WarmStep® Radiant Heating Mats
The Simplest and Fastest Installation for Wood, Vinyl, and Laminate NO Embedding in Cement, NO Sleepers, NO Transformers
- Tested for compatibility with adhesives, floor coverings, and install methods
- When paired with FidBox, moisture and temperature datalogging provided
- Specially engineered permeable fabric for nail or glue installation
- 8-10 W/ft² heat output perfect for wood floors
- FiberThermics® heating elements with Thermal Cut-Off for increased safety
- 1/16" thickness - no vertical deflection
- Made in the USA & UL Listed
Heating your wood floors is easier than ever with WarmStep Radiant Heat Mats exclusively available from ThermoSoft and approved resellers. WarmStep Radiant Heat Mats are the only non-embedded electric radiant heating method that can be used with direct nail and glue down wood or engineered wood flooring. It is the only product of its kind that has been cleared by the National Wood Flooring Association and included in the NWFA Guidelines. WarmStep has been specifically engineered for easy installation, no embedding or self-levelling cement needed. It's perfect for direct nail and glue down installations because it is ultra-thin and breathable, and it is compatible with most underlayments, vapor barriers and subfloors. Just prep your subfloor in normal fashion, position WarmStep to fit any room type, and start nailing or gluing your floor material. No other heating system gives you an easy, fast and flexible installation like WarmStep.
In-Floor Heating Mats
Combine mats as needed to fit open walkable space, avoiding areas covered by cabinets, vanities or other permanent fixtures. The heating mats cannot be shortened, so avoid over-filling. Each mat will connect to the thermostat, so larger mats will reduce required connections. On a sole thermostat, 120V mats cover up to 200 ft²; 240V mats cover up to 400 ft². DO NOT MIX VOLTAGES. For nail-down flooring installations, the mats must run perpendicular to the direction of the flooring.Contact us for project assistance.
| Item | Size | Power | Price | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WS3002-120B | 3.0' x 2.0' 6 ft² | 0.4A 53W | ||
| WS3003-120B | 3.0' x 3.0' 9 ft² | 0.7A 79W | ||
| WS3004-120B | 3.0' x 4.0' 12 ft² | 0.9A 106W | ||
| WS3005-120B | 3.0' x 5.0' 15 ft² | 1.1A 132W | ||
| WS3006-120B | 3.0' x 6.0' 18 ft² | 1.3A 158W | ||
| WS3008-120B | 3.0' x 8.0' 24 ft² | 1.8A 211W | ||
| WS3010-120B | 3.0' x 10.0' 30 ft² | 2.2A 264W | ||
| WS3012-120B | 3.0' x 12.0' 36 ft² | 2.6A 312W | ||
Underlayment Pad - 3' x 10'
NEUP10-0
Provides acoustic protection while keeping floors level.
$39.95
Underlayment Pad - 3' x 40'
NEUP40-0
Provides acoustic protection while keeping floors level.
$99.95
Moisture Barrier
FLX-MB100
Shields against possible dampness encountered on subfloor.
$15.95
Fiberboard (4 pcs)
TH-180408X4
Protects heating wires (4' x 2' x 1/8").
$69.95
Thermostats & Critical Components
A floor heating thermostat is necessary to control your radiant heat system. Most of our floor heating thermostats are dual-voltage and include a 5ma GFCI, unlike models from online warehouse retailers. A thermostat is capable of a 15-amp load; adding a power module or relay will increase system load capacity. Each includes a floor sensor, but a backup is recommended. Select 1 thermostat for each zone desired. Contact an expert for guidance.
Wi-Fi & Touch
UWG4-4999
$294.95
WiFi LED Touch
UWG5-4999
$229.95
Touch Screen
UDG4-4999
$207.20
Touch Screen - Black
UDG4-4999-N4
$207.20
Standard
TH115-AF-GA/U
$179.99
Advanced
UDG-4999
$160.95
Backup Sensor
AC112-01/U
Avoid future replacement headaches (15'). Include 1 per thermostat.
