How does the cost of ThermoSphere Ultimate® heating cable and Membrane compare to other electric underfloor heating systems?

ThermoSphere Ultimate & Membrane

The Ultimate system pairs ThermoSphere’s most advanced TwistedTwin heating cable with a decoupling membrane. The membrane provides stability, prevents tile cracks from subfloor movement and in wet rooms, adds an extra waterproof layer. The cable itself benefits from an in-line hot/cold joint, a feature that removes bulky cold tails and makes installation cleaner and faster.

Typical cost

• Membrane: £20–£25 per m²

• Cable: £55–£75 per m² equivalent

• Labour cost: £60–£85 per m²

Best for
Tiled bathrooms, kitchens and wet rooms where you want not only efficient heating but also long-term protection against cracks and moisture.

Takeaway
Ultimate is a little more expensive than other electric systems, but you’re paying for more than heat. You’re investing in durability, extra protection and installation simplicity — all backed by ThermoSphere’s UK manufacturing, warranty and support. For high-stress spaces or premium projects, it’s the system that gives peace of mind.

Mesh mats

Mesh mats are one of the most popular electric systems because of their speed and simplicity. The heating cable is pre-spaced on a self-adhesive mesh roll, which can be laid out quickly across the floor. Installers simply roll out the mat, cut and turn it where needed and stick it down ready for tiling. The spacing ensures even heat distribution without the need for careful manual layout.

Typical cost

• £35–£55 per m² (kit only)
• Labour cost: £60–£85 per m²

Best for
Bathrooms, kitchens and general tiled areas where you want even coverage, straightforward installation and a balance between cost and performance. Regular shaped rooms are easy to fit mesh in.

Takeaway
For many rooms mesh delivers everything you need. If you don’t require the added crack protection or waterproofing of a membrane, mesh is a cost-effective and highly reliable solution, especially if your room shape is relatively straightforward.

Foil mats

Foil mats are a niche but important part of the range. Unlike mesh or Ultimate, foil is not designed for tiles. Instead, it’s made for floating floors like laminate, engineered wood and even carpet. The heating cable is encased in an aluminium foil layer, which spreads heat evenly while protecting the floor covering above.

Typical cost

• £40–£60 per m² (product only)
• £70–£90 per m² (including underfloor heating kit with underlay and overlay)

Best for
Laminate, engineered wood, vinyl, or carpeted floors where adhesives cannot be used and build height needs to stay low.

Takeaway
Foil is priced similarly to Mesh but is far more specialised. If you’re installing under tile, it’s not an option. But for floating floors, it’s a go-to system because it ensures heat distribution without damaging sensitive finishes and our convenient kits come with the underlay and overlay required for an 'all in one' system..

Wet (hydronic) underfloor heating

Although not electric, many homeowners compare wet systems to ThermoSphere’s electric options. Hydronic underfloor heating circulates warm water through pipes embedded in screed. It’s efficient to run, especially when combined with heat pumps, but installation is complex and disruptive, making it more suited to new builds than renovations.

Typical cost
£100–£200 per m² installed

Best for
Whole-house heating in new builds or major refurbishments where the floor screed is being relayed.

Takeaway
Hydronic UFH is considerably more expensive upfront than ThermoSphere’s electric systems, both in terms of materials and labour. While running costs can be lower over the long term, especially with renewables, it’s rarely the right choice for single rooms, retrofits or smaller spaces. Electric systems remain more practical and budget-friendly for most projects.

Competitor systems

To reiterate what we said in the introduction, we feel that it's only fair to branch out from our own products. Whilst the bias inside me is screaming at me for saying this, there are some pretty good underfloor heating products out there that AREN'T made by us. Here's a couple of examples and what makes them different from ours.

Warmup

Warmup’s DCM-PRO membrane system is one of the most established alternatives to ThermoSphere Ultimate. Like Ultimate & Membrane, it combines decoupling properties with an electric heating cable. Pricing varies, but Warmup’s Inscreed cable system starts around £50/m², while DCM-PRO kits with accessories can run higher depending on coverage and wattage. Warmup is backed by a strong reputation and solid warranties, but other systems compete well by combining premium features like TwistedTwin cable and in-line joint technology. The elimination of a bulky hot/cold joint means installation is much easier, without the hassle of cutting it in. 

ProWarm

ProWarm offers its ProGrid+ matting system, which works with cables in a grid-style format that mimics a membrane. The matting alone comes in around £200 for a 15 m roll, while a 10.6 m² 150 W cable kit retails at about £250. ProWarm’s advantage is flexibility and competitive pricing, but other systems typically edge ahead on product and warranty longevity, as well as ease of installation due to an inline hot/cold joint.

Fastwarm

Fastwarm is another competitor offering ultra-thin heating cables (just 2 mm) paired with their FastGrid decoupling mat. A 14 m² 150 W cable kit costs about £340, while their FastGrid membrane is sold at roughly £10 per m². Fastwarm kits are praised for being DIY-friendly and often come with long warranties, but some installers find the very fine cable spacing trickier to handle compared with other systems. Where other systems may shine is in balancing robust cable construction with ease of layout, making it reliable under tiles in the long run.

ThermoSphere Ultimate & Membrane

Oops, how did this section get in here! Let's compare what we do and don't offer, so that you can make the most informed choice when budgeting or working out your underfloor heating projects. When looking at ThermoSphere Ultimate heating cable with Membrane, cost is only part of the story. Installed prices typically range between £60–£110 per m², depending on the room size and layout. This positions it as a premium option in the market, but one that brings important benefits beyond just heating. The Ultimate cable incorporates TwistedTwin technology, which reduces electromagnetic fields (EMF) while also improving the durability and flexibility of the cable during installation. Unlike most systems, it also features an in-line hot/cold joint. This means the connection between the heating and power supply is hidden within the cable itself, avoiding bulky joints that can otherwise create weak points or complicate floor build-ups. Paired with the decoupling membrane, the system not only provides efficient, even heat but also protects tiled finishes from cracking due to subfloor movement. The membrane makes installation straightforward in irregularly shaped rooms and adds waterproofing benefits, making it especially suitable for bathrooms and wet rooms. Like all ThermoSphere systems, it comes backed by a lifetime cable warranty (when registered with a compatible thermostat) ensuring reliable quality and strong aftercare support.

Final thoughts

So how does ThermoSphere Ultimate with Membrane compare?

• Mesh is cheaper, but more fiddly to fit and less protective.

• Foil works best for floating floors but isn’t an option for tiles.

• Wet UFH makes sense for large new builds, not small retrofits.

• Competitors like Warmup, ProWarm and Fastwarm all have strong offerings, but Ultimate & Membrane stands out for its balance of durability, crack protection and long-term reliability, especially under tile. The in line hot/cold joint makes for the easiest installation and TwistedTwin cable technology gives you quality that comes with peace of mind.

For most tiled bathrooms, kitchens, and wet rooms, the extra upfront investment in ThermoSphere Ultimate with Membrane often pays off in performance, peace of mind and value over time.

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