What is a Wet Room in a House?

Do you know what is a wet room in a house? It is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area is at the same level as the floor, allowing water to drain through a sloped floor. The walls and floor are sealed with a membrane to prevent water damage.

While the shower area is open, many people choose to add a glass screen to prevent water from splashing outside. Wet rooms are especially practical for small spaces or for those with mobility issues. This modern bathroom design has grown in popularity as a sleek, space-saving alternative to traditional setups.

Comparing Wet Rooms, Shower Rooms, and Walk-In Showers: Key Differences

Feature	Wet Room	Shower Room	Walk-In Shower
Floor Level	Flush and level to the floor	Raised shower tray	Low-level shower tray installed into the floor
Design Aesthetic	Minimalist, contemporary space with clean lines	Modern alternative, but more enclosed	Independent area with glass screens or doors
Water Drainage	Water flows down a drain in the floor	Water contained within the raised tray	Water drains into the shower tray
Waterproofing	Entire room is waterproofed (walls, floors, fixtures)	Limited waterproofing around the shower area	Only the shower area is waterproof; rest of the room isn’t
Accessibility	Ideal for low mobility, seamless experience	May not accommodate all mobility needs	More like a cubicle, not as accessible for everyone
Space Utilization	Creates a more spacious feel with consistent tiling	More compartmentalized, can feel smaller	Independent area may limit overall space
Style	Stylish, seamless modern solution	Standard shower option, less contemporary	Functional but can feel enclosed

Planning a Wet Room – Key Considerations

When it comes to planning your wet room, keep these important factors in mind:

Location Matters

Consider where you want your wet room. If it’s upstairs, check your home’s drainage to ensure it can handle the extra water.

Minimalist Design

Most homeowners prefer a sleek, minimalist style. Chrome finishes or bold black brassware can add a modern touch.

Hidden Fixtures

Incorporate hidden fixtures and piping to enhance the spacious feel of the bathroom while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.

Drainage Gradient

A wet room functions like one large shower, so it requires a subtly sloped floor for efficient water drainage.

Waterproofing Requirements

Seal the floor and at least 20cm of the walls with a waterproof membrane, which is typically hidden under tiles to prevent leaks.

Extensive Renovation

Converting any bathroom into a wet room involves considerable work, so be prepared for a complex renovation process.

Underfloor Heating

Consider installing electric or piped underfloor heating to help dry the wet room quickly after use.

Ventilation is Key

Proper ventilation is essential to manage condensation and prevent damp issues, keeping the space comfortable and fresh.

Pros and Cons of a Wet Room?

The Pros

Here are some pros of choosing a wet room:

Stylish and Modern: Homeowners are increasingly converting outdated bathrooms into sleek wet rooms with walk-in showers. This design not only enhances the sense of space but also creates a luxurious atmosphere.

Adds Value to Your Home: A wet room can boost your home’s value, adding around 5% as buyers increasingly look for modern features like this. These stylish spaces help prevent water damage by keeping moisture contained and directing it to a central drain. This makes wet rooms attractive, especially when you have another traditional bathroom in the house.

Easy to Clean and Maintain: Wet rooms are easy to clean thanks to their simple design. With fewer features to manage, you can quickly tidy up and enjoy your shower. Regular household cleaners work well to keep the space disinfected and mold-free.

Great Accessibility for the Whole Family: Wet rooms are ideal for everyone, especially those with mobility issues, as the shower area is level with the rest of the room. This inclusive design allows easy access for all ages and abilities, making it simple to walk in and out without a shower tray. The slip-resistant floor enhances safety, providing a liberating bathing experience for those who may struggle with traditional showers or baths.

Improved Design Flexibility: Wet rooms give you the freedom to design a space that fits any size or shape in your home. By removing the bath and bulky shower doors, you create a more open feel. Their simple style allows for different materials like wood, stone, and concrete, so you can be creative. This stylish look adds a striking touch to your home.

