At its simplest, a wet room is just that, a totally watertight room with a shower.
Designs vary enormously, and some wet rooms do contain screens and shower trays. However, many are free from any sort of enclosure or cubicle. Instead, they’re entirely open and fully watertight throughout.
The advantage of a wet room without any tray or enclosure is that it can be formed from a small or unusually shaped space. Because it doesn’t need to conform to a structure, it can be created to fill the most awkward of angles.
There’s no required minimum or maximum size for a wet room. This makes them an ideal solution for otherwise unusable areas. Wet rooms have been built in under stair cupboards and loft conversions.
Why choose a wet room
Not only are they easy to clean and maintain, wet rooms are also highly convenient. They’re perfect for anyone with a mobility problem, and they also offer straightforward access for children. Wet rooms can add value to a house, although perhaps not at the expense of removing a bath.
A wet room can be as compact or as spacious as you choose. You can turn a large bathroom into a wet room, complete with shower, basin and toilet. It’s not as advisable to change a tiny bathroom into a wet room as everything, including towels and toilet roll, will end up getting wet.
The main benefit of a wet room is that it can make the most of an impractical area where it’s impossible to create an entire second bathroom. Rather than trying to squeeze all your bathroom components into a cramped space, just focus on creating a luxurious shower room.
Call in the professionals
Clearly, creating a totally watertight environment is the main priority in constructing a wet room.
Floor and wall tiles must be properly grouted; though this does not make them completely watertight. A tanking system must be applied beneath them, and there are several ways to tackle this. Laying a membrane before tiling integrates the walls with the floor, providing a continuous water-resistant layer. A concealed sunken tray that can be tiled and sealed is another option.
Designing and installing a wet room should be done by professionals. The floor of the wet room needs to be subtly styled so it has a gradient that channels water to drain away. Ventilation must also be taken into consideration. Extractor fans are vital to reduce humidity and stop mildew forming.
Sleek and stylish wet room designs
Wet rooms naturally have a contemporary feel due to their streamlined and open plan design. Work with this in mind when you choose tiles. And remember, tiles can cover a multitude of sins. Ignore what the walls are like now and try to imagine them fully tiled from ceiling to floor.
There are a wide variety of wet room tiles to choose from. Ceramic, porcelain, even glass tiles can be used to conjure up every type of image, from a Mediterranean mosaic pattern to a recreation of a Grecian temple. As well as looking good, your tiles should also be slip-resistant.
Natural stone is a popular choice as it never dates and gives a classically elegant appearance. The other benefit of natural stone is that it has a riven texture, which provides surface grip. Tiles are the most essential element in any wet room design as they are generally used throughout.
In summary, wet rooms are great for transforming an odd space into a practical and stylish feature. They not only add value to a property, they also change a functional shower into a luxurious experience.