$19.95
Mounting Kit
IK-CON
2-Gang electrical box, conduit & connectors. Include 1 per thermostat.
$44.95
FidBox
Fidbox-EMS
In-floor temp & humidity monitor.
$225.00
Floor Sentry®
FS-DL
In-floor temp & humidity monitor.
$209.00
Electrical Accessories
OJ Power Module
USG-4000
Doubles the capacity of 1 thermostat
$109.95
InstAlarm
INSTALRM
Monitor mats for faults during install
$19.95
Multimeter
MULTIMTR
Verify resistance before/after install
$19.95
Lead Splicer (4 pcs)
FLX-BLOCK
A better wire nut for multiple leads
$4.95
Tools & Kits
Foam Kneepads
KNPD-318
Protect the heat wires
$5.95
Duct Tape
DT-17860
1-7/8" wide, 60 yards long
$5.95
How To Install WarmStep Heating Mats
Glue Down Hardwood Installation
Floating Vinyl Installation
This overview does not substitute for a full reading of the Installation Manual.
The below steps will take you from beginning to end simply, but please also refer to the Installation Manual or call us to go over a more detailed installation plan.
WarmStep is designed around enabling nailed or glued hardwood floors as the below instructions address. For floating floors, see our Quick Install Guide for directions!
Before beginning your installation:
- Ensure that you have a structurally sound subfloor.
- Confirm that your mat layout is compatible with your floor installation plans (see steps below).
- Lay out the heating mats throughout the room to confirm that they adequately fit the space before beginning installation.
Choose Your Installation Method
1Make sure you have the right amount of material.
- The mats should cover the entire floor space.
- Follow heating mat spacing from walls and studs according to the manual.
- Heating elements should be in areas where you can walk, stand, or want to heat. See your manual for areas to avoid heating.
- Contact support if you have any questions prior to your installation.
2Prepare conduits and electrical boxes for thermostat installation later.
- Complete electrical rough-in.
- This step may be done after cable is laid but is more difficult to do later as location of thermostat may change location of heating system.
3Spread adhesive onto subfloor.
- See your WarmStep manual for recommended trowel and approved adhesives.
- For cement subfloors, additional waterproofing may be necessary.
4Lay mats.
- Lay out mats and unfurl from the wall.
- Make sure to unroll mats with lead wires closest to the thermostat.
- Pro tip: Lay flooring over bottom half of mats to keep in place, then roll up once adhesive is spread.
5Position sensors.
- Notch the bottom of the flooring plank to ensure the sensor stays in place between heating elements.
- Highly recommended to install a backup sensor.
- Position sensor evenly between 2 heating cables.
- Do not cross the heating cable.
6Spread approved adhesive on mats.
- Work in sections, covering entire membrane so you can continue installing membrane whether it's wet or dry.
- Make sure not to use a sharp metal trowel which could nick or damage the heating cable.
7Lay solid or engineered wood flooring.
- Refer to the flooring manufacturer for suggested adhesive.
- Lay glue in increments, immediately laying down flooring so not to waste adhesive.
1Make sure you have the right amount of material.
- The mats should cover the entire floor space.
- Follow heating mat spacing from walls and studs according to the manual.
- Heating elements should be in areas where you can walk, stand, or want to heat. See your manual for areas to avoid heating.
- Contact support if you have any questions prior to your installation.
2Prepare conduits and electrical boxes for thermostat installation later.
- Complete electrical rough-in
- This step may be done after cable is laid but is more difficult to do later as location of thermostat may change location of heating system.
3Position mats throughout the room.
- It is very important that your mats are positioned perpendicular to the direction of the floorboards.
4Install sensors.
- Notch the bottom of the flooring plank to ensure the sensor stays in place between heating elements.
- Highly recommended to install a backup sensor.
- Position sensor evenly between 2 heating cables.
- Do not cross the heating cable.
5Lay flooring. NOTE: When installing boards over the beginning and end of WarmStep, you must glue down the wood flooring as the wiring pattern that allows safe nailing starts 5 inches in to the mat.
