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Bedroom/Bathroom Expansion, Pt. 1: Install a Heated Tile Floor A no-compromise bedroom/bath remodel may stretch the budget, but should pay off in the long run. Check out more value-enhancing projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-204

	The finished bedroom, with high ceilings and stone fireplace.
	The new bath features a steam shower and heated-tile floor.

A $50,000 budget is the starting point for Kathy and Aaron Zimmer's equity-building addition. But with a luxury master bedroom/bathroom suite in mind, they wonder if they will be able to keep their renovation within the neighborhood specs or price themselves out of the market.

With demolition, SIP panel installation and dry-walling already complete, the Zimmer's bedroom/bathroom addition is starting to come together. To add to their energy savings Aaron and Kathy decide to install a heated tile floor in the bathroom. Below is a summary of the basic steps as seen in this Sweat Equity project, as well as a list of materials and tools used and some installation tips.

Materials and tools:

heated tile mat
selected tiles
thinset
voltmeter
loudmouth
scissors
stapler
tape measure
carpenter's pencil
safety glasses

Safety Alerts

• Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

• Use precaution when working with live electrical currents. Be certain that the power at the main breaker is turned off before you begin any electrical work. Consult an electrician if you have any questions.

• Never try to staple or cut through the electric heating wire. Only staple and cut the plastic mat to secure the heating element. These are color coded for safety.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Installing a Heated Tile Floor

Tips:

• Check all warrantee information on your heating element when you begin. Often a severed wire or a change in volt reading could mean you void your warranty.

• Consider using a "loudmouth," to test the mat during your installation too. This will tell you if you cut through your heating element.

Steps:

• Make a blueprint of your bathroom (figure A) and pre-plan the layout of the heating element.

• Layout the mat, stapling it to the floor as you work (figure B). Dry fit the mat before you staple.

• To make a turn on the floor, cut the mat with scissors along the mesh, making sure not to cut through the heating wire.

• Follow your layout to ensure you cover the entire floor (figure C).
  
  
• Then you can lay tile as with any regular tile job (figure D), using extra thinset on the heating mat.

View the complete episode index, and access all projects from DIY's Sweat Equity series.

RESOURCES :

Resources for Sweat Equity, episode 204:

SunTouch, Radiant Floor Heating
Website: www.suntouch.com

SanSiro USA
Website: www.sansirousa.com

Pella Windows
Website: www.pellacolorado.com

Robern Cabinets
Website: www.robern.com

GUESTS :

Brian Propp, Insulated Component Structures – Rocky Mountain, Inc.
Website: www.ics-rm.com