heating are popular for extensions and conservatories. Cover the screed with ceramic tiles.
  
  

Panels

• Underfloor heating panels are a quick alternative to screed pipes. You can also lay panels on any existing floor surface. Nail, screw or glue each panel to the floor. Place water pipes into the panels' grooves. Attach the pipes to the existing central heating system.
  
  

Cables

• Underfloor heating cables are electric and come with a thermostat to control the temperature. Place the cable across the floor in a snake-like pattern. Hold it in place with adhesive tape. Cover the cable with tile adhesive and place ceramic tiles on top. The flexibility of the cable means it is convenient to lay in rooms with an irregular shape.
  
  

Cable mat

• A cable mat has an electric heating cable embedded in it. Roll the mat across a room's floor. At the far end, cut the mat without damaging the continuous cable. Roll the mat back alongside the first length. Continue until you have covered the floor. When finish, tile over the mat. You can control the temperature of the mat with a thermostat.
  
  

Carbon film

• Like cables and cable mats, carbon film underfloor heating is electric. Roll the film over a layer of floor insulation. Place a moisture barrier on top of the film. Finally, lay a wooden or laminate floor covering.
  
  

Kits

• DIY enthusiasts can install an underfloor heating system without professional help. Underfloor heating systems come in kits with instruction manuals. These kits are different sizes according to the floor area. For safety reasons, DIY'ers may prefer to ask a professional to connect water pipes to a central heating system or to wire a cable, mat or carbon film into a home's electrical circuit.