Here in Christchurch, we know how sharp the chill can feel underfoot during winter, especially in tiled areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or entrances. While heat pumps and panel heaters are common heating options, more and more homeowners are turning to underfloor heating as a reliable, modern solution.
At Greenstone Tiling, we’ve worked on many homes where this upgrade has made a real difference – improving both day-to-day comfort and long-term value.
So is it really worth it? Let’s explore the benefits, costs, and considerations for installing underfloor heating in your Christchurch home.
What is underfloor heating, and how does it work?
Underfloor heating is a system that warms your home from beneath the floor, delivering radiant heat that spreads evenly throughout the room. Rather than heating the air, it warms the floor surface, which in turn radiates heat upwards, creating a cosy, consistent environment.
There are two main types:
Electric underfloor heating
- Heating cables or mesh mats are installed under the flooring. It’s ideal for smaller spaces like bathrooms or kitchens and offers a quicker, more cost-effective installation.
Hydronic underfloor heating
- A water-based system where warm water circulates through pipes beneath the floor. It’s best suited to larger spaces or full-home heating and is typically installed during new builds or major renovations.
Both systems work especially well with tiled floors, as tiles are excellent conductors of heat and help retain warmth long after the system switches off.
Why more Christchurch homes are choosing underfloor heating
Consistent, even heat throughout your home
Traditional heaters can create uneven warmth, with hot spots around the source and cold corners further away. Underfloor heating provides consistent warmth across the whole room, eliminating cold patches and ensuring a more comfortable living environment. No more bracing yourself to step onto freezing tiles in winter.
Improved energy efficiency
Underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures than conventional radiators or fan heaters, yet still heats the room effectively. This helps reduce energy use and can lower your power bill, especially if your home is well-insulated. Hydronic systems, in particular, are known for their long-term efficiency and pair well with heat pumps or solar heating.
Cleaner aesthetic and more usable space
Because the system is hidden beneath your floor, you won’t need radiators or wall-mounted heaters taking up valuable space. This allows for more freedom in your interior design and furniture layout, and helps keep rooms looking sleek and uncluttered.
Better indoor air quality
As underfloor heating doesn’t rely on air flow to distribute heat, it doesn’t circulate dust or allergens like some fan-based systems do. This can be a big plus for families with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities.
How much does underfloor heating cost?
Installation costs
The cost of underfloor heating depends on several factors, including the type of system, the size of the area, and whether you’re renovating or building new.
- Electric systems: Typically start at around $170 to $200 per square metre. They’re faster to install and great for small or single-room spaces.
- Hydronic systems: These usually start from $300 to $400 per square metre. The installation is more complex, but they offer lower operating costs in the long run, making them a smart choice for larger or multi-room applications.
Running costs
Electric systems do cost more to run than hydronic systems, but they’re well suited to smaller rooms that don’t require constant heating. In a well-insulated 2–3 bedroom home, moderate use of electric underfloor heating might add $20 to $50 per month to your power bill.
Hydronic systems, particularly when paired with energy-efficient sources, can significantly reduce your heating expenses over time.
Is underfloor heating right for your home?
We’ve installed underfloor heating in everything from new builds to existing homes across Canterbury. It’s an excellent fit if:
- You’re building or renovating and want a future-proof heating solution
- You have tiled or stone floors in key living areas
- You value comfort, efficiency, and a clean interior look
- You want to add long-term value to your property
Underfloor heating is especially effective in bathrooms, kitchens, and open-plan living areas – places where cold tiles are common, and where a little extra comfort makes a big difference.
Why choose Greenstone Tiling?
We’re not just tilers – we’re tradespeople who understand the full picture when it comes to floor performance, comfort, and longevity. At Greenstone Tiling, we work with reliable underfloor heating products and ensure they’re integrated properly beneath your tiles, with care taken at every stage.
Here’s what we offer:
- Expert advice on choosing the right system for your space and lifestyle
- Precision installation to ensure long-term performance
- High-quality materials sourced from trusted local suppliers
- A tidy, coordinated finish, so the heating system and tiles work together seamlessly
Whether it’s a bathroom renovation or a whole-home build, we deliver professional workmanship backed by years of experience in Christchurch homes.
Underfloor heating isn’t just a luxury — it’s a practical, efficient, and elegant way to heat your home. It adds comfort where it’s needed most, helps lower long-term energy use, and contributes to a better living experience overall. When paired with well-laid tiles, the results speak for themselves.
If you’re planning a renovation or looking to build, we’d love to help you explore whether underfloor heating is right for you.
Give us a call at 0224584524 or fill out a form below and one of our experienced tilers will get back to you shortly.
