Good to Know: The 5 Essentials of any Wetroom

5 Jan

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Think of a wet room and it’s hard not to think about expensive and large, luxurious spaces... But wet rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and can be created in any environment, at any cost. Traditional English bathroom design is awkward and very space consuming. Picture large, chunky built-in baths and confining shower cubicles. Both offer little to no space to move or relax in. Most importantly, climbing in and out of tight spaces is a hassle and it's often a big difficulty for many people.

Before...

Though households around the world look to the wetroom to save and introduce space (and have done for many years), this type of bathroom style has only become popular in the UK over the recent years. Complete shower enclosures and traditional bath structures are now being eliminated completely because wet rooms offer so much more than your standard UK bathroom; accessibility, ease of use and design flexibility. Without common bathroom barriers you can create a soothing and flexible sanctuary, while every centimeter of space is utilised. This ultimately makes the everyday bathroom experience fuss-free, enjoyable and inviting.

After...

The 5 essentials of any wet room:

1. Create a zone for your wet room area. Think about where the shower head and valve should be located. You can also separate the wet zone with a dividing glass panel and additional flipper panel (see above).

2. The zone should be waterproofed. You can either install a wetroom try that can be tiled, or you can choose the latest shower trays which can be inserted into the floorboard space. Think about tiles to protect the walls, or opt for a simpler option such as nuance panels (100% waterproof wall panels which take way less time to fit than tiles).3. For safety you'll need waterproof lighting. Plus any heated towel rails should be kept out of the way of any splash zones.4. Create enough ventilation to keep the bathroom free from condensation and damp patches, and also make sure to buy an extractor fan even if the room has a window. Condensation free mirrors are a fantastic wet room feature, plus underfloor heating can create additional warmth and help to eliminate excess moisture.5. Consider additional comforts and safety features such as storage, shower seats, grab rails and non-slip areas. How about some recessed wall niches for easy access to toiletries (see below)? Practical, modern design provides bathrooms which function better for the users, instead of what you think you should be getting... The traditional notion of what a bathroom should be. Wetrooms are practical and easier to clean. They also become a beautiful feature in any home and can add value to your home if you decide to sell. Plus they're a welcoming fit for smaller guest bathrooms depending on their design. Your bathroom floor is also better protected than it would be in a standard bathroom. So no leaks or flooding will occur if they're fitted properly. Most importantly, wet rooms can be accessible to anyone in your family. Regardless of age and ability.While the initial idea of a wet room can be luxurious and costly, they are simple and affordable depending on the design you opt for. You can also be creative in designing a unique environment that's just right for you and your family. If you're looking to update your bathroom or guest bathroom then a wetroom should be considered!

3 disadvantages to keep in-mind:

1. Everything can get wet, so you'll need to be careful to keep the area dry, wiping down the wet areas after use.

2. The temperature of a wetroom will stay the same temperature as the surrounding area (the warmth from the shower won't increase the heat in the room). If you prefer warm showers then choose a shower enclosure instead (the heat will increase around you as you're showering).

3. You may need a professional to do the job depending on the type of design or products you choose.