Radiant heat piping options

I am installing a wood floor in my shop – 26’x32′. Is there an alternative to the commercial plastic tubing? I have a wood fired boiler (exterior location) toprovide the hot water.
I am installing a wood floor in my shop – 26’x32′. Is there an alternative to the commercial plastic tubing? I have a wood fired boiler (exterior location) toprovide the hot water.
These plywood clips allow you to strengthen the walls around pocket doors to support shelves, cabinets, and other fixtures.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial NowDig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
Replies
Jeff, you could go with copper as long it doesn't come in contact with steel. Why not PEX? I'm assuming that's what you mean by "commercial plastic". Is the wood floor going over concrete? Have you considered a radiant ceiling? I have it in my house and it works very well. I'm currently doing an addition that will have extruded aluminum plates with PEX tubing over a sleeper system then drywall over that for the finished ceiling. Since the wood will act as an insulator and the temp should not exceed approx 82 degrees (because of wood floor) you'll need to make sure that you can get the BTU's out of the floor to heat the shop.-Ed
Thank-you for the input. My least complicated option is to hang a "radiator" on the ceiling and run a fan. I may be doing just that.