Bathroom suites have changed a lot over the years, with homeowners now being given a lot of choice when it comes to their bathroom designs. One of the biggest trends over the last few years is for wet rooms, but do you really know what the differences between a walk-in shower and a wet room are?
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There’s no shower tray
Put it simply, wet rooms are completely waterproof with a shower in one area of the room. The main distinction between this and a walk-in shower is the latter typically has a shower tray as the flooring. In contrast, wet rooms use the same floor as the rest of the bathroom, and the showering area is fitted with a small gradient and a drainage unit helping the water to run away.
This creates the illusion of one singular space, helping the washroom to appear bigger and more open.
It is also a great choice for those with mobility problems, as the flooring remains the same, so they don’t have to step into a shower unit or navigate different surfaces.
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No need for shower screens
Another difference is wet rooms don’t need shower screens. As the whole room is waterproof, and the walls and floors are sealed, it doesn’t matter if water is splashed around the room, as it won’t cause damage to the rest of the interiors.
Despite this, some people might choose to install a shower screen to avoid water getting everywhere, which can become a slipping hazard.
However, lots like the open-plan aspect of a wet room, and the removal of a shower screen makes it easier for disabled people or the elderly to use the shower. Even if a screen is put up, this is normally a single glass panel to reduce splashback on the rest of the floor, and there is no need for a shower door.
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Easy to maintain
As all the fixtures and fittings are the same as the rest of the bathroom – aside from the shower head and tap – wet rooms are incredibly easy to maintain. You don’t need different products to clean the shower cubicle or have to deal with mould or mildew that can get trapped around doors.
As all the water escapes through the central drain, this means you won’t have problems of excess moisture and condensation in the room. Therefore, there is far less chance of water damage or deterioration of the bathroom in the long-run.
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Great selling point
A big benefit of wet rooms is that they are a great selling point if you are planning to put your house on the market in the future. As they are great for children, elderly people, and those with disabilities, they are really versatile, making them appealing to lots of buyers.
In addition to being practical, wet rooms are very on trend, giving bathrooms a polished, modern feel. Looking incredibly stylish, they can even add value to a home, particularly if it is a second bathroom.
Take a look at our choice of easy-access wet rooms here.