What is a wet room and how could it benefit you? In this blog post, we'll attempt to answer these very questions.
First off, it helps to know exactly what we mean when we use the term "wet room". Becoming more popular in recent years, a wet room is simply a bathroom in which the floors and walls are "tanked" (sealed with some form of waterproof membrane), to prevent water from seeping out and causing damage. A wet room is usually designed with a sloping floor which guides any water towards a waste or drain, so that excess water flows into your waste water system.
Typically, a wet room will contain waterproof boarding, as shown here, beneath a tiled exterior
It is a wet environment and as such not a place for the things we think of as "dry"—certainly not shaving appliances or anything that could be dangerous.
The most common installation to be found in a wet room is a shower. In many cases, a glass screen can be used to separate the shower area from the rest of the bathroom—especially handy if you don't want a soggy toilet seat!
If you're still unconvinced, here are 5 reasons why wet rooms are a great bathroom option:
1. Accessibility
Although not always designed with this in mind, wet rooms are particularly good for those whose movement is restricted, such as the elderly or disabled. There is no need for a shower tray, making access to the shower much easier.
Why not check out our latest Independent Living wet room to see how it can aid those with restricted mobility.
Discover more about Independent Living wet rooms, by clicking on the image above
2. Improves the quality and value of your property
In effect, you are adding waterproofing to one of the major areas of your home that is particularly susceptible to leaks and issues with water, so this can only be a good thing in terms of the overall structure of your property. In a normal bathroom, water can run into areas it shouldn't and a build-up of moisture can create damp in walls.
In a wet room, all water is channelled via a central drain and moisture is contained within the sealed walls of the room.
All this makes a wet room highly attractive when you look to sell your property, especially if you have a second (non-wet room) bathroom as another option.
Invest in high quality glass, such as our 8mm panels, and add to the value of your property
3. Improves your space usage
A wet room is a great option for smaller bathrooms. If you don't particularly need or want a bath, you can simply remove it and install a shower, opening up the room. There is no need for a bulkier shower enclosure with doors that may intrude upon what little space you already have.
Discover how to fit a wet room into an average-sized bathroom space by clicking on the image above
4. It's easy to keep clean
One of the biggest advantages of installing a wet room is the ease at which it can be cleaned. As the environment is wet, normal household bathroom cleaners can be used right around the room to disinfect and keep mould and mildew at bay.
5. Increases your design options
Wet rooms can look incredibly stylish and will certainly add a "wow" factor to your home. Due to the minimalist nature of its design, a wet room can feature different materials such as wood, stone and concrete, allowing your creativity to run wild!
When it's tough out there in the jungle, you can always return home to your very own tropical wet room. Click on the image above to explore further
If a wet room sounds like something that would suit your home, you'll find all your wet room essentials right here at Victoria Plum.
Find out more about wet rooms
For further advice, check out our wet room planning guide or take inspiration from our incredible wet room ideas.