1Make sure you have the right amount of material.
- The mats should cover the entire floor space.
- Follow heating mat spacing from walls and studs according to the manual.
- Heating elements should be in areas where you can walk, stand, or want to heat. See your manual for areas to avoid heating.
- Contact support if you have any questions prior to your installation.
2Prepare conduits and electrical boxes for thermostat installation later.
- Complete electrical rough-in.
- This step may be done after cable is laid but is more difficult to do later as location of thermostat may change location of heating system.
3Optional to lay underlayment under WarmStep.
- Lay out and stick together using tape or pre-attached adhesive.
- The underlayment shown is Floor & Decor's Sentinel Protect Plus underlayment.
4Lay mats.
- Lay out mats and unfurl from the wall.
- Make sure to unroll mats with lead wires closest to the thermostat.
- Pro tip: Lay flooring over bottom half of mats to keep in place, then roll up once adhesive is spread.
5Position sensors.
- Notch the bottom of the flooring plank to ensure the sensor stays in place between heating elements.
- Highly recommended to install a backup sensor.
- Position sensor evenly between 2 heating cables.
- Do not cross the heating cable.
6Install floating floors on top.
WarmStep Mats FAQ
What is WarmStep?
WarmStep is a radiant heat system that uses the proven FiberThermics heating technology that has powered ThermoSoft systems for almost two decades, but packages that technology in a form that allows it to be used with direct nail down or glue down wood floors. This is the only floor heating product available that allows for nail or glue down wood in this way. Other products would need to be embedded in cement, or would otherwise compromise the wood floor’s integrity, but WarmStep installs simply and easily, and ensures a successfully heated wood floor for years to come! WarmStep is also compatible with a floating floor, making it a great option for when our ThermoFloor product doesn’t meet your underlayment needs for whatever reason. Shop Now
Is this a safe product to put in my home or business?
Yes. All our floor heating solutions endure rigorous development and quality control testing to ensure that your floor heating system is reliable and safe. Additionally, WarmStep uses a heating element made from FiberThermics, which further eliminates the risks that some associate with electrical components.Shop Now
Can I use WarmStep with my floor material?
WarmStep is compatible with a wide variety of floor materials including wood, laminate, vinyl, and carpet. WarmStep is the only heating system applicable for a direct nail or glue down installation of a solid or engineered wood floor. WarmStep is also compatible with floating floors, making it one of the most flexible heat systems to work with, period.
There are certain considerations that you will want to make in order to ensure that WarmStep is a good fit. One important point is that your vinyl floor should be greater than 6.5 mm thick in order to prevent telescoping -- which is a process in which the heating elements are “visible” due to a very flexible floor material. Beyond that, most floors approved for floating installation can be installed over WarmStep. Give us a call to get specific consultation today! WarmStep is compatible most any underlayment you would use in an installation, including a pre-attached underlayment like some vinyl floors have. Shop Now
How do I install WarmStep? How do the mats get connected?
We are so glad you asked. Enjoy some time lapse videos found in our image and video galleries, and see it for yourself! WarmStep installs directly under your floor material of choice. Glue it directly under a wood floor. Nail down a wood floor right on top of it. Float a floor over WarmStep with your choice of underlayment. We mean it when we say that WarmStep is the easiest heating system to install for woods, laminates, and vinyl. Be sure to read the Installation Manual before beginning an installation and take advantage of our experienced customer support to help clarify any questions you might have. WarmStep mats are wired to a floor heating thermostat in parallel. The number of mats and layout of the room will affect the exact process of how to wire the mats together. Please see the Installation Manual for explicit directions.Shop Now
Will this add height to my floor?
This may add about 1/16th of an inch to your floor height, but the answer to this question is also dependent on the type of installation that you pursue.
WarmStep was specifically designed with National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) guidelines for floor height variation in mind and will not cause a problem between heated and non-heated areas. We have worked with the NWFA for years, so please feel free to call and discuss your installation with one of our experts!Shop Now
Will the fabric of WarmStep cause an issue with an adhesive used during wood flooring installation?
