Floor Heating Cables
Maximum Flexibility for Custom Installations
Floor heating cables offer the ultimate flexibility for custom installations. Unlike pre-spaced mats, cables can be routed around any obstacle and adjusted for precise heat output.
Ideal for irregular room shapes, complex layouts, and professional installers who demand maximum control. Our TempZone™ cables work with tile, stone, marble, and hardwood flooring.
Whether you're heating a curved bathroom, an L-shaped kitchen, or a room with many fixtures, floor heating cable gives you the freedom to create the perfect layout.
Why Choose Floor Heating Cable?
Maximum Flexibility
Route cable around any obstacle—toilets, vanities, islands, columns. Perfect for irregular room shapes and complex layouts.
Adjustable Heat Output
Control heat intensity by adjusting cable spacing. Closer spacing = more heat per square foot for cold zones.
Any Room Shape
L-shaped rooms, curved walls, bay windows—cable adapts to layouts that mats simply can't cover efficiently.
Professional Preferred
Experienced installers often prefer cable for its precision and ability to maximize heated area in complex spaces.
Full Coverage
Get closer to walls and fixtures than pre-spaced mats allow. Heat every usable square foot of floor space.
Safe & Certified
All our floor heating cables are UL/cUL listed and backed by our 25-year No-Nonsense Warranty.
Cost-Effective
Cables often cost less than mats for the same square footage, especially in larger installations.
30+ Year Lifespan
Quality construction means your floor heating cable will provide reliable warmth for decades.
Floor Heating Cable vs Mat: Which Should You Choose?
Floor Heating Cables
Best for irregular rooms, custom layouts, or when you need maximum flexibility around obstacles.
- Maximum layout flexibility
- Works around any obstacle
- Adjustable heat output (via spacing)
- Preferred by professional installers
Heated Floor Mats
Best for rectangular rooms with minimal obstacles. Pre-spaced heating elements make installation faster and easier.
- Faster installation (roll out and embed)
- Ideal for DIY projects
- Consistent spacing guaranteed
- Perfect for bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms
Floor Type Compatibility
Floor heating cables are compatible with a variety of flooring types. Choose the right system based on your floor covering.
| Floor Type | Installation |
TempZone™ Cable with Grip Strips |
TempZone™ Cable + Prodeso Membrane |
Slab Heat Cable 15-20W/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tile, Marble, Stone | Thinset | *1 | ||
| Hardwood | Nailed | *2 | *1 | |
| Glued | *2 | *1 | ||
| Engineered Wood | Nailed | *2 | *1 | |
| Glued | *2 | *1 | ||
| Floating | *3 | *2 | *1 | |
| Bamboo | Nailed | *2 | *1 | |
| Glued | *2 | *1 | ||
| Floating | *3 | *2 | *1 | |
| Laminate | Floating | *3 | *2 | *1 |
| Nailed | *2 | *1 | ||
| LVT / Vinyl | Glued | *2 | *1 | |
| Carpet | Stretch-In | *3 | *2 | *1 |
| Glued | *4 | *2 | *1 | |
| Cork | Floating | *3 | *2 | *1 |
| Concrete Slab | In-slab |
*1 Slab Heat systems are embedded in the concrete slab; any finished flooring can be installed over the cured slab.
*2 Prodeso membrane is designed for tile/stone with thinset. Wood/vinyl/carpet floors use Grip Strips instead.
*3 Floating floors and stretch-in carpet require Environ™ mats, or use Slab Heat Cable for in-slab heating.
*4 Carpet floor heating is available in the U.S. only.
Not sure which system you need?
Call us at 800-875-5285,
request a free quote, or
get an instant quote with our Instant Quote Builder tool.
TempZone™ Floor Heating Cables
Our professional-grade floor heating cables deliver 3.7 watts per linear foot, providing 9–15 watts per square foot depending on spacing. Twin-conductor design for easy single-point electrical connection. UL listed for wet locations including shower floors and benches. Backed by our 25-year No Nonsense™ Warranty.
Snap-In, Secure, and Heat
TempZone™ Cable is ultra-low EMF by design and is available in two voltage options and a range of lengths to meet the requirements of any installation.
Features
- Works under tile, stone, and luxury vinyl floors
- Provides radiant heat and crack isolation
- Flexible layouts for irregular or custom-shaped rooms
- 25 Year Warranty
- 9-15 Watts Per Sq. Ft
Starting at
$139
View Details
Pro‑exclusive: Measure, Lay, and Heat
TempZone™ Ruler Cable is ultra-low EMF by design and is available in two voltage options and a range of lengths to meet the requirements of any installation.
