A wet room and a shower room both refer to areas that are dedicated to showering and bathing. The main difference between the two is in how the shower is installed. In a wet room, the shower is installed directly onto the floor, creating an open, fully-waterproofed space.
The shower area is completely open, with no enclosure or tiled walls. A shower room is a more traditional form of bathroom, with an enclosure for the shower area with walls of either glass or tiles. It also features a separate area for the sink and toilet.
In a wet room, all of the components are housed together in one room.
Another difference between wet rooms and shower rooms is in the materials used. Wet rooms usually require specialized waterproofing materials such as membranes and grouts to create the fully waterproofed open space, while shower rooms rely on standard bathroom tiles and fittings.
Finally, wet rooms require careful planning and construction to ensure that the space is completely waterproofed, while a shower room can be relatively easy to install.
How do I convert a shower to a wet room?
Converting a shower to a wet room involves a few key steps:
1. Prep the Room: As with any home construction project, it’s important to start with the proper preparation. This includes clearing the room of any unwanted items and ensuring the space is clean and dry.
It’s also important to turn off the water supply to the room, as well as draining any existing water pipes.
2. Install the Drains: The main component of a wet room is the drains and associated pipework. These need to be installed to ensure the water is properly disposed of. This installation will likely involve cutting into the existing floor, so it’s important to determine the precise locations of the drains first.
Once the drains are in place and the plumbing is connected, a waterproof membrane should be installed to protect the surrounding area.
3. Install the Floor Tiles: Once the drainage system is all set, it’s time to start tile installation. The tile choice is largely a personal choice, with ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles all being suitable for wet room applications.
Install the tiles directly onto the waterproof membrane and grout them with appropriate waterproof grout.
4. Add Accessories: Once the tiling is done and the room is given a proper seal, additional accessories can be added to the room. This includes adding grab bars, a seating area, a storage niche, and other items as needed.
5. Finish the Room: Lastly, it’s time to give the room a good clean, ensuring all the grout lines are clear of debris and the walls are free of stains. Once the cleaning is complete, any necessary sealants can be applied for further protection.
With the above steps complete, you’ll have a fully functional wet room, ready for use.
How do you install a wet room tray?
Installing a wet room tray is a fairly simple and straightforward process. To begin, you will need to remove any existing fixtures such as baths, showers, or base units. Once the clearance is clear, it’s time to measure and layout the tray.
It’s important to ensure the tray provides enough coverage for your whole room and that it fits in the allocated space precisely.
Once you have decided on the correct size and placement, you will need to begin leveling the wet room tray. Make sure that the entire tray is level and secure any brackets if needed. You can check the level by using a spirit level and, if necessary, use a damp-resistant tile adhesive for the tray or you can use a flexible sealer where specified.
Next, you should fit the waterproofing membrane. This is essential to prevent any moisture seepage into floor joists. Be sure to double check any joints, around the cove corners and where any pipe work is going into the tray in order to secure the waterproofing membrane.
Once secured, it’s time to finish off the wet room tray by installing any pumps and drain lines that are necessary. Check to make sure the pipe work is firmly secured, ensuring everything has been safely and fully connected.
Once everything has been fitted, the last job is to put the finished trays and the tiled floor into position. Finally, you can check that everything is in the correct place and is secure before you start using your wet room tray.
Is wet room more expensive than shower tray?
Yes, a wet room is generally more expensive than a shower tray, since a wet room requires a lot more work to create and maintain. A wet room requires a total remodel and waterproofing as it has walls and floors that are tiled and waterproofed.
This requires extensive labor and cost, whereas a shower tray simply requires tile and grout and can be more cost affordable. Additionally, in a wet room, you need to install a drain which will require more labour and materials.
Moreover, the waterproofing materials used in a wet room are more expensive than other materials used in a shower tray. All in all, a wet room is more expensive than a shower tray due to the extra labour and materials required.
Can you have a toilet in a wet room?
Yes, you can have a toilet in a wet room. Wet rooms are designed to be waterproof, so the toilet does not need to be separately enclosed. It can be installed in the corner of the room, and it can be fitted with a floor drain to keep the area dry.
The toilet should be installed on top of a waterproof membrane, or it can be mounted to the wall. While a wall-hung toilet may look nice, they are more expensive and are more complicated to install. The toilet should be fitted with a siphonic flush, as other flushing mechanisms may not be suitable for wet rooms.
The toilet will also require plumbing modifications, so it is important to work with a professional to ensure that the setup is safe.
What are the pros and cons of a wet room?
Pros:
1. Wet rooms are easy to clean and maintain, as they have less grout lines and crevices to clean than traditional tiled bathrooms.
2. Wet rooms are great for people with mobility issues, as they have a seamless floor surface with no steps to contend with.
3. Wet rooms are a great way to introduce a modern and minimalist design to your home.
4. Wet rooms are perfect for small bathrooms and en-suites, as they allow for more space, which can be used for other features such as a walk-in shower.
Cons:
1. Wet rooms can be quite expensive compared to traditional tiled bathrooms.
2. Due to the lack of surface area and the possibility of leakage, water damage can become an issue.
3. There is a risk of increased condensation and mold growth due to the constant moisture in a wet room.
4. Proper ventilation is required to avoid moisture build-up and water damage.
What is classed as a wet room?
A wet room is a room designed to be used for bathing and showering, typically with the main shower area being at floor level with the shower water draining away through a shower drain in the floor. Wet rooms are often referred to as wet spaces or wet area showers, depending on the size and complexity of the space.
Wet rooms can be created in any room, from a small ensuite to a large bathroom with multiple shower systems.
