Warmboard-S
A structural subfloor panel with the heating built in: 28.6 mm thick, 1220 × 2440 mm, 7-ply plywood with a 0.64 mm aluminium face. Laid over joists at 406.6 mm centres, or over a concrete slab or existing floor.
Where to start
Most homeowners work with an architect, a building designer or a builder. If you already have floor plans, and structural drawings for a new floor, you can send them to us now and we’ll take it from there.
If you’re earlier in the process, read the sections below that suit your project, or call us on 1300 137 407 with any questions.
When working with an architect
We work with architects and building designers whether or not they’ve used hydronic floor heating or Warmboard before.
We give them the product information and drawings they need, and stay in contact with you both through design.
What you need from your architect
- Floor plans:
In PDF or AutoCAD (DWG or DXF). - Structural drawings:
Including the joist layout, if you’re using Warmboard-S over joists. - Elevations:
With window and door details, if available. - Plant positions:
Where the heat pump will sit outside and where the manifolds will go inside.
What your architect may need from us
Warmboard-R
A thinner panel for renovations: 20.6 mm thick, 610 × 1220 mm, OSB with the same aluminium face. Laid over an existing floor or slab on 1.7 mm reflective foil.
Australian certification
Warmboard-S has Australian certification (drawing 388-16) for joist spacings up to 410 mm. We can supply the documents your architect or engineer needs.
Floor coverings
Timber, tiles and stone, vinyl and hybrid, carpet and cork can all go over Warmboard when the product is approved by its maker for floor heating.
Sound
For apartments and other multi-unit buildings, we can help your architect and acoustic consultant work Warmboard into a floor and ceiling assembly that meets the National Construction Code.
Talk it through
Your architect can email design@warmboard.com.au or call us to go through the project, the panel choice and the plant positions.
When working with a builder
We help your builder understand the system, so it’s installed the way it was designed.
Warmboard-S laid over joists is the structural floor, so it must be laid by a licensed builder, to the details set by your structural engineer. Laid over a concrete slab or an existing floor, Warmboard-S and Warmboard-R can be laid by your builder or by you, following the layout plan. A licensed plumber lays the pipe, fits the manifolds and connects the heat source.
Warmboard-S
Mainly used for new homes and extensions. It’s laid directly over the joists in place of the flooring sheet, so your builder needs to give us the joist layout for the design.
Warmboard-R
Usually the best fit for renovations. It’s thinner and is laid over the existing floor or slab, which makes it adaptable to what you find on site.
Panels or a complete system
We supply Warmboard panels only, or a complete system with panels, plumbing components and controls. Either way, the design includes the manifold and heat pump positions.
What you'll need from your builder
- A quote:
Including the floor framing or preparation that suits your Warmboard panel. - A timeline:
So panel delivery, laying and the plumber’s work fit the build programme. - The trades:
Names of the carpenter and plumber who will work with Warmboard. - Open communication:
Someone who answers questions during design and reviews the drawings before they’re finalised.
What your builder may need from us
- Information and support:
On this website, by email or by phone. - Layout plans:
Panel layout, pipe loop plan and materials list, drawn by the Warmboard design team for your project. - Installation guides:
Step-by-step guides for laying Warmboard-S and Warmboard-R. - Technical documents:
Specifications and certification documents for your builder and certifier. - Advice during the work:
Product and installation advice for your builder and plumber while the work is under way. We’re not licensed builders or engineers, so building and structural decisions stay with your builder and engineer.
Ready to get started?
Upload your plans and we’ll get started. If you have more questions, contact us and we’ll get back to you soon.
Who's responsible for what
Warmboard Australia supplies Warmboard panels, the panel layout and pipe loop plans drawn by the Warmboard design team, and product and installation advice. We are not builders, plumbers or engineers.
- Structural design:
Your structural engineer specifies the floor framing, joist sizes and fixing, and approves Warmboard-S where it forms the structural floor. - Building work:
Your licensed builder lays Warmboard-S over joists to the engineer’s details and is responsible for the building work and its compliance. - Plumbing and heat source:
Your licensed plumber designs the plumbing connections, installs the pipe, manifolds and heat source, and commissions the system. - Building approval:
Your building surveyor or certifier confirms the work meets the National Construction Code and local requirements. - Floor coverings:
Your flooring installer lays the floor covering to its maker’s instructions for heated floors.
Our layout plans and advice are based on the information you give us. Please check them against your project’s documents before work starts.