Want a wet room, but
not sure whether it will work in your home? Read on for the advantages and
disadvantages of wet rooms, along with some expert design tips
Wet rooms are
becoming more and more desirable, and they’re a great way to add value to your
home. But how exactly do you go about designing a wet room? We’ve put together
a handy guide with everything you need to know, from what tiles to choose to
specialist wet room companies you can contact about installation.
Can anyone have a wet room?
In theory, yes. Wet rooms are basically shower rooms that do
away with the shower screen and tray, and have an open, fully tiled shower
area. If your bathroom is on the small side you probably will need to include a
shower screen to prevent everything getting sprayed.
Water drainage
Installing a wet room is a job for the professionals,
as a gradient needs to be created along the floor to channel the shower
water into a drain and then the entire room needs to be tanked
(waterproofed).
The most common method for creating a gradient is to
install a sub-floor made from WBP Ply (a type of plywood), which is then
tiled over.
Another option is to install a ready-made sloping
shower former (a bit like a giant shower tray), which is also then tiled
over.
A final method is to use a giant preformed tray
(sometimes known as a Hi-Macs system) that slopes towards a drain, and can
be fitted across the entire floor without the need for tiling over.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing wet rooms involves priming the floor, the
lower section of the walls and the whole of the wall area around the shower and
then covering with a syrupy membrane. Once it’s set, the room is then
tiled.
It’s also worth raising the bathroom door threshold by about
5mm from the floor in case the room fills with water (if someone covers
the shower drain with a towel, for example). This will keep the water
contained.
Advantages of wet rooms
- Wet
rooms are super-stylish and perfect for creating a contemporary look.
- As a
second bathroom, a wet room can easily increase the value of your
home.
- Great
for small bathrooms – removing the bath creates loads more space.
- Wet
rooms are, in general, easier to clean. There’s no shower screen
or tray to worry about and if you go for a wall-hung sink and toilet,
it’s easier still.
- If
it’s done properly, your floor (the bit under the tiles) is better
protected than it would be in a standard bathroom.
Disadvantages of wet rooms
- In
small bathrooms, watch out for wet towels and loo roll caused
by spray from the shower.
- You’ll
need a professional fitter to waterproof the room – if it’s not done
properly, leaking water can cause damage.
- Wet
rooms should be tiled from floor to ceiling – and that’s expensive.
And if you go for porous stone tiles, they may need to be resealed
every few months, which is hard work.
- Swapping
a main bathroom for a wet room could make your home less saleable –
buyers want at least one bath.
How much will a wet room cost?
The cost of installing a wet room is usually
between £5,000 and £10,000. If you are paying a company to tank and
install a wet room, including floor-to-ceiling tiles, suite and shower, expect
to pay more. Retailers such as Victoria Plum and Wickes may offer you some ideas or can sell you those
little extras you need to complete your wet room.
What type of surface materials should I use in a wet
room?
Tiles are the most popular wall and floor covering, but
you can opt for sheet vinyl for the floor, or even Corian, which is a
seamless, non-porous material that is low-maintenance. Concrete and
tadelakt (a waterproof plaster from Morocco) will lend your wet room a rough
luxe look.
If you are going to use tiles, choose non-porous bathroom
tiles like ceramic or porcelain. Porous tiles, such as slate, marble
and limestone need sealing every few months to prevent water damage.
Only use floor tiles specifically for bathrooms on the floor so they
aren’t slippery.
Can I install underfloor heating?
Many fitters recommend installing underfloor heating as it
keeps the tiles warm underfoot and helps to dry out the water on the floor.
Wet room decorating ideas to consider before you start
Before you even think about getting the builders in, make
sure you have thought through every element of your wet room scheme. From
shelving to shower fittings, take your time in the planning stage to ensure
that everything will be just as you want it.
Pick your shower fittings
Decide whether or not you want shower valves to be exposed
or concealed. Exposed shower valves work well in a modern country scheme and
are also easier to install. But if you want a super-sleek look, a fixed
rainwater shower head with concealed pipework can’t be beaten. If you only
install a fixed shower head, it can be hard to avoid getting your hair wet –
annoying if you don’t shampoo every time, and they’re not terribly useful for
cleaning the shower. The best solution is to include a handheld shower as well.
Double up
Side-by-side showers are perfect for bathrooms designed for
sharing,’ says Jonathan Carter at Victoria & Albert Baths. ‘It’s often a
style you’ll find in luxury hotels and allows plenty of personal space while
making a bold statement. Try pairing with a freestanding tub to enjoy the best
of both worlds.’ In this en suite designed by American agency Acre Creative,
the floor has been raised and tanked, essentially creating a giant shower tray.
Choose sleek modern drainage
Longing for an invigorating power shower? Then you’ll need
to install a drain that can handle high water volumes efficiently. A
flush-fitting, channel-style drain collects water across its full width,
effectively preventing floods. Look for a drain with an easy access dirt trap
to help keep the water running freely.
Create a natural partition without glass
Many wet rooms have a glass panel for containing splashes,
but that’s not the only way to section off the shower part of your wet room. A
tiled partition wall is also a great way to stop water from flowing all over
the room, while providing the easy walk-in access that makes wet rooms so
popular.
Store well
Allocating a dedicated space for storing shampoo and soap
inside your shower area is essential. One of the smartest solutions is niche
shelving, which can be built into a stud wall at construction stage. Unlike
chrome racks and rails, niche storage doesn’t encroach on your showering space.
It’s important to tile the actual shelf on a slight gradient to prevent water
from pooling at the back. Add discreet waterproof lighting to softly
illuminate.
Useful contacts
It’s best to employ a specialist company rather than a
separate builder, plumber and tiler. The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist (sentricdesign.co.uk)
Important notes
Tiles and waterproof boards are water resistant, but if
you’re going to create a wet room you need to be 100% sure that the joints
between the tiles do not leak and cause damage to the fabric of your building.
In a wetroom, you’ll need a central drain in the floor for
the water to drain away, so you’ll need to be careful that this area is sealed
and watertight.
An alternative to tanking and tiling the walls in a wet room
is to use shower panels. These are uPVC panels that slot together into pre-formed
channels. They can be fitted to existing plastered walls, timber or steel
studwork, or stuck on top of tiled bathroom walls.
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