Tile 101

The Best Tiles for Heated Floors

September 19, 2023 by Eimile Campbell

There are a lot of benefits to in-floor heat–it can increase your home comfort, your savings on your energy bill and even your home value. Virtually any floor tile is compatible with in-floor heat, but there are things to consider when choosing the tile to install with your in-floor heating system.

Porcelain and Ceramic

Porcelain and ceramic tile have excellent heat transfer properties and are generally thin, which will make your floor heat faster. Porcelain tile is less porous than ceramic, making it more water resistant. For areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms, porcelain tile is a perfect choice.

Entryway with patterned porcelain tile, bench and plants. — Featuring: Morris & Co. Pure Net Ink

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Natural Stone

Natural stone, like travertine and marble, is a great option for a heated tile floor. Natural stone tiles tend to be slightly thicker than porcelain and ceramic, so it might take them longer to heat up. The upside is, that they will retain the heat longer than man-made tiles.

Entryway with travertine beige and white checkered tile. — Featuring: Bucak Light Walnote: 12 in. and Mosaic, and Arctic White: 12 x 24 in. and 8 x 20 in. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

Black and white bathroom with black and white checkerboard marble floor. — Featuring: Hampton Carrara Polished and Black Marquina Polished. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl tile works well with in-floor heat, and it’s easy to install, making this the perfect choice for a DIY project. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to wood or stone, luxury vinyl tile is a great option.

Living room with couch, coffee table and wood-look luxury vinyl tile. — Featuring: Madera Miel. Design & Photography by Pinch Plate Party.

Have a question about installing an in-floor heating system? We’ve put together some in-floor heat FAQs and a comprehensive guide to in-floor heating systems.

Ready to get your feet toasty with in-floor heat? Set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

Plan your visit. Find a Tile Shop location near you.

Shop The Look

Morris & Co. Pure Net Black Ink 13 x 13 in. | Porcelain | 681460
Bucak Light Walnut Honed Filled12 x 12 in. | Travertine | 657748
Bucak Light Walnut Honed Filled Mosaic 2 x 2 in. | Travertine | 657521
Arctic White Brushed12 x 24 in. | Marble | 650275
Arctic White Brushed8 x 20 in. | Marble | 650712
Fronda Haya Wood Look 8 x 24 in. | Ceramic | 682334
Hampton Carrara Polished12 x 12 in. | Marble | 656858
Black Marquina Polished 12 x 12 in. | Marble | 650290
Madera Miel 7 x 48 in. | Luxury Vinyl Floor Tile | 681420

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I'm Eimile, Marketing copywriter. What I love about working at The Tile Shop is getting to see all the new design trends. I especially love bright, bold colors and retro designs. When I'm not writing copy, I'm usually reading a novel or taking a walk around my Minneapolis neighborhood.