Wet rooms are gaining more popularity and are always a great space to add value to your home. Question is, how much do you know about designing and creating your very own wet space? Do not worry, we have some tips and tricks to help you out! You can check out these toilet ideas for even more great tips.
What exactly is a wet room? Well, a wet room is essentially a shower room with the exception of shower screens. This means that you have an open area that is fully tiled. As such, when it comes to a wet room, the majority of homeowners are able to have one for themselves. The only problem would be if your shower space is one that is relatively small. In that case, a screen would be recommended to ensure that the water does not get sprayed everywhere.
Unlike a traditional bathroom with a separate shower enclosure or bathtub, a wet room merges these distinct areas into one open space. It is completely waterproof as the floor and walls are carefully sealed to prevent leakage, creating a visually unified environment with minimal maintenance. This innovative design concept also incorporates a smart, slope floor that drains water away quickly, allowing for efficient water flow and preventing accidents caused by slippery surfaces.
Wet rooms are known for their versatility, as they can be customized with various fixtures, finishes, and features to match personal preferences and cater to individuals with limited mobility.
Some things to note when creating your wet room
Firstly, you have to ensure that the room is waterproof. This includes priming the floor, lower area of the walls, the water tank as well as the walls that surround the shower area. Once this is done, a syrupy membrane would be needed to cover all these areas. Only when this is done are you able to tile the floors.
As such, it is important to be aware of what type of materials can be used in a wet room. While tiles are usually the most popular option for both floor and wall coverage, you can also choose vinyl or Corian for the floor. You can also opt for ceramic or porcelain which will help prevent water damage.
Next, water drainage. To ensure that the wet room is able to drain water effectively, you should contact a professional to help with the installation of your wet room. The flooring of the wet room will then be built with a slight gradient along the flooring to ensure that the water will be able to drain into the channel.
The need for underfloor heating should also be considered. This is because it helps to ensure that the tiles are kept warm underfoot. At the same time, it dries the water from the floor as well.
Lastly, the layout of the wet room is also very important. In fact, it should be one of the first things decided upon when planning out your wet room. During this process, you will determine where the drain will be positioned. It is highly recommended that the drain be placed furthest away from the bathroom door. This is to ensure that water will not escape from the room. Also, use shower screens to design the perfect wet room.
When planning to create a wet room, it is essential to consider the needs and preferences of the people who will be using it. This space, should cater to its users while prioritizing safety, accessibility, and comfort. Be mindful of each individual’s age, mobility, and lifestyle, as well as the size of the household and how frequently the wet room will be in use. By paying close attention to these factors, you can effortlessly design a wet room that is both visually appealing and highly practical for everyone who is going to use it.
Decorating Your Wet Room
Besides all these technical issues, little things such as the decoration of the wet room should be considered beforehand as well. It is good to know what you would like to have in your wet room. For example, sanitaryware. In a wet room, it is sure to get wet from either condensation or splashes of water. As such, it is good to choose ceramics that can be mounted on the wall. Another thing to consider would be the shower fittings. Would you like there to be exposed or concealed shower valves? Think about how this would affect the overall aesthetics of your wet room.
The key to a successful wet room design is to embrace its unique features, such as the open shower area and water-resistant materials, while also bringing in design elements and color schemes that reflect your personal style.
Consider using non-slip tiles on the floor and walls in a bold pattern to create a striking visual impact, adding a touch of luxury with well-placed brass fixtures, and incorporating sophisticated shower heads or rainfall shower panels for a spa-like experience.
Don’t forget the importance of storage: sleek, built-in shelves or recessed niches can help keep clutter at bay and maintain the room’s streamlined appeal.
Should I Get A Wet Room?
If you are still on the fence about installing a wet room, here are some pros and cons for you to consider.
Pros
If you are someone who is looking to create a more spacious feel to your house, having a wet room when you have a small bathroom would help to create this effect. This is because the removal of the bath provides much more room. Additionally, in comparison to a typical shower room, wet rooms are easier to clean as there would be less of a mess to deal with. Next, the instalment of a wet room does add to the overall look of your house, creating a stylish and chic contemporary appearance. Lastly, if the flooring is done well, it will protect much better than a regular shower room.
Wet rooms are incredibly easy to maintain and clean due to their minimalistic design, which incorporates a seamless floor surface and waterproof materials. This not only diminishes the chance of water damage but also significantly reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Cons
The need to have the wet room tiled from floor to ceiling can be quite costly. This is even more so if you choose to line your wet room with porous stone tiles. These tiles will need to be resealed every few months. So if you are on a budget, you might want to give this a miss. Additionally, these tiles should be done by a professional which will cost you some money as well. If it is not done by one, it could end up leaking and causing even more damage. If your bathroom is small, having a wet room could be quite a hassle in terms of wetting your towels easily and having a soggy loo roll from the water. This would also mean that you have to be very clear about the slip rating of the materials you choose for the wet room. One suggestion would be mosaics as it gives a good amount of grip. Lastly, the switch to a wet room might deter potential buyers from purchasing your apartment if they prefer a shower tray.
Moreover, the extensive waterproofing measures necessary to protect your home from water damage and leaks can be a lengthy and complex process. Another concern is the lack of privacy compared to a traditional bathroom setup, as wet rooms are often more open and exposed.
You have to take into account that despite being easy to clean, since wet rooms are continuously exposed to moisture, so they require regular maintenance to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Price Of Installing Wet Rooms
Since we have mentioned how costly a wet room could be, allow us to share with you in more detail.
In general, installing a wet room would cost up to £10,000 with the range starting from £5,000. Not to mention, engaging professionals to help instal your wet room would cost more. This is especially so if the company provides you with certain ideas or presents you with a little extra here and there to make the wet room look complete.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the installation of a wet room is not a difficult task. Instead, it should be an easy process so long as time is taken to consider all the important factors mentioned earlier before the wet room is being created. From the position of drainage to the type of sanitaryware, these details should be carefully considered. Next, do make sure to always engage a professional to ensure that everything is done right to prevent any unnecessary damage being caused.