No, it will not. The fabric used in the construction of WarmStep is an important component making the heating cables maintain their arrangement during an installation, but we made great effort to choose a fabric that is compatible with existing installation materials and methods. The fabric is extremely permeable, and so far any urethane or MS/advanced polymer adhesive that has undergone testing performed by major adhesive manufacturers has been found to maintain performance following WarmStep’s double-glue method of installation. Contact one of our friendly experts for a full list of adhesives approved for use with WarmStep; we have approved adhesives for every type of application whether you need a basic urethane adhesive, a multi-function MS/advanced polymer adhesive, or something else.Shop Now
What’s all this about a double glue method of installation?
This doesn’t mean using twice as much adhesive, it’s about creating a reliable bond with the adhesive. The key to a glue down installation of WarmStep is having a thin layer of adhesive directly on the subfloor, laying the mat over that thin layer of adhesive, and then applying a normal schedule of adhesive over the mat, onto which the floor material will be laid. The adhesive will permeate the mat, bond to itself, and create a full integrity hold. The key is that the subfloor and floor material have uninterrupted contact with adhesive, and that due to the permeability of the fabric, the adhesive is not relying on the structural integrity of the fabric to maintain adhesion. By “thin layer of adhesive,” we mean a using a 1/8th inch sawtooth trowel to apply this thin layer of adhesive. We usually have them on hand to include in your order if you need one. By “normal schedule of adhesive,” we mean adhesive applied with a trowel pattern/size as prescribed by the manufacturer of the adhesive to match job conditions.Shop Now
Will troweling adhesive over the mat damage the heating element?
No, a normal application of troweled adhesive over the mat should not cause damage to the heating element. The cables are durable and there is an extra covering from the fabric mats. HOWEVER: it is technically possible to cause damage with a metal trowel, and because damage caused during installation is not warrantied, we urge the utmost care and attention be paid to your installation. We do offer some plastic trowels to help you avoid this issue, but you should of course make sure to match the trowel spec to the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations.Shop Now
Are you telling me I can nail through a heating system?
Yes! WarmStep enables a direct nail down installation of wood flooring. There are 2 main factors that make this possible: The cable will run in a pattern that is perpendicular to the direction of the flooring, creating 3 inch wide spaces in which you can drive a nail, cleat, or staple. This is ample space to safely drive a fastener in the space between the heating cables, NEVER drive any type of fastener over a heating cable. The mat itself is extremely thin fabric, which means that nailing over it will not introduce vertical deflection in the wood.
Please keep in mind that the pattern of the heating element has “returns” to the pattern that no longer maintain the 3 inch spacing perpendicular with the floor material. This means that at the very beginning and very end of the mat you will need to use adhesive to safely lay your flooring, but this is a very small portion of the mat.Shop Now
Can I combine more than one mat to fit a space?
Yes! In fact, most projects involve using more than one mat, but this means that multiple mats are wired in parallel to the thermostat. The thing to remember is that you are not daisy-chaining in series connections, or extending the mats, but rather multiple mats arelayed out and are working together to cover the appropriate square footage.Shop Now
Can I cut, shorten, or reshape the mats?
We do not warranty mats that are cut, shortened, reshaped, or similarly altered in the field. If you think that you will need to do so, we highly encourage you to call us in order to get some assistance with planning your room layout, or otherwise resolve the situation.Shop Now
Can I shorten the lead wires?
The lead wires, also known as cold leads because they do not produce heat, can be cut, shortened, or spliced with additional cold lead cable to lengthen them.Shop Now
What do I do with areas not covered by heating mats?
Nothing! WarmStep has a low profile which means that it will not introduce a problem in terms of height variation by having some areas not covered by heating mats. Keep in mind that we can help you design a layout that achieves the most complete coverage for your space, so don’t hesitate to call.Shop Now
How much will it cost to run this system?
