EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WET ROOMS
The wet room bathroom isn’t necessarily a new concept but is having an invigorated resurgence in homes. Last year we saw many renovators adopt the open-plan formation, which typically sees the shower, bath and sometimes vanity in a boundary-free space.
We thought this revival was an exciting development and wanted to dive into all the necessary things you need to know about wet rooms.
WHAT IS A WET ROOM?
Wet rooms aren’t far removed from standard bathrooms at all. The difference is that their open-plan design features little to no dividers between each bathroom component. This means that the bath, shower, vanity, and toilet are kept close by in one central minimalistic space. Usually, the shower and bath are contained together, with a partial glass shower screen separating the vanity and toilet.
Wet room bathrooms also require adequate waterproofing, as the space is designed to get entirely saturated. This is done by a process called tanking, whereby a membrane makes the wet room invulnerable to leaks. Wet rooms also need to be tiled from floor to ceiling.
PROS OF WET ROOM BATHROOMS
— Wet rooms are a fantastic bathroom design choice for small and larger spaces. It has an advantage in smaller bathroom sizes since the open-plan formation can make the area feel more spacious. In bigger bathrooms, a wet room can look opulent and add a point of distinction.
— The minimalistic concept of a wet room is also helpful for the elderly or those with mobility issues, as moving around between each fitting faces fewer obstructions. Just ensure that there are handrails to promote added safety.
— As a wet room is meant to get the whole area wet, cleaning is an easier task. Also, suppose you section off the bath and shower with a partial glass screen. In that case, water is protected from the vanity or toilet, offering less opportunity for watermarks to stain those areas.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING A WET ROOM
A wet room bathroom is certainly an appealing look for those who like stripped back and contemporary aesthetics, but there are definitely some things to consider.
— A wet room can quickly become a humid environment, where everything can remain damp for a while. It’s imperative to have good airflow to prevent mould and grime from building up. Proper fans and windows dry out moisture and can make it a safer place to move around.
— In smaller wet rooms, it’s easier for items you would like to stay dry to get wet. Ensure that these belongings, such as Toilet paper and towels, are stored in a location that ensures they don’t get affected by moisture.
— Waterproofing and tiling expenses can add up quickly. But ensuring that this area is properly fitted out to withstand moisture means that you won’t run into any complications down the track.
FIXTURES AND FITTINGS FOR A WET ROOM BATHROOM
SHOWER FIXTURES
Decide whether you want a fixed shower arm or a hand shower in your wet room. The slight advantage a hand shower provides is that it allows you to reach varying distances, making it great for cleaning.
To have both options explore our Finley Shower Rail Set.
FREESTANDING BATH
A freestanding bath allows freedom for your desired placement. It heightens the feel of elegance in a wet room.