Here in Christchurch, we know how sharp the chill can feel underfoot during winter, especially in tiled areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or entrances. While heat pumps and panel heaters are common heating options, more and more homeowners are turning to underfloor heating as a reliable, modern solution.
At Greenstone Tiling, we’ve worked on many homes where this upgrade has made a real difference – improving both day-to-day comfort and long-term value.
So is it really worth it? Let’s explore the benefits, costs, and considerations for installing underfloor heating in your Christchurch home.
What is underfloor heating, and how does it work?
Underfloor heating is a system that warms your home from beneath the floor, delivering radiant heat that spreads evenly throughout the room. Rather than heating the air, it warms the floor surface, which in turn radiates heat upwards, creating a cosy, consistent environment.
There are two main types:
Electric underfloor heating
- Heating cables or mesh mats are installed under the flooring. It’s ideal for smaller spaces like bathrooms or kitchens and offers a quicker, more cost-effective installation.
Hydronic underfloor heating
- A water-based system where warm water circulates through pipes beneath the floor. It’s best suited to larger spaces or full-home heating and is typically installed during new builds or major renovations.
Both systems work especially well with tiled floors, as tiles are excellent conductors of heat and help retain warmth long after the system switches off.
Why more Christchurch homes are choosing underfloor heating
Consistent, even heat throughout your home
Traditional heaters can create uneven warmth, with hot spots around the source and cold corners further away. Underfloor heating provides consistent warmth across the whole room, eliminating cold patches and ensuring a more comfortable living environment. No more bracing yourself to step onto freezing tiles in winter.
Improved energy efficiency
Underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures than conventional radiators or fan heaters, yet still heats the room effectively. This helps reduce energy use and can lower your power bill, especially if your home is well-insulated. Hydronic systems, in particular, are known for their long-term efficiency and pair well with heat pumps or solar heating.
Cleaner aesthetic and more usable space
Because the system is hidden beneath your floor, you won’t need radiators or wall-mounted heaters taking up valuable space. This allows for more freedom in your interior design and furniture layout, and helps keep rooms looking sleek and uncluttered.
Better indoor air quality
As underfloor heating doesn’t rely on air flow to distribute heat, it doesn’t circulate dust or allergens like some fan-based systems do. This can be a big plus for families with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities.
How much does underfloor heating cost?
Installation costs
The cost of underfloor heating depends on several factors, including the type of system, the size of the area, and whether you’re renovating or building new.
- Electric systems: Typically start at around $160 to $200 per square metre. They’re faster to install and great for small or single-room spaces.
- Hydronic systems: These usually start from $300 to $400 per square metre. The installation is more complex, but they offer lower operating costs in the long run, making them a smart choice for larger or multi-room applications.
Running costs
Electric systems do cost more to run than hydronic systems, but they’re well suited to smaller rooms that don’t require constant heating. In a well-insulated 2–3 bedroom home, moderate use of electric underfloor heating might add $20 to $50 per month to your power bill.
Hydronic systems, particularly when paired with energy-efficient sources, can significantly reduce your heating expenses over time.
Is underfloor heating right for your home?
We’ve installed underfloor heating in everything from new builds to existing homes across Canterbury. It’s an excellent fit if:
- You’re building or renovating and want a future-proof heating solution
- You have tiled or stone floors in key living areas
- You value comfort, efficiency, and a clean interior look
- You want to add long-term value to your property
Underfloor heating is especially effective in bathrooms, kitchens, and open-plan living areas – places where cold tiles are common, and where a little extra comfort makes a big difference.
Why choose Greenstone Tiling?
We’re not just tilers – we’re tradespeople who understand the full picture when it comes to floor performance, comfort, and longevity. At Greenstone Tiling, we work with reliable underfloor heating products and ensure they’re integrated properly beneath your tiles, with care taken at every stage.
Here’s what we offer:
- Expert advice on choosing the right system for your space and lifestyle
- Precision installation to ensure long-term performance
- High-quality materials sourced from trusted local suppliers
- A tidy, coordinated finish, so the heating system and tiles work together seamlessly
Whether it’s a bathroom renovation or a whole-home build, we deliver professional workmanship backed by years of experience in Christchurch homes.
Underfloor heating isn’t just a luxury — it’s a practical, efficient, and elegant way to heat your home. It adds comfort where it’s needed most, helps lower long-term energy use, and contributes to a better living experience overall. When paired with well-laid tiles, the results speak for themselves.
If you’re planning a renovation or looking to build, we’d love to help you explore whether underfloor heating is right for you.
Give us a call at 0224584524 or fill out a form below and one of our experienced tilers will get back to you shortly.