Wet Rooms: A Mini Guide

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If you have ever used a wet room, then you know how amazing they can be. They look stylish, and they just make showering so much more enjoyable thanks to the added space. A wet room is also incredibly practical too. The idea of having your own wet room might seem a little daunting, but they are not too difficult, or expensive, to install. All you need is a little bit of planning to give yourself the perfect showering space.

What Is A Wet Room?

A wet room is a room that doesn’t have an enclosed shower space. This means there is no shower tray to step into as the drainage is directly on the floor. Typically, the floor and walls are tiled. Often a clear screen is used next to the shower to prevent the water from spraying over things, like your towel. If you are lucky enough to have a large bathroom, then you can do away with the screen.

Where Can You Install A Wet Room?

Wet room shower

Wet rooms can be installed in any bathroom. There are a lot of different techniques and systems that can be used. It all depends on what the substrate under the floor is. However, there are options for pretty much any bathroom. A design and construction company can always help you to design and plan your wet room space.

Drainage And Waterproofing

Because there is no shower tray, the floor has to be tiled with a slight gradient on it. This is not an easy job, so it should be done by a professional. The necessary work for the space will depend on exactly which wet room system you choose to use. Whichever option you pick, the room will need to be tanked. This basically means that it is waterproofed.

In some systems, the underfloor is also sloped. In other systems, there is a layer placed over the top of the tile that adds the extra slope.

The floor and the bottom half of the walls need to be sealed and primed. This should be done before the tiles are laid. This will keep the water in the room and prevent leaks. An extra precaution you can take is to raise the threshold of the bathroom door slightly. This gives some added protection in the event that the drain becomes blocked. A small rise of 5mm can give you the extra time to take action.

Pros And Cons Of A Wet Room

Pros

  • Wet rooms are very appealing and can raise your home value.
  • They are a great bathroom design option, especially for a smaller bathroom.
  • Wet rooms are easy to clean, especially if the sink and toilet are wall-hung.
  • You end up with a bathroom that has a lot more protection against leaks.
  • Showering in a wet room is, for many people, a more enjoyable experience. It is a spa-like finish.
  • There is no step up into the shower, which makes it easy to access.

Cons

  • You have to take care with your bathroom design if the room is small. If you don’t properly place the screen you can end up with wet toilet paper and damp towels after every shower.
  • You will need a professional to do the work as if there is a leak; it can be expensive to fix.
  • Tiling a whole room can be expensive, especially if you want natural stone tiles.
  • If you turn your main bathroom into a wet room, it might make your home harder to sell. Most buyers want a bath, not just a shower.

How Much Will It Cost?

Wet room

A lot of the cost will come down to your tile choice along with the size and shape of the room. For a mid-sized bathroom, it will cost between £5,000 and £10,000 to convert the bathroom into a wet room. This would include the cost of all the tiles, the installation and a full bathroom suite.

Can You Have Underfloor Heating in A Wet Room?

If you are going to be getting a wet room fitted, then it is a great opportunity also to get underfloor heating. Tile is much more pleasant underfoot when it’s heated. It might limit your tile choice as not all tiles are great for underfloor heating. You might also want to consider using larger tiles. This is because the grout between the tiles isn’t as good at transferring heat so that it can feel cooler.

Take Time To Plan Your Bathroom Design

With a wet room, it is very important to plan the layout to the last detail before you begin. When you have tile everywhere, it is harder to retrospectively fit things like shelving and mirrors. Taking the time to plan it out will give you the best finish possible.