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Bathrooms are an essential part of every home, and with changing design trends, homeowners are increasingly leaning towards practical yet stylish spaces that reflect comfort, accessibility, and aesthetics. Wet room installation trends have become really popular. Whether you’re looking to increase accessibility, future-proof your home or simply want to create a luxury spa-like space, a wet room is an innovative solution.
A wet room is a stylish and open-plan showering area, removing the need for bulky enclosures and traditional shower trays. But is the wet room right for you? In this guide, we cover everything you should know about wet rooms, their benefits, and their practical considerations, which make them worthwhile investments.
What Are Wet Rooms?
A wet room is a fully tanked (waterproofed) bathroom where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor, so you don’t have a traditional shower tray or enclosure. A gentle slope on the floor aids drainage as water can run off without pooling. Wet rooms are often thought to belong to the high-end, modern builds and aesthetic designs. Still, in a more likely turn, they are becoming the go-to bathroom design for those seeking an open, spacious and accessible bathroom environment.
Wet rooms are suitable for bathrooms of any size, from small en-suites to large master bathrooms. Their open design and waterproofing make them especially useful for those with mobility issues, as it allow easy access without the obstructions of steps or enclosures.
8 Reasons Why a Wet Room is a Great Choice
If you remain unconvinced, here are eight compelling reasons a wet room is an excellent choice for a bathroom — offering style, accessibility and long-term ease.
Enhanced Accessibility for All
Wet rooms are inherently designed for easy accessibility. This makes them an excellent choice for households that have diverse needs. They have a level floor, thereby putting an end to tripping issues. They are unlike traditional bathrooms, which usually require stepping into a shower cubicle or bathtub. This will make them particularly beneficial for seniors, children and individuals with limited mobility. Wet rooms are a smart investment for those who are planning to age in place. They have a universally accessible design. This ensures long-term usability without the need for expensive renovations later.
Adds Contemporary and Modern Aesthetic
Wet rooms are synonymous with glossy and contemporary design. They are the simple trend that has taken over modern interiors. They emphasise clean lines, open spaces and simplicity. The modern and lifetime aesthetic of wet rooms ensures that your bathroom remains on-trend for years to come. Their simple and uncluttered design will effortlessly complement every interior style.
Futureproofing for Changing Mobility Needs
If you have a progressive condition or if you plan to live long-term in your home, a wet room is a future-proof solution. Unlike traditional showers or baths that require getting in and out, wet rooms are safe, adaptable options that can grow with changing mobility needs over time. Additional features can be added to increase safety and convenience, too, like grab bars and non-slip flooring as well as built-in seating for maximum functionality and style.
Maximizes Space, Even in Small Bathrooms
Another significant advantage of a wet room is its ability to magnify space. It makes it an ideal solution for all sizes of bathrooms. In small bathrooms, a wet room ends the need for bulky shower enclosures, curtains or separate bathtubs. Wet rooms make the space feel large and less occupied. They do this by creating an absolute and open layout. A wet room will give a luxurious touch to large bathrooms as well. It allows for spacious, walk-in shower areas or even dual showers, creating a spa-like experience.
Increases Property Value
A wet room can be a significant selling point for potential buyers. This will give aesthetic and functional value to your property. The glossy design and spa-like ambiance of a wet room are highly appealing. This is particularly for buyers who value modern aesthetics and innovative spaces. You should convert one into a wet room for versatility if you have a home with multiple bathrooms. It will cater to diverse preferences. Wet rooms stand out in the real estate market. This is especially in urban areas where efficient use of space is highly valued. A well-designed wet room signals thoughtful planning and attention to detail. This will also increase the appeal of your home.