The cost to operate is a complicated question to answer, as electrical rates vary by area, insulation of the subfloor and home, and even by time of day. Additionally, a cost-to-operate is further complicated because the money spent on your radiant heat can result in a net savings on total utilities cost due to reduced use of your traditional HVAC, which is added to by the fact that you will spend less on HVAC system maintenance by relying on electric radiant heat. So, keeping in mind the nuances of describing the operating costs of an electric radiant heat system, the cost to operate will vary, we recommend giving us a call to discuss it in your situation.Shop Now
How many watts per square foot does WarmStep output?
WarmStep produces 8-10 watts per square foot of heating.Shop Now
How hot does WarmStep get?
Sometimes, we like to answer a question with a follow-up question. Usually, we are asked about “how hot” a system gets for a couple of reasons, so it is important to know why you ask?
Are you concerned about providing enough heat to adequately warm your space?
If so, a properly installed WarmStep can provide about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature difference above the ambient temperature of the room. In practice, this is more than enough, even in extremely cold climates. We are positive that you will be entirely satisfied with the heat produced by WarmStep.Shop Now
How long will WarmStep last? How long is the warranty?
WarmStep does not have any moving parts and requires no regular maintenance once installed correctly and if left undisturbed (remember your radiant system is down there when planning a remodel!). The heating mats are warrantied for 10 years, but after 17 years of experience heating floors with the core technology found in WarmStep, we have yet to see a mat fail due to old age. The thermostats that we offer are warrantied for 3 years because we only use thermostats with GFCI protection which, per national electric code, is recommended to be replaced every 3 years. Replacing a thermostat is simple, easy, and inexpensive.Shop Now
I'm still confused.
Then call us, email us, or message us through our website! Our in-house experts will be happy to help you.Shop Now
Our Commitment to You
Supported by Real People
We know that being the best doesn’t just mean superior products, it means backing them up with superior service.
Priority 1: Making You Happy
Creating joy and comfort with our heat applications is our primary motivation.
Industry-Best Value
American-made quality, easy installation, and safe operation. All competitively priced for the best value in radiant heating.
Innovative & Reliable Design
Pushing the industry forward with innovation and here for long haul with the greatest reliability. That’s why our systems are in our homes too.
Understanding Your Needs
ThermoSoft is the best partner for your project because we know when to listen, and when to offer guidance.
Persistent Integrity
Our reputation is one of our best assets. We developed that reputation by delivering on every promise.
Tested and Approved by
More About WarmStep
Our goal with the design process behind WarmStep was to create a radiant heat system that would give solid and engineered wood flooring a heating system that finally made sense. Before WarmStep, applying radiant heat under wood floors was a time consuming and costly project involving labor intensive cable arrangements, installation of wood sleepers, costly material upcharges to cover the heat system in self-leveling cement, and delays as the floor can only be installed days later after the curing of the self-leveler. Not anymore. With WarmStep, underfloor heat for wood floors finally makes sense. Just position the mats over your subfloor (or over your choice of underlayment) and begin laying your flooring.
- Suits your specs: WarmStep is flexible enough to suit solid wood, engineered wood, laminates and vinyl, as well as nail down, glue down, and floating floors.
- Forget jobsite delays: WarmStep installs at the same time as your floor covering, which means your project gets done on time.
- Configurable to your space: Combine mat sizes to fit any room; if you need help designing a layout, our experts are standing by.
- Unique insight: WarmStep pairs great with FidBox dataloggers to give you an ongoing record of temperature and humidity in a wood floor.
- Designed with purpose: WarmStep is constructed using a fabric mat which makes positioning your heating system easy. This unique fabric is also what enables direct glue and nail installation.
- Tech-friendly: Select a WiFi enabled thermostat to stay connected and in control from anywhere in the world.
- Plays well with others: Tested and approved with many adhesives, floor materials, and other components of a floor installation.
- No unwelcome additions: Ultra-thin construction means virtually zero added floor height.
- It's official: UL Listed in the U.S. and Canada.