Features
- Built-in ruler markings for precise, repeatable spacing
- Ideal for large areas requiring consistent coverage
- Flexible, durable cable for clean turns and complex layouts
- Comes with easy-to-read hash marks at every half-inch, inch, and foot increment on the cable
- Can be used to heat some of the most popular floor coverings like tile, stone, marble, luxury vinyl tile, and more
Starting at
$139
View Details
Two Ways to Install Floor Heating Cable
TempZone™ cables can be installed using two different methods, each with distinct advantages. Choose based on your subfloor condition, project timeline, and whether you need uncoupling protection.
Cable with Grip Strips
The traditional installation method. Self-adhesive grip strips attach to the subfloor, and the cable snaps into place at your desired spacing (3", 4", or 5"). Cost-effective and proven reliable for any room shape.
Best For:
- Stable, crack-free subfloors
- Budget-conscious projects
- Irregular room shapes
- Custom heat coverage
Key Details:
- Free grip strips included
- Floor sensor included
- Requires thinset/SLC to cure before tiling
Cable with Prodeso Membrane
Premium installation using our Prodeso uncoupling membrane. Cable snaps into pre-formed channels at 3.75" spacing. Tile can be installed directly over the membrane—no waiting for thinset to cure.
Best For:
- Crack-prone subfloors
- Tile and stone floors
- Faster project timelines
- Bathrooms & wet areas
Key Benefits:
- Uncoupling & crack isolation
- Waterproofing (with accessories)
- Direct tile installation
- Even load distribution
Free SmartPlan
Get a custom installation plan for your floor heating cable project in just 1 business day.
"I'll create a custom installation layout showing exactly where your heating elements go, plus a complete materials list with pricing."
Underlayments for Cable Installation
Enhance your cable installation with our underlayment solutions. Prodeso membrane accelerates installation while providing uncoupling protection, and ThermalSheet provides insulation for installations over concrete slabs.
Uncoupling membrane designed for TempZone cable. Provides crack isolation, vapor management, and greatly accelerates floor heating installations.
-
Quick cable snap-in installation
-
Uncoupling and crack isolation
-
Vapor management for moisture-prone areas
- 3' x 16' roll (54 sq. ft.)
- 3' x 49' roll (162 sq. ft.)
Synthetic cork insulating underlayment for installations over concrete slabs. Provides thermal break with R-value of 1.5.
-
R-value 1.5 thermal insulation
-
Ideal for concrete slab installations
-
Compatible with tile, stone, LVT, laminate
- 2' x 3' sheet (6 sq. ft.)
How Much Does It Cost to Run Floor Heating Cable?
Floor heating cables are highly efficient and cost just pennies per hour to operate. Use the calculator below to estimate costs for your specific room size, flooring type, and local electricity rates.
Operating Cost Calculator for Floor Heating
Estimate your daily and monthly energy costs based on room size and local rates.
ft²
¢/kWh
Estimated Cost
$0.04
per hour
$0.15
per day
$4.50
per month
"Most homeowners are surprised how affordable radiant floor heating is to operate—often just pennies a day for a bathroom. It's the kind of everyday luxury that pays for itself in comfort!"
— Rae RadiantAdjusting Heat Output with Cable Spacing
Unlike mats with fixed spacing, cables let you control heat intensity by adjusting the spacing between runs:
3" spacing
15W/sq ft — maximum heat for cold rooms
3.5" spacing
12W/sq ft — ideal for most bathrooms
4" spacing
10W/sq ft — supplemental heat
5" spacing
9W/sq ft — gentle warmth
Slab Heat Cables for Concrete
Heavy-duty heating cables designed for new concrete slab construction. With 15–20 watts per square foot output, Slab Heat cables provide powerful warmth that penetrates through thick concrete—ideal for basements, garages, sunrooms, and additions. Cable is embedded 2–3" from the finished surface during the pour.
Spacing Guidelines
- 3" spacing — Bare, polished, or stamped concrete
- 5" spacing — When adding floor covering (tile, wood)
Curing Time
Allow 7 days minimum for concrete to cure before powering on the heating system.
Insulation Tip
For new construction, install rigid foam boards (XPS/EPS) with a vapor barrier under the slab—never over, as that would trap the heat.
Warmth for Concrete Floors
With concrete heating cables, you can design your concrete floors to be as warm and functional as they are attractive. Radiant heating cables offer maximum flexibility for installation under concrete slab floors.
