How to Heat Marble Tile Floors

If you are installing beautiful marble tile in your bathroom or kitchen, you may want to think about how it will actually feel beneath your feet. If you prefer your feet to be nice and toasty, consider adding a heated floor system. The 2 most common floor heating systems use toe kick heaters or in-the-floor heating.

Price Points

Both systems price out about the same. The toe kick heaters cost about $50 each. The heated floor systems consist of several heating mats, a thermostat and built-in wire leads. It too, cost about $100 for a starter kit. The heated floor system can cost more, depending on the square footage it actually covers.

Draw out a plan of your floorspace onto graph paper, noting where each fixture is already placed. Figure out how many toe kick heaters or heating mats you will need. Decide how and where you will place the thermostat.

Toe-Kick Heaters

This type of floor heating system usually involves a lot less work because it is not installed underneath the marble floor tiles. So, this kind of system can be installed anytime after your marble tile is already in place. Toe-kick heaters are good for small bathrooms that have a vanity. The actual unit is installed in the very base of your existing vanity sink cabinet.

The hardest part of this type of floor heating system is the electrical work that may be required. These heaters are usually 120 volt, so that you may tap into an existing circuit.

You will need to tap into an existing GFCI plug that is located somewhere in your bathroom. If you are not sure how to do that, then you may want to hire an electrician.

Follow these instructions to install:

1. Tap into an existing GFCI plug and run power to the inside of your vanity cabinet.
2. Take your jigsaw and cutout the toe kick heater opening using the provided template.
3. Hook up the wiring using wire nuts.
4. Install the cabinet portion of the heater unit.
5. Install the motor unit, following the provided instructions.
6. Test out the unit before tightening it up.

In-the-Floor Systems

These types of heating systems have to be installed before you put down any marble tile. They require more work because you have to install several heat mats and a thermostat. Then you install your tile.

1. Cut and place desired number of mats on your floor. The mats should cover about 90 percent of your floor space. You should generally stay about 6 inches away from all edges and walls. Consult your design that you previously did for the best layout options.
2. Connect the mat ends together with the included wire connectors or wire nuts, after placing them on the floor.
3. Use glue, staples or double-sided tape to secure each mat to the floor.
4. Next you will use the jigsaw and cutout a small hole near the floor and base of the wall. This will be used to house the thermostat.
5. Tap into a GFCI source and run power to the hole you just cut out.
6. Install the outlet box and connect the wires.
7. Install the thermostat using the proper screwdriver.

Now you are ready to install your mortar and tile just like you normally would. Installing a heated floor system can provide you with the warmth and comfort you are looking for with marble tile floors.