Wet room vs shower enclosure: Which is right for you?

If you enjoy a shower, then there are lots of options when it comes to creating the ideal space for this in your bathroom. From corner and double showers to walk-in styles and closed enclosures, there’s lots to choose from, depending on your space and preference. There’s also the option of creating a dedicated wet room – or a small wet room area – within your bathroom, which is increasingly popular amongst homeowners.

If you’re struggling to decide how to design your shower space, then the following blog will provide an overview of wet rooms versus the more traditional shower enclosure and tray format. So, if you’re in need of clarity and a little inspiration, read to the end to find out more.

Wet rooms offer the option of a more accessible walk-in shower - with added wow factor.

Why choose a wet room?

For those who love showers, the wet room style is definitely something worth considering – and you can even incorporate a wet room area within a smaller bathroom, so you don’t necessarily need lots of space to achieve the look.

With an open plan design and a minimalist aesthetic, wet rooms offer a more contemporary take on the traditional closed-in shower. A full wet room will often not even have a screen, as the entire space is fully waterproofed and sealed, with a separate drainage system in place. This offers a full walk-in experience and is ideal if you want an open, airy space without clutter or extra bathroom furniture.

There are many benefits to wet rooms, including:

• Accessibility: Due to their open plan format and, usually, the lack of wet room screens, wet rooms are more accessible, which is especially useful for people with mobility issues, as there are no ledges to step over or shower doors to open and close. You can also add seating in your wet room area, for added convenience.
• Easy maintenance: With fewer fixtures and fittings, wet rooms are much easier to clean, so they’re great if you want that extra convenience.
• More creative license: With a more open space to work with, wet rooms are like a blank canvas, so you can really get creative when it comes to tiling and other décor. As mentioned above, you can add in seating, use ambient lighting and go bold with the colours and textures you use, as everything is on full display.
• Wow factor: Having a wet room in your home adds a touch of luxury, so there’s a definite wow factor associated with them – and the aesthetic value is quite high, if you go down this route. They can therefore also increase the value of your property, as their increased accessibility makes them a more attractive option for people with children, older people and anyone with mobility issues.
• Space-saving: If you have a smaller property, then installing a wet room area means you can maximise the use of your available space without cluttering it with enclosures and furniture that will take up valuable space.

Wet rooms can be incorporated into bathrooms of all sizes, with the option of adding a screen.

If you’re considering installing a wet room then it’s also worth bearing in mind that you need to consider the flooring, otherwise it can be dangerous, with slippery tiles underfoot. Matt wet room trays or tiling is therefore best – and you’ll also need to factor in the associated costs for this, which might be higher.

There will, of course, be more water spillage with wet rooms – especially if you don’t have screens – so be aware of where other bathroom furniture is placed within the room, such as toilets and vanity units. You’ll also need to make sure a tanking kit is used before laying any flooring, to ensure that the space is fully waterproofed – and be conscious of the drainage, as poorly fitted drains can result in pooling water and issues further down the line.

Should you get a shower enclosure

If you prefer the style of a more traditional shower enclosure, complete with shower tray, then there are various advantages to this, primarily that it’s often a more affordable option and more straightforward to install. With lots of designs to choose from, shower enclosures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with something to suit all bathroom types.

Shower enclosures are quick and easy to install and a more afforadable option if you're on a budget.

Key benefits of installing a shower enclosure

• Affordability: As mentioned above, traditional shower enclosures are a more cost-effective option than wet rooms, as they don’t require full room waterproofing, so are therefore ideal if you’re on a budget.
• Easy installation: With no need to use a tanking kit for waterproofing the bathroom, you can simply select your preferred shower enclosure and then get it fitted, without much hassle.
• Variety of designs: From quadrant shower enclosures to those with bi-fold, sliding and hinged doors, there are a range of styles available, so you can choose the look best suited to your bathroom and style preferences.
• Better water containment: Due to their design, shower enclosures keep water contained within the shower tray, so it doesn’t spill over onto the floor or on bathroom furniture, as can be the case with wet rooms.
• Shower tray flexibility: As well as there being a variety of options for shower enclosures, there are also lots of different shower tray styles to choose from, so you can customise your shower as you wish.

Shower trays are available in a variety of designs, finishes and sizes.

Ultimately, your decision to settle on a wet room or a shower enclosure and tray design for your bathroom will depend on various things, including your budget, the specific requirements of your bathroom space and personal preference. If you like the idea of a more modern, open plan design and have the budget for full room waterproofing, then a wet room might be the right choice. However, if cost-effectiveness, water containment and ease of installation are more important to you, then a shower enclosure could be the better option.

At Bathshack, we supply a wide range of shower enclosures, wet room products and accessories, so whatever you decide is right for your home, we’ll have something to suit.

To view our full range of bathroom products, visit Bathshack.com and if you have any queries, just email us at info@bathshack.com, call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.