Bathrooms are a big expense, so take your time with the Wet Room vs Bathroom debate.
Bathrooms have come a long way in recent years. With more and more people opting for a modern and minimalist look, wet rooms have become increasingly popular. However, there are still many misconceptions about what a wet room actually is and how it differs from a standard bathroom. In this blog post, I’ll explore the key wet room vs bathroom differences, and the pros and cons of each.
What exactly is a wet room?
A wet room is a bathroom where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor, with no shower enclosure or tray. This means that the entire room is waterproofed, with a slight slope in the floor towards the shower drain.
CONS of a Wet Room
While wet rooms may look sleek and modern, they do have their downsides. Firstly, the clue is in the name. The room gets wet, not just you having a shower. Wet surfaces are plain slippery. Secondly, because there is no shower enclosure, the taking a shower will feel less warm and cozy, especially if your ceiling is high. Thirdly, wet rooms are generally more expensive to install than traditional bathrooms because of the need for waterproofing and underfloor pipework. Fourthly, if you have a small bathroom, everything will get wet. Really wet. Finally, it’s not nice to use a wet room after your partner, as everything will still be damp.
PROS of a wet room?
Despite the downsides, there are several benefits to having a wet room. Firstly, there’s no shower enclosure to clean, so you can save time on cleaning. Secondly, if you have mobility issues, a wet room can be a great option, as there are no steps or barriers to navigate. Finally, a wet room can be truly unique, as there are no restrictions on size or style. You can create a bespoke design that suits your tastes and needs perfectly. It’s ideal for awkwardly shaped rooms too.
For many more ideas, watch my video called “The Truth About Wet Rooms”
Can any room be a wet room?
In theory, any room can be converted into a wet room. However, it’s worth considering the practicalities. The structure of the floor may need to be upgraded – common in a period home. And way more of that room needs to be waterproofed than you might think. Personally, I think your home deserves better than a tiny space wet room. That strikes me as a ship cabin vibe – not cool – and I’m not talking 5 star cruise ship
Do you need a shower tray for a wet room?
No, you don’t need a shower tray for a wet room. That’s the point. The entire floor of the room is waterproofed, with a gentle slope to ensure that the water drains away.
Do I need underfloor heating in a wet room?
Underfloor heating can be a great addition to a wet room, as it can help to keep the room warm and prevent dampness. However, it’s not strictly necessary and you should not rely on it to dry up the room. At the end of the day, it will depend on your budget and personal preferences.
Is a wet room easy to keep clean?
While wet rooms may be easier to clean than traditional bathrooms in some respects (such as the lack of a shower enclosure), they can be more difficult in others. For example, because everything gets wet, you’ll need to be vigilant about wiping down surfaces because the shampoo and soap suds are not contained by the shower enclosure, so you may need to clean the entire room more often. Let’s face it, shower doors in the 19080s and 1990s were dirt devil horrors becasue they were so badly designed. Overall, It’s not so much as case of wet room vs bathroom. The standard of design and workmanship makes a room difficult, or easy, to keep clean.
What should I go for – wet room vs bathroom?
Whether or not to convert your bathroom into a wet room is a personal choice that depends on your needs and preferences. If you have mobility issues, a wet room can be a great option, as it eliminates the need for steps or barriers. If you want a modern and minimalist look, a wet room can be a great choice, as it creates a seamless and open space. However, if you have a small bathroom or a limited budget, a wet room may not be the best option. It’s also worth considering the long-term maintenance requirements, as wet rooms do require more upkeep than traditional bathrooms. Ultimately, the decision to convert your bathroom into a wet room should be based on careful consideration of the pros and cons, as well as your personal tastes and needs.
I help busy professionals to make the most of their homes, backed up by hard facts and fabulous 3D. Check out my other blog posts here and my YouTube channel.
