by Valerie Demetros
When it comes to bathroom upgrades, there is no shortage of ideas. And now more than ever, everyone wants a bathroom as spa-like as possible. One popular option for achieving these spa vibes is by transitioning your bathroom into a wet room.
A wet room is a completely waterproof bathroom space with no separation between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. They are single level in that there are no steps, trays or raised portions.
Because they use space more effectively, adding a wet room can make your bathroom appear larger.
And if you’re aiming toward tranquility and spaciousness, transforming an outdated bathroom into a wet room is the perfect way to maximize your space and add a sense of luxury.
Wet room bathrooms are built with materials designed to get wet and some include a shower space and freestanding tub in their own glass enclosure.
A true wet room without any panels provides you with more room to move, and an open layout is easier to keep clean than a regular shower.
However, wet rooms can be a big project to take on.
The tanking process to ensure your room is completely watertight can be significant but is essential. This is a multistep process that includes several layers of waterproofing to ensure an excellent seal — much like a swimming pool.
The two main approaches for tanking a wet room are a self-adhesive bitumen-based waterproof membrane or applying a paint-on liquid wall membrane.
Adding a wing to your home for the in-laws? Adding a wet room, with its seamless design, can ensure accessibility for years to come.
A wet room provides a spacious showering area and the high-end look of a luxurious spa hotel because the look tends to be very streamlined. Done well, a wet room can boost your home’s value.
Because it is one big open area, adequate ventilation must be installed to prevent mold and damp spots. The build-up of moisture and condensation is greater in a wet room and fans operated by light switches alone aren’t enough.
A good fan needs to be wired into the room and humidity-tracking extractor fans are best for wet rooms as they work continuously and incrementally, with automatic extraction based on the steam in the room.
If you are planning a full wet room in a large bathroom, omitting any sort of enclosure or screen, think about your choice of fixtures — it’s likely they will get wet from the spray or condensation.
For this reason, opt for ceramics flush to the wall and wall mounted. A wall-hung toilet is a superb choice, making cleaning a breeze.
Ensure that the floor tiles you choose are nonslip for wet areas because the entire floor may be getting wet.
And if you don’t have the time and would like a wet room/open feel, there are ways to “fake” it. Use the latest ultra-low profile shower trays and frameless clear-glass shower enclosure for a modern, seamless feel.