Hygienic and Easy to Clean
The open-plan nature of a wet room makes cleaning much easier than traditional bathrooms. It is so easy to maintain a wet room because it has no shower doors, enclosures, or curtains to scrub. The waterproofed walls and floors can be wiped down quickly, and the absence of nooks and crannies minimises the accumulation of grime and mold. Wet rooms are designed with high-quality, waterproof materials that will withstand constant exposure to water. This durability ensures that your bathroom remains functional and visually appealing for years with minimal upkeep. A perfect wet room features efficient drainage systems that prevent water from pooling. Linear or central drains with easy-to-remove grates make cleaning and maintenance even more straightforward.
Waterproofing Prevents Water Damage
The most significant benefit of wet rooms is a complete waterproofing system — tanking. This ensures that floors and walls have a membrane that prevents water from migrating to other house areas. Traditional bathrooms have a problem with moisture build-up that, over the years, leads to dampness and structural damage. A professionally installed wet room removes this risk and, therefore, protects the integrity of your home.
Customizable to Personal Needs
A wet room provides a tremendous amount of flexibility for design and customisation. Flooring can be done from a range of options, including anti-slip tiles for added safety. Built-in seating, rainfall showerheads, heated flooring, grab rails and smart technology are just a few of the features that can be integrated for a customised, comforting and practical bathing system.
Important Considerations Before Installing a Wet Room
There are several advantages to wet rooms, but there are also some practical things to consider before installation:
Proper Drainage: This ensures proper drainage so that you do not get water pooling in areas. The floor should slope slightly toward the drain-to-drain water properly.
Waterproofing (Tanking): Make sure to hire professionals so they can install a waterproof membrane and prevent leaks and long-term water damage.
Ventilation: Due to this increase in steam production, adequate ventilation is essential to damp- and moisture-proof the room.
Underfloor heating: Since wet rooms do not have shower trays, when installing this kind of shower, consider underfloor heating, which will help keep the space warm and dry, lowering the risk of slippery floors.
Possible Spray Issues: A glass screen in small bathrooms can keep water spray contained and dry the rest of the bathroom.
Professional installation: Waterproofing and drainage can get technical, so hire a professional for longevity and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
A wet room isn’t just a stylish bathroom upgrade, it’s a practical, accessible and future-proofed solution that can make day-to-day life easier and more comfortable. From designing a luxurious spa-like retreat, preparing for evolving mobility needs or simply aiming for maximum use of your bathroom space, a wet room provides various benefits. A well-planned, properly installed and well-designed space with these considerations means that your bathroom can become a contemporary and amazingly practical wet room that adds value to your property.
However, if you want to install a wet room, you can check with professionals to make sure that you do it in the best possible way. With the right combination of design, materials, and expert craftsmanship, your wet room can be a practical yet striking addition to your home that stands the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wet room better than a bathroom?
A wet room has a more open and accessible design and is ideal for those with mobility issues as well as small-space solutions. Traditional bathrooms, however, might be more suitable if you enjoy a bath or if you wish to maintain separate dry areas.
Why would someone need a wet room?
If you or someone in your family has limited mobility or needs assisted bathing, a wet room could well be the ideal solution. Also ideal for contemporary houses and smaller restrooms, they add a handsome, practical solution.
Why are wet rooms so expensive?
Wet rooms are also more expensive as they require a waterproofing process (tanking), specialized drainage systems and professional installation. In the long run, the investment is worth it if you consider the durability and added value of the property.
How do you make a wet room look nice?
A wet room can look just as good as any other bathroom if you use good quality tiles or statement fixtures, underfloor heating, and stylish storage/lighting. Glass partitions and clever storage solutions also create a sleek, modern appearance.
Can wet rooms leak?
Wet rooms are prone to leaking if they are not installed correctly, and this can cause some serious water damage. Working with reputable contractors for waterproofing (tanking) and drainage installation helps eliminate this risk.
How to seal a wet room?
Unlike a regular bathroom, where you only need to use waterproofing on the shower floor, wet rooms require tanking of the entire floor and walls with waterproof membranes, plus correct drainage for the room, high-end grout and sealants to prevent leaks.
