As the trend in modern home decor goes away from carpeting, many homeowners are concerned with the feel of a cold floor on their bare feet. It can be uncomfortable to walk across bare floors in the morning even when the room's temperature is otherwise comfortable. Warm floors use radiant heat to increase the flooring temperature. They are an addition to whole home remodeling projects that are growing in popularity as an alternative to carpet.

Purpose
The purpose of warm floors is primarily to provide a more comfortable surface. They are ideal for bare feet and for toddlers and children who like to sit on the floor. They make practical flooring solutions for exercise rooms and garages. They were traditionally used for cold climates, but are more widely accepted in all climates as people gain interest in ceramic tile, natural stone flooring and other hard floor finishes. Another option is to build them in to kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Location
Warm floors are appropriate for nearly any room in the house. Homeowners exploring features bathroom remodeling projects might choose to add radiant floors to avoid stepping from the hot shower or warm bath onto the cold floor. In children's playrooms and bedrooms they create more comfortable space. Heated flooring is also common in home additions and kitchen remodeling. Some designers incorporate them into mudrooms and hallways for a cozy transition where wet shoes and muddy boots are removed before entering the rest of the house.

Types
Different types of heating are available. Choices include water-based or hot-air tubes, or mats with radiant wiring. They can be used to simply create a warm floor or to heat an entire room. For rooms where the sound of forced air through ducts and vents is a distraction or poses allergy problems, radiant flooring is an alternative.

Compatibility
Warm floors work with a variety of materials, including ceramic tiles, granite and marble, and are capable of reaching temperatures just above 90 degrees. They are compatible, yet less effective, with hardwoods, rugs and vinyl.

Installation
When installed properly, warm flooring is invisible from the surface. The most common installation of warm floors is to pull up existing flooring and put in the new system, whether it's devised of mats or tubing. This is practical for homeowners planning on replacing their floors anyway through a residential remodeling project. An alternative is to install the mats under the floor joists from the ceiling in the room below. While it can be done by a novice, professionals are more likely to achieve a smooth finish and maximize the heat source. Electrical wiring can pose problems for those unfamiliar with the process.