Heating Blog | Thermosphere

How much does ThermoSphere Ultimate® heating cable cost?

Written by Jacob Bottley | Oct 3, 2025

When you’re planning an underfloor heating project, one of the first questions you’ll want answered is cost. It’s not just the cable itself that matters, but the whole system—the accessories that make it work and the installation that brings it together. With ThermoSphere’s Ultimate® heating cable, you’re not just buying any electric heating solution. You’re investing in advanced technology designed to simplify installation, reduce risk and deliver long-term performance. When paired with ThermoSphere Membrane, it becomes a true power couple: a system purpose-built to work in harmony, saving time and money on site while delivering reliable warmth underfoot.

The cost of the cable

At the core of your budget is the heating cable. ThermoSphere Ultimate® is available in a range of lengths to suit different room sizes, from compact bathrooms to large kitchens and open-plan living areas. On average, the cost works out at £55–£75 per square metre, depending on the cable length and heating output chosen.

Ultimate heating cables are supplied in reels, ranging from around 12m to over 200m, giving you flexibility to cover small bathrooms through to large open-plan spaces. When paired with ThermoSphere Membrane, the two products form a complete heating and decoupling system that’s fast to install and built to last.

 

 

Average costs*:

  • Per m² (cable only): £55 – £75 

  • Small bathrooms (3–4m²): £175 – £250 for cable

  • Medium kitchens (6–8m²): £360-£440 for cable

  • Large lounges/open-plan spaces (10–15m²): £600 – £850 for cable

  • ThermoSphere Membrane: around £20 – £25 per m²

Pro tip: Of course we recommend that you pair ThermoSphere Ultimate® heating cable with ThermoSphere Membrane mat, but our cable actually fits in any popular decoupling mat on the market. Our in line hot-to-cold joint makes it a snug fit in whichever mat is your preference.

*all prices are Inc. VAT and correct at the time of publishing, derived from the ThermoSphere price guide unless otherwise stated

The winning combo


Designed as a duo, the two products slot together seamlessly, creating a system that’s faster and easier to install than traditional loose wire methods. The membrane not only protects the cable and locks it in place, but also provides exceptional crack isolation for tiled floors, reducing the risk of movement damage over time.

But what really sets Ultimate apart isn’t just the price point—it’s the engineering. The TwistedTwin construction makes the cable safer, stronger and more durable, reducing electromagnetic emissions and minimising the risk of damage during installation. Meanwhile, the in-line hot-to-cold joint is an innovation that eliminates the bulky connection found in most other systems. There’s no awkward lump to conceal, no wasted time cutting into the floor to make it fit and no weak point to worry about down the line. These features aren’t just technical niceties—they’re tangible benefits that save installers time, lower the chance of costly mistakes and ensure homeowners enjoy trouble-free heating for years to come.

What’s included in the cost?

Buying ThermoSphere Ultimate® heating cable isn’t just paying for a reel of wire. Here’s what you actually get when you choose Ultimate:

  • A premium TwistedTwin heating cable designed to lock neatly into the ThermoSphere Membrane for fast, secure installation

  • A unique in-line hot-to-cold joint that removes bulky lumps, cutting into the membrane and removes weak spots

  • Lifetime warranty on the cable (when installed with a compatible ThermoSphere thermostat, sensor and registered correctly with us)

  • Full safety certifications to UK and EU standards


This isn’t just a heating cable; it’s part of a system created to make underfloor heating easy to install and built to last.

However, there are some things that aren’t included in the initial cost, but are highly recommended for the best results. They’re separate products, but when combined with Ultimate they complete the system and deliver maximum comfort and efficiency.

What’s not included, but almost always needed:

  • Decoupling membrane: £20–£25 per m²

  • or ThermoSphere Membrane: £20–£25 per m² (the perfect partner for Ultimate at no extra cost!)

  • Thermostat: £100–£200 depending on type (options include T-MO, BT21 and Dual Control)

  • Insulation boards: £11–£16 per m² depending on thickness and material

  • Flexible tile adhesive or levelling compound: £10–£20 per bag

Skipping these extras might trim the upfront budget, but it risks lowering performance and efficiency. For the best results, and to make the most of your Ultimate heating cable, we strongly recommend installing it as part of the complete ThermoSphere system.

