Considerations when choosing a wet room

A proper wet room should be completely water tight and is usually only fitted with a shower.

There is no shower tray and screen together but generally just a continuation of the floor. In the UK a wet room is normally open plan and fully water proof, the room can be small or spacious and can also contain a basin and toilet if it is a larger room.

Adding a wet room or en suite in a home generally adds value to a home as they are perceived as high status and are associated with luxury in spas or hotels. However if a wet room is installed in a family home, it can decrease the value of the home as a family will generally want a bath. It is important to check with the local planning department and building regulations officer before installing a wet room to make sure that no problems are incurred later.

How to make sure your Wet room is waterproof

The whole wet room should first be tanked or waterproofed. Making sure that the wet roomis completely water tight is the most important factor in creating a wet room. There are many options such as waterproof panels or tiles, or even glass mosaic tiles. The shower area should have a gradient to ensure the water runs to the drainage system and possibly if the rooms small a shower screen to avoid splashing water everywhere. Efficient ventilation is extremely important to abstain from damp and possibly even mould. To get the desired wet room spa feel it is important to have a sufficient water pressure pump.

Under floor heating for Wet Rooms

Under floor heating is an intelligent option if the wet room is going to be fitted with a stone floor. This will make the room warmer and dry the floor quicker. Easy clean coatings on the shower screen make the room a lot easier to clean. Anti-slip flooring is also a very good idea. Most importantly make sure that the wet room is fitted by a professional, experienced fitter.

Floors for a wet room

There are many different options when choosing the flooring for a wet room. Including;

• Flush fitting shower trays.The shower tray fits in to the existing floor and the water drains down the ridges between the platforms. It also acts as a blank canvas allowing an individual touch to the wet room.
• Tiles There has recently been a waterproof seal that tiles can be laid on top of allowing an easy way to choose the perfect style.
• Corian Corian is becoming increasingly popular it is low maintenance, durable, hygienic, easy to clean and creates a sleek finish for walls and floor, it is also available in over 100 colours.
• Ceramic If the floor is made of timber, concrete or suspended wooden floor then ceramic would be a better option.

Where to find inspiration for the perfect wet room

Taking a visit to a luxury hotel or spa will give you a lot of ideas and inspiration for a wet room. Making the main focus the shower and body jets will give the ultimate indulgent feel.