Wet room

The home decoration industry never stops to surprise us with changing and exciting new trends that suit every budget.  The wet room has become increasingly popular in recent years, and luxury designs are becoming more affordable. 

What is a Wet room?

A wet room is a specifically constructed bathroom that is totally waterproof. The shower area is at the same floor level as the rest of the room. They suit all households and can be particularly beneficial to those with mobility issues as the floor is the same level and the shower is open. 

The water drains away into a "flush drain" that is usually set within the shower.  

Most wet rooms are tiled from ceiling to floor to prevent the problem of water leaks. They also feature a "flush drain" that complements the open plan of a wet room and does not require a separate shower area. Some families prefer to opt for a glass screen or tiled wall to prevent water from splashing outside the shower area.

Other benefits of a wet room is having a larger space to shower but also cleaning - as there are no doors or steps into the shower - hygiene is much easier to maintain with the floor to ceiling tiling. 

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Why do people like wet rooms?

Firstly,  wet rooms are becoming more popular because they take up less space, which makes them a suitable option for a smaller bathroom.

They are also considered a more elegant variant compared to the traditional shower space. So, if you prefer modern design in your bathroom, this is a great option. The market is flooded with fantastic design options these days to suit all tastes and budgets. 

Is my home appropriate?

Wet rooms can be added in most homes, including small and large bathrooms, upstairs bathrooms, regardless of whether it has timber or a concrete floor.

Do I need permission?

Typically, the conversion process will not involve obtaining any permission from the council. Still, in some cases where specific structural changes, or changes to the drainage system are required or if you're in a listing building, building regulations may need to be considered.

Installation

This is not a good weekend DIY project. Trust us. Mainly because you will need to 'tank' your entire bathroom to make it completely waterproof. Tanking will create a very important waterproof barrier between the top layer (tiling) and the wall. This means that water will not be able to escape downwards, thus stopping water damage and serious leakage to the rooms below. Water damage is serious in houses. It can escape through the tiniest of spaces and it's often difficult to locate. The risks are just not worth it in your home.    

Benefits of a wet room

 A well designed and correctly installed wet room can add value to your property. However a badly installed wet room will seriously damage the value of your property as it will take a lot of money to fix. 

Wet rooms can give a unique advantage when it comes to design.  There is a growing interest in open-plan life, because it creates the illusion of a larger space that gives you a sense of luxury.

Wet rooms are great for families with young children, family members with limited mobility and everyone in between! 

There are many fantastic design options on the market for wet rooms. You can start planning your design at any time and there is something to suit every budget and space. 

The standard requirement of a correctly installed wet room is that it is completely waterproof so you can be assured that your home will not suffer any water damage due to leaks. Standard bathrooms can sometimes weaken with age and need replacing more often due to damage to the surrounding walls and floors.  

Wet rooms have clean, minimal lines and fewer items attached to its surface. This makes cleaning more manageable, which means a cleaner space. That's got to be a bonus, right?

Although the initial designs of wet rooms were a bit expensive when they were first introduced, newer models offer much more affordable options meaning that you can easily add that touch of luxury to your home. 

 Make sure you look at the warranty of the bathroom design you choose. Wet rooms are generally available with significant warranty periods, which ensures good value for money. However warranty periods may differ from one brand to another.

Are there any cons of installing a wet room?

Of course, there are! There are always pros and cons to everything, right? Wet rooms are generally more expensive to install than a standard bathroom, but they could last longer. But then does this mean they'll go out of fashion? When it comes to tiling natural stone looks gorgeous in the bathroom; however, it is a porous material and will absorb moisture. Opt for ceramics or similar materials because they are less absorbent. 

The best advice we can give you….get advice!  

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