The Essential Guide to Wet Rooms
Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular,
and they can be a fantastic addition to your home.
Stylish, contemporary and practical, they are not
only desirable but they can even increase your
property value if you have one in addition to a
bathroom. They can also be a good option for people
with mobility problems.
Here’s a guide to what you need to know about wet rooms
so you can start planning one in your own home.
What Is a Wet Room?
A wet room is essentially a bathroom
without the bath tub. Instead, it features just a
shower, which is often left open without any screen.
However, if you have a smaller room, you may want to use a
screen to protect other areas of the room from getting sprayed with water.
How Much Does It Cost?
A wet room can be fairly expensive, but it depends on whether you do most of the work
yourself or whether you hire experts to do it for you. It could range from a couple of thousand
pounds to £10,000 or more, and the total cost will be affected by the materials you use and the
amount of work required.
Waterproofing, Ventilation and Under-Floor Heating
Waterproofing is essential for your wet room. To waterproof the room, you will need to
prime the floor and the lower walls, then cover them with a membrane before tiling. Because
this is an extensive job, hiring a specialist may be a better option.
Ventilation is also essential in a wet room because you will need to cut moisture and reduce
humidity. You may want to fit an extractor fan on the ceiling or on the wall, and you may also
want to keep the window open slightly after using the room.
Under-floor heating is another option you may want to consider for your wet room. By
installing this, you will dry the water on the floor quicker, and the tiles will be pleasantly
warm when you use the room.
Choosing Your Tiles
Your choice of bathroom tiles will be important for the overall look and feel of the room.
The first thing to consider is safety, and the floor tiles should therefore be non-slip tiles
that are suitable for wet areas. You may want to consider an option like natural stone with
a textured finish.
If you use a porous material like stone or marble, you will need to treat the tiles regularly
with a sealant, so you should factor this in when making your decision. Alternatively, use tiles
such as porcelain, ceramic or corian that will not require as much care.
As for the colours, you may want to choose light-coloured tiles to create a greater sense of
calm. Wood-effect tiles can also be a good option for creating warmth in the room. You
may also want to explore the option of mosaic tiles & glass tiles.
Start Planning Your Wet Room
A wet room can be a great feature of any home, so start thinking about yours today. Keep
all of these factors in mind and then start planning your ideal wet room in your home.
