Considering A Wet Room? Do Your Homework

A wet room not only looks sleek and modern; it is also extremely practical. An ideal space-saving solution, it removes the obstacles caused by traditional baths and shower cubicles which restrict movement, making for an easier grooming experience. This is a major benefit to the elderly, people with mobility issues and families. There’s no need to worry about getting the floor wet in a wet room!

However, there are many functional things to consider when installing a wet room. The room will need to be completely waterproofed or ‘tanked’ for one. Not only to protect your bathroom but also the supporting and surrounding beams and joists from the water and moisture.

With a wet room there is no visible shower tray but an integral gentle slope to ensure all the water is channeled toward the drain. The formed water drainage tray is placed underneath the floor tiles, together with a tile backer board, to be attached to the walls and around the formed shower tray on the floor.

It is a fairly complex process so unless you are 100 per cent confident that you’ve done your research on installing a wet room, you may want to consider consulting a professional. The last thing you want is for leaking water to cause damage to your house. Your local Tileflair experts can help you when it comes to the practicalities of installing a wet room.

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In small bathrooms, even though more space is created through installing a wet room, the open plan element of the shower may cause splashes on your towels and toilet paper, so consider carefully the design and practical functionality of the space.

You’ll also need to carefully consider which tiles to choose. Again, advice would be helpful here. Some tiles will need regular maintenance and resealing for example. Ceramic and porcelain tiles would be more suitable but may still need some attention, and ensure they don’t become slippery when wet. Also, grout will need some protection to ensure it is kept in tip top condition.

Due to the need for a gently sloping floor for drainage, ideally you’ll want to use small tiles. Mosaic tiles are ideal for use on a sloping floor, but it could be pricey to tile a large room in mosaic tiles. The high number of grouted joints, however, do help to make a non-slip surface but be sure to check that they are suitable for wet room use. It is possible to tile using large format but will result in more cuts for the sloping floor which will ruin the effect.

For a lover of the humble tile a wet room is a dream come true, where you can let your creativity really shine. But, be sure to do your homework.