Features
- Embedded directly into new concrete pours
- Ideal for basements, garages, and sunrooms
- Long-lasting radiant heat built into the slab
- 10 Year Warranty
- 15-20 Watts Per Sq. Ft
Starting at
$269
View Details
Pre-Configured Floor Heating Cable Kits
Save time and money with our pre-configured floor heating cable kits. Each kit includes everything you need—cable, thermostat, floor sensor, and installation accessories—all matched for compatibility and sized for your project. Perfect for DIYers who want the confidence of a complete solution, or professionals who appreciate the convenience of pre-packaged materials.
Premium cable kit with Prodeso membrane for fast, protected installation
Complete kit with TempZone cable, Prodeso uncoupling membrane for crack isolation and faster installation, plus nTrust 2.0 thermostat. Ideal for tile and stone floors. Includes 25-year warranty.
Features
- Works under tile, stone, and luxury vinyl floors
- Provides radiant heat and crack isolation
- Flexible layouts for irregular or custom-shaped rooms
- 25 Year Warranty
- 9-15 Watts Per Sq. Ft
Starting at
$522
View Details
WiFi-enabled cable kit with Prodeso membrane protection
Premium kit featuring TempZone cable with Prodeso membrane for uncoupling and crack isolation, paired with nJoy WiFi thermostat for smart home integration. Includes Circuit Check and 25-year warranty.
Features
- Works under tile, stone, and luxury vinyl floors
- Provides radiant heat and crack isolation
- Flexible layouts for irregular or custom-shaped rooms
- 25 Year Warranty
- 9-15 Watts Per Sq. Ft
Starting at
$612
View Details
Effortless warmth, precision installation, and reliable control
The WarmlyYours TempZone™ Floor Heating Kit delivers customizable radiant warmth with ultra-low EMF heating cable, secure GripStrips installation, and easy control via the nTrust 2.0 thermostat. Includes Circuit Check for safety and a 25-year warranty for
Features
- Customizable Comfort: Loose cable installation adapts to any room shape
- Easy & Secure Installation: GripStrips provide a durable and reliable cable-securing method
- Simple, Intuitive Control: nTrust 2.0 thermostat ensures effortless temperature regulation
- Safety & Reliability: Built-in GFCI protection and Circuit Check for troubleshooting
- Long-Term Peace of Mind: Backed by a 25-year warranty on the heating cable and a 3-year warranty on the thermostat
Starting at
$313
View Details
Complete cable kit with WiFi control and flexible installation
Everything you need for radiant floor heating: TempZone cable, GripStrips for secure installation, and the nJoy WiFi thermostat for smartphone control. Includes Circuit Check and 25-year warranty.
Features
- Works under tile, stone, and luxury vinyl floors
- Provides radiant heat and crack isolation
- Flexible layouts for irregular or custom-shaped rooms
- 25 Year Warranty
- 9-15 Watts Per Sq. Ft
Starting at
$403
View Details
Featured Thermostats for Floor Heating Cable
Every floor heating cable needs a compatible thermostat. Our most popular options combine easy
installation with precise temperature control.
Explore all thermostats
Explore Floor Heating Cable by Room
Floor heating cable works in any room shape. Explore room-specific guidance, costs, and project examples:
Find Floor Plans by Room
Select a room type to browse floor plans with instant quotes, operating costs, and installation plans for layouts similar to yours.
Bathroom
Ideal for tile installations and quick warm-up—our most popular room.
Shower
Warm shower floors and benches for spa-like comfort.
Kitchen
Great under tile or LVP—keep high‑traffic areas comfortably warm.
Living Room
Even heat across large spaces without noisy vents or dust.
Bedroom
Cozy mornings and night-time comfort under carpet, LVP, or wood.
Sunroom
Fight cold slab floors and extend shoulder seasons with gentle radiant heat.
Basement
Warm concrete slabs from the ground up for lasting comfort.
Get Your Own Floorplan
Send us your sketch and receive a free SmartPlan with a custom installation layout and itemized quote.
Floor Heating Cable Projects
See real customer installations featuring floor heating cables in bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces.
-
Bathroom Wilmington, NC$0.04/hr -
Bathroom Des Moines, IA$0.08/hr -
Basement Lower Sackville, NS$0.64/hr -
Bathroom Arlington Heights, IL$0.21/hr -
Bathroom Perry Hall, MD$0.28/hr -
Bathroom Barrington, IL$0.28/hr -
Bathroom Oakville, ON$0.03/hr -
Master Bathroom Lake Zurich, IL$0.06/hr -
Bathroom Bedford, NH$0.15/hr -
Bathroom Crystal Lake, IL$0.06/hr
Floor Heating Cable FAQs
Yes. While there are some floor heating systems that can be installed beneath floor joists, most electric radiant floor heating systems will need to be installed beneath the floor itself. This is why the best time to install electric floor heating is during a remodel or as a part of a new construction, when a floor is being installed anyways.