- 10-year Warranty
Important Benefits of WarmStep
- Ultra-thin fabric mat and low-profile heating elements with continuous thermal cutoff make WarmStep a uniquely superior fit for wood.
- Allows direct nail and glue installation, as well as floating floors, making this the only heat system that truly fits with any wood floor installation
- Not just a heating mat, but a full radiant heat solution that utilizes other components to provide radiant heat in a way that is tailored for wood floors.
- Matches perfectly with FidBox to monitor and create records of the moisture and temperature of the wood floor.
- Flexible thermostat options with temperature limiters, and easy temperature scheduling to properly apply heat to a wood floor.
- Precise control of the floor's temperature with in-floor sensors eliminating problems caused by ambient sensing systems.
- Heat intensity and uniformity perfect for the sensitivity of wood flooring.
- Not just a tagline, WarmStep is made in the USA for accountable manufacturing resulting in reliable performance.
- Exemplary service and system design from ThermoSoft staff drawing on years of experience.
- Unique insight from our partnerships through the National Wood Floor Association.
Are you a flooring contractor or general contractor?
WarmStep may not be the first radiant heat system you have ever worked with, but it will be the first one you won't have to work around.
- Radiant floor heating is a luxury that is a popular add on with flooring projects, but when trying to apply radiant heating to wood flooring in the past, installers were introducing significant changes to their project, and for some consumers, those logistics changes became too costly to pursue.
- Not only that, but because of these difficulties many professionals don’t even bother presenting consumers with radiant heated wood flooring because it can be such a complicated offering.
- WarmStep installs simply and easily using a direct nail down installation, or glue down with one of your preferred adhesives. This makes the task of installing WarmStep a smooth addition to your existing installation plan, and it makes radiant heated wood within reach of more consumers.
- This means that by offering WarmStep, your business gains differentiation, new revenue streams, and your customers will love the fact that you presented an option they thought was out of reach.
Don't leave money on the table, talk with us today to start adding WarmStep to your customers now.
Are you a specifier like an architect, builder, or general contractor?
From our years of experience working with architects and designers, we know that the directives behind the products you specify are clear. Your projects need products that are reliable, easy to work with, and dependably available.
- WarmStep is in stock for the needs of most orders, and our production can be adjusted to meet the needs of major orders.
- WarmStep is part of a family of products that cover almost any radiant heating need, so your purchasers can come to us for a full-service sales, estimation, and delivery of the products you need.
- WarmStep is a USA made product with extremely high quality standards. In the rare case that there is a problem with a product we produce, our post purchase support is unmatched, and any errors made on the behalf of your installers can be helped by our support staff who has many years of walking installers through the use of our products.
- No other product offers the ease of installation like WarmStep, and no other family of products can be the all in one solution like ThermoSoft's radiant solutions.
Let's start a conversation today to talk about how we can fit into your next project.
Are you a reseller such as a retailer, distributor, or do you have a remodeling showroom?
There are many electric radiant heat systems on the market, and for a distributor or retailer, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth spending virtual or physical space to feature.
WarmStep makes a great partner for your needs as a distributor or re-seller because it is completely unique as a solution for contractors looking for a simple addition to their product offerings.
WarmStep is a member of ThermoSoft’s family of products, so you will enjoy a number of benefits, including:
- Training for your sales staff on how to properly present WarmStep to your customer base. This can include webinars through the NWFA, webinars specific to you, teleconference and in person training.
- Rapid shipment of in stock inventory to your stores or warehouses.
- Multiple carriers with several pickups per day from our production facility for quick fulfillment drop shipping.
- Ongoing customer service and Warranty support for you and your customers.
- A full line of other radiant heating products to supplement other types of flooring projects.
- By offering this unique product, which adheres to the newest NWFA radiant heating recommendations, your customers will have additional reason to shop with you.
- Easy drop shipping for direct delivery of WarmStep to your customers. No need to stock and maintain inventory.
Stop letting sales walk out of your showroom, call us today to become a retail partner!