How to Turn Your Bathroom into a Wet Room

I always dreamed of a spacious, spa-like bathroom, but the thought of a full renovation was daunting. Then I discovered wet rooms. The idea was to create a space where I could simply rinse everything down and not worry about leaks or water damage. After some research, I decided for bathroom to wetroom conversion and it turned out to had a dramatic effect on functionality and look of the bathroom. 

In this blog, I will share with you everything that I learned along the way while turning the bathroom into a wet room.

How To Make a Wet Room ?

Here we have a step by step process of turning your bathroom into a wet room. 

Planning & Design

• Assess Your Space: Measuring the space is key for the right size wet room. You can start by measuring the length, height, and width of the area that you plan to convert into a wet room. Moreover, check if your bathroom floor can handle the weight of the wet room, especially if you’re adding heavy tiles or a large shower area. Evaluate the existing plumbing. If the drain needs to be moved, this will add to the complexity and cost. Wet rooms work well in both small and large spaces, but proper drainage and waterproofing are critical in smaller areas.

• Design the Layout: Once you are done with measurements, and next step is to decide if you want a fully open shower or a semi-enclosed one with a glass panel. Think about a drain, as you will have to decide between a linear drain (which runs along one edge) or a point drain (a single outlet). Linear drains are more modern and can be placed anywhere in the room. Additionally, you will also need to plan the placement of the fixtures, such as the toilet, sink, and storage, to ensure the functionality and spacious feel of the bathroom.

• Check Building Regulations: Consider how you would waterproof the wet rooms to prevent leaks. Ensure the floor slope meets local codes to prevent water pooling. Does your bathroom have proper ventilation? If not, plan for an exhaust fan to prevent mould and mildew damage.  Does your local council in the UK allow you to make such changes without approval? Simply installing a wet room would not require any approval or building regulations control. If unsure, check this link and ensure you comply with the regulation. 

• Set a Budget: Identify each item you will need for the wet room, such as waterproofing kits, tiles, and fixtures, and set aside a budget for each item. Are you hiring a plumber for fitting? Think about the labour costs, especially for changes in plumbing (if required) and tiling. Add an additional 10-15% budget for unexpected costs. Creating a timeline for each renovation task will help you stay on track.

Preparations

If it is a complete bathroom renovation, remove all the existing fixtures, including tiles, flooring, and any other items in the bathroom. Wear protective gear and tools like a crowbar and hammer when working. Once removed, inspect the subfloor for any visible damages. If needs replace or repair the damaged part before proceeding. Additionally, use a self-leveling compound to create a smooth, even surface. This is crucial for proper drainage.

Waterproofing & Tiling

Next, you must waterproof the wet room area to prevent leaks and water damage. We recommend using a liquid membrane for easier application and a seamless barrier. 

• Apply the membrane to the floor and walls using a roller or brush. Pay extra attention to the corners, joints, and around the drain. 

• Once dry, you can begin tilling the walls and floors using adhesive and grout. 

• You will need to ensure the tiles are laid with a slight gradient towards the drain for proper water flow. If using wet room panels, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Accessibility, Heating, and Lighting

• Wet rooms are not enclosed spaces and do not have shower doors. Therefore, they are considered to be more accessible than traditional bathrooms. If necessary, features like grab rails can further enhance accessibility. 

• While there are a variety of bathroom heating options available for wet rooms, we recommend underfloor heating due to its efficiency and quick heating. Other options include heated towel rails and radiators. 

• You should plan the lighting for the wet room after considering the availability of natural light. You will need to ensure adequate illumination while creating a relaxing ambiance. To lit the shower area, use IP-rated LED lights. You may also add ceiling lights or wall scones as an ambient lighting source.

Fixture Installation & Finishing

• The next step is installing the fixtures such as the shower, toilet, sink, vanity unit cabinet, and any other bathroom fixtures. This may also include installing shower jets/ thermostatic valves and shower heads. All the fixtures should be properly sealed to avoid getting damaged due to a humidity environment. 

• If you are using a shower screen or enclosure, install it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Install accessories like towel rails, shelves, and storage. 

• Does the wet room need electric work to make the light or heated towel rail functional? Before proceeding, hire a qualified electrician. 

• Ensure ventilation by installing the extractor fan (vending outside) near the shower area to remove excess moisture. 

Ending Thoughts

By following the tips provided in this blog, you can convert your bathroom into a beautiful, functional, and safe wet room. While planning and installing a wet room requires in-depth knowledge of the space, layout, and fixture placements, this guide will help you with basic information to start the process. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced professional before the start bathroom to wetroom project to ensure everything you plan is correct and will fit as per expectations.