If you're interested in alternative radiant heating methods, check out our Radiant Panels, which are wall-mounted and use infrared technology to provide supplemental heating.
Electric floor heating works by having an electric heating cable installed underneath the flooring (embedded or floating, depending on the system and floor type), which is then wired to a special thermostat (either one specifically designed for electric radiant floor heating, like a WarmlyYours’ nSpiration Series control, or a third-party thermostat). When turned on, the heating cable emits heat upward through the flooring which is then radiated throughout the room, heating all solid surfaces.
Many homeowners successfully install electric floor heating as a DIY project, especially with a detailed SmartPlan™. However, the level of professional help needed depends on your skills and project scope:
DIY-Friendly Aspects:
- Layout and installation of heating mats or cables following your SmartPlan™
- Securing cables to subfloor using installation strips or adhesive
- Testing resistance with a multimeter (we provide testing logs)
- Tile or flooring installation if you're experienced with that trade
You'll Need a Licensed Electrician For:
- Thermostat wiring and connection to your electrical panel
- GFCI protection installation (required by code)
- Dedicated circuit installation if needed
- Code compliance and final inspection
Consider Professional Installation For:
- Large or complex room layouts
- Multiple rooms or whole-home installations
- Time-sensitive projects
- Commercial applications
Your SmartPlan™ includes detailed installation instructions that make the mechanical installation straightforward. Our 24/7 tech support is available to answer questions during your project, whether you're DIY or working with a contractor.
Electric floor heating is surprisingly affordable to operate, especially when used with a programmable thermostat. Operating costs depend on several factors:
Key Cost Factors:
- Room size – Larger heated areas use more power
- Flooring type – Tile heats efficiently; carpet requires more energy
- Insulation quality – Well-insulated rooms retain heat better
- Usage patterns – Programmable thermostats significantly reduce costs
- Local electricity rates – Typically $0.10-$0.20 per kWh
- Climate zone – Colder regions require more heating
Typical Operating Costs:
For a standard 100 sq. ft. bathroom with tile flooring:
- Per hour of operation: $0.15-$0.30
- Daily cost (4-6 hours): $0.60-$1.80
- Monthly cost (winter): $18-$54
- Annual cost: $150-$400 (varies by climate)
Cost-Saving Strategies:
- Programmable thermostats – Heat only when rooms are in use
- Smart thermostats – Learn your schedule and optimize automatically
- Zoned heating – Heat individual rooms instead of whole-house systems
- Supplemental heating – Use radiant heat to reduce central heating needs
Many customers find floor heating costs comparable to or less than running space heaters, with the added benefits of comfort, safety, and increased home value. Use our cost calculator for a personalized estimate based on your room size and usage.
Both TempZone Floor Heating Mats and Cables deliver excellent results—the choice depends on your project size, layout, experience level, and climate needs.TempZone Floor Heating Mats are pre-spaced at a fixed 3" spacing (15 watts/sq.ft.) and come in standard sizes (6–210 sq.ft.). They're ideal for:
- DIY homeowners and first-time PRO installers
- Straightforward rectangular rooms
- Faster installation (no spacing calculations)
- Smaller to medium projects
- Consistent heat output across all climates
TempZone Floor Heating Cable offers complete flexibility and is preferred by experienced installers:
- Adjustable spacing based on local climate conditions — you control the watt density
- Colder climates (like New York): 3" spacing (15 watts/sq.ft.) for maximum heat output
- Standard climates: 4" spacing (11 watts/sq.ft.) — our default recommendation
- Warmer climates (like California): 5" spacing (9 watts/sq.ft.) for efficient, moderate heating
- Works in any room shape or size
- Ideal for complex layouts, odd-shaped rooms, or climate-optimized designs
The bottom line: Choose mats for simplicity, DIY projects, and standard applications. Choose cable for customization, climate optimization, complex layouts, and experienced installers. Both systems are compatible with thinset and self-leveling compound, backed by our industry-leading warranties, and supported by 24/7 expert guidance.
Pro Tip: Combining Both Systems
Many projects use a combination of both—mats for large open areas and cables for detailed work around fixtures and in tight spaces. Your free SmartPlan™ will recommend the best approach based on your room layout.