Factoring in installation

Labour costs depend on whether you lay the system yourself or bring in a professional. Many confident DIYers install the membrane and cable, but the final electrical connection must always be handled by a qualified electrician to comply with UK regulations.

If you’d rather have the whole project completed by professionals, labour rates vary depending on room size and complexity, but a full professional install often costs £60-£85 per m² according to Checkatrade.com. The good news is that using Ultimate with the ThermoSphere Membrane can actually shorten installation time. The cable clicks neatly into the membrane, with no chasing joints or fiddling to hold it in place, which means installers can work faster and with fewer complications.

 

How does this compare to alternatives?

When weighing up ThermoSphere Ultimate, it helps to see how it stacks up against other common underfloor heating options. Here’s a quick comparison:

Electric foil mats

  • Typical cost: £40–£60 per m² (kit only)

  • Installed cost: Around £40–£90 per m²

  • Best for: Floating timber, laminate or engineered wood floors where low build height is critical

  • Takeaway: Similar upfront price to mesh mats, but generally used in fewer settings

Mesh mats

  • Typical cost: £35–£55 per m² (kit only)

  • Installed cost: £40–£90 per m²

  • Best for: Simple layouts in small to medium-sized rooms where speed of installation is the priority

  • Takeaway: A lower-cost option upfront compared to Ultimate & Membrane, but less flexible around fixed furniture or complex room shapes.

Wet (Hydronic) underfloor heating

  • Typical cost: £85–£190 per m² installed (depending on new-build vs retrofit)

  • Best for: Whole-house heating, especially in new builds or large open-plan spaces

  • Takeaway: More expensive upfront than electric, but cheaper to run in the long term, especially when paired with renewable heat sources like heat pumps

Example cost scenario (Bathroom, 4m²)

Let’s put some numbers together for context:

  • ThermoSphere Ultimate® heating cable (approx. 4m² coverage at 130W/): £200–£250

  • ThermoSphere Membrane (4m²): £80–£100

  • Smart Thermostat: £100–£200

  • Insulation Boards (4m²): £50–£100

  • Adhesives & Levelling Compound: £30–£50

  • Electrician sign-off: £50–£150

Total DIY (with electrician): £450–£850
Total Professional Install: £700–£1,250

What do real customers say about value for money?

When weighing up the cost of underfloor heating, the real test is how it performs once it’s in place. Reviews from homeowners, installers and trade partners give a clear picture of what ThermoSphere Ultimate cable and Membrane are like to live and work with.

Homeowners often focus on the reliability and day-to-day comfort. One reviewer, who installed the system as part of a detailed property renovation, explained: “Having now completed the refurbishment of my bathroom and used my underfloor heating, I can say that it is certainly worth it. It is very easy to use and programme and the heat the floor gives off definitely heats the room.” For them, features like TwistedTwin construction and the in-line hot-cold joint added confidence that the system was designed to last.

Installers tend to highlight ease of fitting. Several reviews mention how much time is saved because the cable locks straight into the Membrane without fuss. As one installer put it: “Us installers love this product as the cable and membrane are very easy to work with.” The absence of a bulky joint is a small but important detail here, making installations smoother and reducing the likelihood of issues later.

Trade customers often point to the consistent support behind the products. One long-standing partner described ThermoSphere as “one of the best companies I have worked with… always polite on the phone, always willing to help. I would recommend them to anyone with total confidence.” For many in the trade, that backup is as valuable as the products themselves, because it helps projects run to plan.

Final thoughts

So, how much does a ThermoSphere Ultimate® underfloor heating system cost?

  • Product price (cable + membrane): £75–£85 per m² (including materials and labour, new build)

  • Total installed cost (bathroom, 4m²): £500–£1,250 depending on DIY vs professional installation

  • Value: A flexible heating solution with smart design features (TwistedTwin, in-line hot-cold joint) paired with the security and speed of the Membrane system

Every project is different, and the exact price will depend on room size, floor finish and whether you choose to fit it yourself or hire a professional. The most reliable way to budget is to request a tailored quote for your specific room layout. That way, you’ll know exactly where you stand and you can look forward to stepping onto a perfectly warm floor.

*all prices are Inc. VAT and correct at the time of publishing, derived from the ThermoSphere price guide unless otherwise stated

Electric heating made easy

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