A wet room design usually includes waterproofing and tiling of the walls and floors, a shower or shower area, a shower enclosure, shower fixtures and controls, a shower drain or trench drain, and wet room accessories such as shower benches or benches.
Wet rooms should be well ventilated, especially if the room is used for steam showering or other wet activities. Lighting and mirrors may also be installed in the wet room. Depending on the design, some wet rooms may also include storage space, seating, and other features to enhance the bathing or showering experience.
Do you need a shower screen in a wet room?
Yes, a shower screen is generally recommended in a wet room. A shower screen helps to contain water within the shower area, thus minimising the risk of water damage to other areas of the bathroom. It also helps to improve the aesthetics of the wet room, as it prevents water droplets from splashing out of the shower area.
Additionally, a shower screen can help to protect your bathroom from steam, and create a more unified look in an open plan wet room, providing a seamless blend of all elements within the bathroom space.
When choosing a shower screen, ensure that all sharp edges are adequately covered or padded, so as not to cause any injury. Also, be sure to select a product that is designed specifically for wet rooms, and is suitable for the kind of environment your bathroom has.
What type of floor is for a wet room?
A wet room is a special type of bathroom that is completely waterproofed and provides a space-maximizing solution for any size bathroom. The floor of a wet room should be waterproofed to prevent water damage and leaks, and should ideally be made of materials like natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, or any other non-porous surface.
Non-slip coatings can also be applied to the surface of the wet room floor in order to prevent slips and falls.
Do you need special flooring for wet room?
Yes, wet rooms require special flooring considerations since they need to be waterproof to protect against potential water or moisture damage. Wet room floors are typically made of a specialized waterproof material called Aquadeck, which comes in a wide variety of colors and styles so you can customize the look of your room.
Aquadeck is a composite material that combines a base of compressed wood chips and bonding agents with a waterproof coating. It is an ideal material for wet rooms as it is resistant to water damage, mold, mildew, and stains, and is also slip-resistant.
Additionally, the special surface requires no grouting which further helps the wet room stay waterproof. Such as vinyl and ceramic tiles, but Aquadeck remains a popular choice due to its durability and versatility.
Can you put a wet room on a wooden floor?
Yes, you can put a wet room on a wooden floor, but there are a few considerations to take into account before you do so. Firstly, the wood should be adequately sealed and waterproofed, especially since the wet room will constantly be exposed to moisture.
Depending on the type of wood, you may need to seal it with a waterproofing product. Additionally, you should ensure that the floor is level and that any gaps are filled in with a flexible sealant. The floor should also be covered with an appropriate vapor barrier such as vapor barrier paint or an equivalent.
Finally, you should consider installing a waterproof membrane on the floor before laying down the tiles. This membrane should be up to the job of protecting the wooden floor from water seepage or damage.
If done correctly and with the right materials, it is possible to have a wet room on a wooden floor.
Can wet room flooring be replaced?
Yes, wet room flooring can be replaced if necessary. Replacing wetroom flooring is not a difficult job, and can usually be completed in a day or two. Depending on the type of wet room flooring you have, you may need to remove the base coat and adhesive, before installation of new flooring.
If you’re removing tiles, you may need to take extra care when removing them so that you don’t cause any damage to the walls or ceiling. If you have a PVC floor system, the tiles can be taken up and replaced without the need for additional preparation work.
When replacing wetroom flooring, it’s important to make sure that the new flooring is installed correctly and that it is the correct size and thickness. Make sure that the floor is level and that any joints or corners are correctly sealed.
It’s also good practice to apply a sealant over the top of the newly installed flooring to ensure it remains water-resistant.
If you’re unsure about replacing wetroom flooring, it’s best to consult a professional flooring specialist. They can provide advice on the best type of flooring for your wetroom, and will be able to carry out the work to ensure it is completed correctly.
Are wet room floors slippery?
Yes, wet room floors can be slippery. Usually wet rooms have a special non-slip coating on the floor to help reduce the potential for slipping. However, it’s still important to use caution when walking in wet rooms as floors can still become slippery with soapy water or cleaning products.
Additionally, most wet room floors are made from tiles which can be very slippery even when dry. If you’re concerned about slipping, we recommend wearing non-slip shoes in your wet room and making sure that any liquids or soaps are quickly wiped up.
In some cases, you may also want to consider using anti-slip tape on the floors to provide you with extra grip.
What is a level access shower?
A level access shower is a shower that is designed to reduce the risk of tripping and falling, making it perfect for individuals who may have physical challenges, such as seniors. It features a low-2” to 3” threshold or curb, making it easier and safer for individuals to step in and out of the shower, instead of having to use a step.
It also has a sloped, tiled floor, drainage system and a shower pan, which prevents the standing water from collecting and drying. A level access shower also has a non-slip surface, grab bars, and handicap shower seats.
With these design aspects, it helps individuals, with limited mobility, to have a safer and easier time bathing or showering.
Are wet rooms hygienic?
Yes, wet rooms tend to be very hygienic if they are maintained and cleaned properly. A wet room is a type of bathroom that typically has a shower area, with no shower screen. Its floor surface is designed to be impermeable and the walls are waterproofed.
This means that the entire room can become wet without worrying about water damage. This allows for easier maintenance and cleaning of the space as there is less cleaning needed. Plus, with no shower screen, mould is less likely to develop in the crevices between tiles or grout.
It is important, however, that wet rooms are regularly maintained and kept clean to ensure they remain hygienic. Clean the surfaces regularly with disinfectants and use a good quality sealant on the walls and floors to prevent any water damage.
If you want to go the extra step, regular deep cleans and re-grouting can also keep a wetroom hygienic.