Can Be Installed Anywhere: Wet rooms are flexible and can be installed on any floor, whether timber or concrete. They need less maintenance than traditional bathrooms and offer better water drainage. Often mistaken as unsuitable for upstairs, they can easily fit in loft conversions and other spaces, making them a stylish choice for any home.

Affordability: Wetrooms are now more accessible and affordable than ever. With innovations like CCL Wetrooms’ Modular Wet-Floor System, you can easily install a walk-in shower or wetroom in any bathroom size without breaking the bank.

Improves Space Usage: Wetrooms are perfect for maximizing space, even in small bathrooms. By replacing a bulky bath or shower enclosure with a sleek shower, you create a more open and tranquil environment. This design not only enhances the room’s appearance but also makes it feel larger and more inviting.

Wet Room Drain Systems: Wetrooms use a flush drain system with a sloped floor to direct water into the drain. This design keeps everything waterproof, ensuring no leaks. With modern technology, you can trust that your wetroom will be completely watertight. Experts like Wetrooms UK provide reliable installations for peace of mind.

The Cons

Most of the points discussed fall under the cons of a wet room. They highlight challenges such as:

Wet Bathroom After Showering: Without proper sectioning, the entire bathroom can become wet, which can be inconvenient for guests.

Cost and Waterproofing: Installing a wet room can be costly due to the need for full tiling and extensive waterproofing.

Ventilation and Vanity Limitations: Adequate ventilation is necessary, and moisture exposure may limit vanity design options.

Moisture Spread: Everything in the wet room can get wet, which can be bothersome.

Property Resale Concerns: Some buyers may be put off by the lack of a bathtub, particularly in the main bathroom.

While these challenges exist, modern design strategies, such as incorporating a bath and enhancing ventilation, can help address them.

Additionally, while wet rooms can get steamy and damp, good ventilation and extractor fans can mitigate this issue. The tanking process ensures walls and floors are waterproof, preventing moisture from spreading to other areas of the house. Lastly, the use of slip-resistant tiles makes wet room floors safer than traditional bathroom floors, debunking the myth that they are slippery.

Materials and Considerations for a Wet Room

Choosing the right materials for walls and flooring is crucial for creating a watertight wet room. You’ll need suitable wall and floor matting to ensure a sealed environment. Essential items include:

Waterproof boards
Shower trays
Installation kits
Pipe collars
Tiles
Joint tape for added protection

For fixtures like toilets, sinks, and showers, there’s no need for specialized items, but tiles must be non-porous. While slate or marble tiles can work, they require regular sealing to prevent damage. Opt for non-slip tiles specifically designed for bathrooms. Additionally, many wet rooms incorporate underfloor heating, eliminating the need for bulky radiators and helping to keep the floor dry.

Costs of Installing a Wet Room

High-quality wet rooms can be a worthwhile investment, typically starting around £5,000, with final costs depending on size and design complexity. Floor and wall tiles generally cost about £50 per square meter, so it’s essential to factor this into your budget. Having a wet room can add roughly £10,000 to your property’s value, making it a financially savvy choice.

What is a wet room in a house, defined as a fully waterproofed bathroom with a level floor and integrated drainage, offers both style and functionality. Installation is not a DIY project; hiring a qualified plumber or installer is crucial, as the complexity of wet room fittings often results in higher labor costs. On average, expect to budget between £6,000 and £12,000, with prices varying based on location, bathroom size, and material quality. Proper research and planning are key to ensuring a successful wet room installation.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding **what is a wet room in a house** reveals a modern bathroom solution that offers numerous benefits. From enhancing the value of your home and improving accessibility to providing design flexibility and ease of cleaning, wet rooms are appealing to many homeowners.

However, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks, such as the challenges of keeping the entire space dry, the costs involved in installation, and the need for effective ventilation. By thoughtfully addressing these issues, wet rooms can serve as stylish, functional spaces that meet the needs of all family members