Project details
Skill
2 out of 5Easy to ModerateSomewhat easy, but connecting the radiant tubing to the boiler must be done by a pro
Cost
About $10-$15 per square foot, plus mechanical component costs
Estimated Time
2-4 days for an average-size room
Steps:
1. Fasten the plywood-backed radiant-heat panels to the subfloor with 1⅝-in. screws.
2. Stretch a continuous length of PEX tubing back and forth across the floor.
3. Use a rubber mallet to tap the tubing into the grooves of the radiant-heat panels.
4. Run the tubing ends down through the floor to the boiler.
5. Mount the manifold to a wall near the boiler, then connect the tubing ends to the manifold.
6. Run piping from the boiler to the manifold.
7. Install finish flooring over the tubing.
Shopping list:
- Radiant-heat panels used to hold PEX tubing in place in subfloor
- 1 5/8-inch drywall screws for fastening down the radiant-heat panels