Installing tile floor over heated concrete ........ help please!

10 years ago

We are currently working on a kitchen renovation that includes a large island. We need to get power to the island - and I do not want posts in my open concept kitchen. We cannot cut into the concrete (existing floor) as it is heated with water lines. The only option we can see is a sub floor over the concrete to accommodate the power to island, and then tiling over top. Any thoughts - or recommendations on how to minimize this transition and/or create a unique look with the tile? I have attached a few photos to give an idea of space and reno. Thanks so much!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mskdj
Original Author
10 years ago
Having trouble with photos........
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
10 years ago
A subfloor over radiant in-floor heat (sunk in concrete) = useless radiant heat. You can turn off the heat to the floor if you put a subfloor over top. You would then need to find another way to heat the kitchen. The heat transfer to subfloor will be very, very little. Your subfloor would have to be CONCRETE with the new wiring sunk into the new slab. You would need to consult an electrician and a concrete slab company who are experts at 'sinking' stuff into slabs (like hydronic heating tubes and electrical wiring).

You will loose some efficiency with concrete...but no where NEAR as much as a traditional wood subfloor. Besides, a sleeper subfloor = 4" high + subfloor + flooring (can be as much as 6" of lost floor/ceilig height. You would need to rehang all your doors...and you would have a step up into your kitchen.

What about a peninsula?
Related Professionals
Ashland Interior Designers & Decorators · Clarksville Interior Designers & Decorators · Fredericksburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Sioux City Interior Designers & Decorators · Wheeling Interior Designers & Decorators · Fort Smith Architects & Building Designers · Emporia Architects & Building Designers · Morgantown Architects & Building Designers · Gary Architects & Building Designers · Salinas Architects & Building Designers · Ogden Architects & Building Designers · Alexandria Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fargo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lincoln Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Butte Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
mskdj
Original Author
10 years ago
Not a great shot but gives an idea of reno and current layout. Not sure a peninsula would work and really can't start again from scratch :(. Thank you for feedback.
mskdj
Original Author
10 years ago
We aren't able to turn off radiant heat as it is throughout the entire room. This photo taken standing in kitchen.
Carol Johnson
10 years ago
Sorry but this should have been planned much earlier in the process. You probably need to go with a post or two to get electrical to the island from the top if you can't go through the floor.