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The Ultimate Wet Room Guide

What is a wet room?

To put it simply, a wet room is a space in a bathroom that is waterproofed or tanked with a shower area that is at the same level as the rest of the bathroom. A wet room removes the need for an enclosure and shower tray and provides an accessible, contemporary showering space.

Can anyone have a wet room?

Contrary to general assumptions, wet rooms can be installed in any bathroom. This includes upstairs and in smaller spaces such as a cloakroom suite or en-suite. In smaller bathrooms, it is likely that there will be less space between your fixtures. In this case, it may be worth looking installing a shower screen to reduce spray in the bathroom. The B8 300 Flipper Panel is a good example of a screen that still gives you an open plan feel but will also protect your other appliances from water.  

The pros

Wet rooms are accessible

Wet rooms are the ideal solution for those who have difficulties using a bath or shower. As wet rooms have no shower tray, the user is able to walk in and out safely.  A level access wet room or walk-in shower provides a safe, family-friendly showering space with no trip hazards. 

Wet rooms are easy to maintain

Not only do wet rooms boast a stylish appearance, they are also very practical. It requires less maintenance and cleaning than a usual bathroom as there are less fixtures to clean. This makes a wet room a hygienic option and suitable for all of the family.  

Wetrooms give you options

 

When you install a wet room, you are opening up the entire bathroom.  Typically, a wet room will not feature a bath and will allow you to maximise your space if you have a small bathroom. There is also no need for a bulky shower enclosure with doors that may cause the rest of the bathroom to feel cramped. Wet rooms can be any size or shape and can be equipped with a wide range of bathroom fixtures to make your bathroom even more luxurious.  

The cons

Other bathroom appliances could get wet

Having such an open showering area can make it tricky to keep things like towels, toilet paper, and any other soft furnishings dry. If you have this concern, we recommend installing a shower screen that matches the look of their wet room to ensure that the rest of the bathroom does not get wet every time someone uses the shower.  

Dampness

Dampness in a bathroom can cause a whole host of problems such as mould which is known to cause breathing problems. If your wet room is small this can be a concern. However, this can be solved by installing a bathroom extractor fan that will provide excellent ventilation. If your bathroom is installed correctly, it should be waterproof.  When a wet room is waterproofed no dampness will escape the room and into other places of your home.

Waterproofing a wet room

As stated above, a wet room must be waterproof for it to be functional and safe. A wet room should be sealed, waterproofed, and needs a sloping floor so that water can easily be caught by a drain. If a bathroom is not waterproof then it can lead to extensive damage affecting your bathroom and possibly the rest of your home. The costs of this damage could be quite substantial.  

The most common way to waterproof a wet room is to fit a carefully sealed tanking membrane underneath the floor and wall tiles. If a bathroom is small like a cloakroom we would advise that the bathroom door is raised to allow for efficient water drainage. 

Drainage is also important when installing a wet room. As wet rooms are open, the water will not drain away in the same way as a bath or in a shower enclosure. When installing a wet room, it is important to consider the type of wet room drain you will need as well as ensuring that your chosen wet room drain and shower are compatible with one another. All drains will have a maximum number of litres it can take per minute.  

Another consideration you will need to make is whether you will be installing underfloor heating. Underfloor heating not only makes your bathroom warm but it can also help to evaporate any water that remains on your floor once you've showered. 

Here at Bath shack, we supply a wet room tanking kit that contains everything you will need to create a waterproof area.   

How much does a wet room cost?

There are many things that can be considered when it comes to designing your perfect wet room. Prices can vary dependent on size, finish, and the method used to install everything.  It is going to cost more than if you opted for something like a shower. However, you will see the benefits of a contemporary, functional space that will fulfill your needs for many years.  

At Bathshack, we have many affordable wet room choices. For example, the Kiimat Aqua Wetroom Panel which offers a designer look and safety glass. Additionally, these panels can be found in a wide range of configurations so you can find something suitable for your bathroom.  

What else do you need to consider?

Tiles

When it comes to tiling a wet room floor, the key issue to keep in mind is to choose anti-slip tiles. Tiles with these properties are especially beneficial for the elderly and for children. Anti-slip tiles come in a wide selection of colours and finishes. This is good news for those who like natural, porous finishes such as stone, marble, and sandstone which aren't ideal for wet rooms.  For the walls, you can use similar tiles as you've got on the floor, or add a contrasting colour or design.  

Storage

When installing storage units into a wet room you need to make smart decisions. Try to find storage that is large enough to fit your essentials in them that still allows you to create a desirable streamlined look.  

Bathshack recommends

Lillian Anthracite Wall Hung Vanity Basin 

This vanity basin provides ample storage space it offers you a practical place to store your personal items without water getting on them whilst you shower. These units are hand crafted in Ireland and are built using the highest quality materials.  

Athens Walnut Unit with Counter Top Basin  
Exposed counter top basins are quickly becoming a bathroom trend. This unit showcases a natural wood finish. The Athens features plentiful storage space ideal for wet rooms.  

Mirrors

There are so many styles of mirror available for your wet room. If you're going for a modern wet room you can even get mirrors with music, LED lighting and heating systems installed. And chic more round mirrors are also available if modern isn't the look you want. They create the illusion of a bigger wet room too, so you can create the feeling of more space without the cost. 

Bathshack recommends

Mosca LED mirror  

The Mosca mirror is equipped with LED lights that will provide you with perfect illumination even on gloomy mornings. This mirror also has built-in demister pads meaning you won’t have to wipe your mirror down after a hot shower.  

Pegella LED Mirror 

The Pegella mirror offers a modern look that would look stunning in many wet room designs. With a beautiful ambient effect and high-quality build this mirror is both a bathroom staple and a design statement.

      

Saturn Single Door Mirrored Cabinet 

The Saturn mirrored cabinet is a perfect way to add extra storage to your space and is a beneficial addition to smaller wet rooms. This cabinet is equipped with soft close hinges and adjustable glass shelves for ease of use.  

If you’re struggling to design your bathroom we have got you covered. The Bathshack team have created an easy to use bathroom planning tool that will help you visualise your thoughts.