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How do you keep warm in winter? Underfloor heating is becoming very popular in recent times because of the luxurious touch it provides to a bathroom renovation.
There is no better feeling than walking barefoot into your bathroom during the colder months and feeling the cosy warmth under your feet. It’s a great incentive to get out of bed even when the sheets are too comfortable.
However, many people are concerned that underfloor heating is complicated to install and expensive to run.
We want to debunk some of these myths and relieve all your doubts, so you can make the best decision for your home.
This is the type of system we most commonly use in Australia for installation in bathrooms. It is also known as ‘dry’ underfloor heating, because it uses electric cables that are woven together and laid under the tiles to provide heating.
Underfloor heating systems produce radiant heat, probably the most comfortable and energy efficient form of heating available.
Any type of underfloor heating needs to be installed before your floor finishes go down, whether this is tiles, floor boards or carpet. So make sure you think about underfloor heating early on in your renovation plans and make your wishes known to your builder.
Whilst you need to allow some budget for your tradesmen to lay the actual underfloor heating mat, it is a relatively quick job and shouldn’t take more than a few hours. The benefits of warm floors on cold days are timeless.
The idea of using radiant heat to gently warm a large floor surface at a low temperature was mastered over 2000 years ago by the Romans.
While the technology has changed over the years, the concept is as sound as it ever was; heating a large area at a modest temperature (21-25°C) produces the most comfortable and efficient form of heating possible.
Typical convection and fan heaters can be noisy, inefficient, expensive and unsightly. They warm a room by intensely heating the air near them. This results in a stuffy, uncomfortable atmosphere with chilly drafts.
The time frame needed to warm up your bathroom will depend on the thickness of the tiles, whether the subfloor is concrete or wood, general levels of insulation and floor insulation. On an insulated wooden subfloor it takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes for the tiles to feel warm, then approximately 45 to 90 minutes to heat the room. On an uninsulated concrete floor it will take longer.
Our homes are full of electrical goods, some of which have a much higher energy consumption than you may think. Here are some examples of the average wattage of some familiar products found in homes all over the Australia. Thermonet’s underfloor heating kits, which are available in our online shop, only use 150 Watts per square metre.
Many people assume that an electric underfloor heating system is going to be expensive to run. In actual fact, when you consider the fast response times, level of precise control and a tailored, zoned heating schedule, it is a very efficient and cost effective way to heat your home.
Underfloor heating kits come in a variety of sizes ranging from 1 square metre to 12 square metres. All you need to do is work out how much of your bathroom floor will be uncovered, e.g. you won’t need underfloor heating under your bath hob, your freestanding vanity unit or your shower enclosure.
You will find out that the square metre rate required will be relatively small, by eliminating the above. However, it is always recommended to add 10% to the final area to account for wastage and other requirements.
If you are renovating and are looking to add a luxurious spa-like feel to your bathroom, underfloor heating might be the right choice for you. It is going to be less expensive and easier than what you might have originally thought.
Just imagine walking on warm tiles in the middle of winter!
If you have any further questions, we would love to answer them for you. Reach us here.
Cook's Buy a ZIP, Get a Ziggy Promotion
Are you a trade account customer at Cook's? Here is your first promo deal for 2019...
From the 1st February 2019, simply purchase a ZIP HydroTap* through any of our NSW or QLD branches and receive a free Ziegler & Brown Portable BBQ Grill.
Imagine the lunches you'll be able to cook on site with this great BBQ... You'll be the envy of all tradies on the job site!
Hurry and place your order for a ZIP HydroTap* with one of our branches now, as this offer is only available whilst stocks last.
* selected models only
For full terms and conditions download the flyer below.
DOWNLOAD PROMOTION FLYER
The time is NOW!!!
Purchase your freestanding bath from Cook’s and get your first bathroom décor piece on us!
For the month of February, we will be giving away a luxurious Bamboo Bath Caddy FREE to any retail customer purchasing a freestanding bath.
Be quick, as this offer is only available until the 28th of February. Available for all purchases made in-store or online for retail customers.
Check out our large range on offer here.
And if you are still weighing up which type of freestanding bath is right for you, read our Ultimate Freestanding Bath Guide.
A few centuries ago, freestanding baths were the norm. They did not look so pretty back then with metal or copper being the only available options. Now, due to the ability to make complex designs, and manufacturing far advanced, freestanding baths are a popular choice.
Sales of freestanding baths have steadily increased over the past few years and looks to be a trend that is here to stay.
There are now a wide range of styles and sizes on the market, with options to suit almost any budget and bathroom space.
Perhaps you are planning a bathroom renovation and are wondering what kind of freestanding bath might suit your home? There are 4 general types of freestanding baths to choose from, each with their own features and benefits.
This true freestanding option retains the allure of the original copper/metal style. It is typically designed to be the focal point of the bathroom.
True freestanding baths are made to be installed in a prominent position within the bathroom, and can be viewed from all sides. They are therefore available in more shapes and styles than any of the other freestanding bath types.
This type of freestanding bath will have the long edge of the bath hard up against a wall. It can be a good option for those who are wanting the look of a freestanding bath but are lacking the space.
Because the back-to-wall freestanding bath sits flush against a wall, it is also suitable for those who cannot move their plumbing to accommodate a freestanding bath spout or freestanding bath mixer.
Like all freestanding baths, back-to-wall designs offer a luxury feel, but in a practical and versatile style. They also cut out the need to clean behind the bath in hard to reach spots.
Similar to back-to-wall freestanding baths, corner freestanding baths are a great option for space savvy buyers and renovators. They are a relatively new addition to the market, but are increasingly becoming popular. Right hand and left hand versions are available to suit your needs.
As per their name, they can be tucked into a corner whilst still delivering a contemporary look to your bathroom. These baths can also allow for larger vanities or shower enclosures in smaller bathrooms where floor space is at a premium.
Expect to see more corner freestanding baths hit the market as their advantages become known.
Clawfoot Baths offer a more traditional styling and can really complete the look of a Heritage, Provincial or Hamptons bathroom.
In addition to the standard oval bath shape, they are also available in a slipper, or double slipper designs. The slipper and double slipper shapes were first popular in Victorian times, where the raised end helped afford the bather a certain amount of privacy.
Today, this feature provides greater support for the shoulders and back. The rolled top design allows for easier access in and out of the bath, making this a great bath for those who have mobility needs.
Clawfoot baths are available with a range of feet styles. For example the lion paw, or more contemporary round options. Colour finish choices often include chrome, gold, and brass, whilst white and black coloured feet are also popular. This allows you to match your bathroom tapware, mixers and accessories to your bath.
Now that you are aware of the 4 main types of freestanding baths available, what else do you need to know?
Stone: Extremely durable, stone baths offer long-lasting quality and peace of mind. Nothing says extravagance like a bath made out of stone.
Acrylic: Acrylic is a smooth and non-porous material. Scratches can often appear in its soft surface over time, however are easy enough to polish out. Acrylic baths are lightweight and affordable when compared to other bath material types.
Metal: Metal baths lend a traditional charm to any Provincial, Heritage or Hamptons bathroom space, and they are excellent at keeping water hotter, for longer. Like stone baths, they are highly durable.
Solid Surface: Solid surface baths are made of composite materials that mimic natural ones like marble or stone. They boast the durability and wow-factor of stone baths, but are more cost effective.
Freestanding baths will bring a luxury design and feel to your home. A large range of styles, shapes, sizes and colours are available to explore.
Check out our wide variety of freestanding baths here.
Do not miss out on the limited promotion that we will be running in February 2019 to claim your free bamboo bath caddy with the purchase of any freestanding bath.
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