A wet room is a bathroom with a walk-in shower that has no border or separation between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom. The entire room is “wet”, hence the name. This makes a wet room highly accessible and easy to clean.
Installing a wet room offers many benefits but also requires careful planning and execution. Follow these 8 tips to successfully create your own beautiful and functional wet room.
Choose the Right Location
The location of your wet room will impact how you build and waterproof it. Consider these factors when picking the location:
Size
Measure the space available and ensure it can fit a shower area plus the other bathroom fixtures you need, like a toilet and sink. Standard wet rooms are at least 6 square meters.
Plumbing Access
The shower area needs a drainage point for the water. If plumbing access is only available on one wall, this will determine shower placement.
Ventilation
Good ventilation prevents mold and mildew. Put the wet room in a space with external walls or windows so a ventilation fan can be installed.
Waterproofing Needs
Waterproofing is crucial. Choose a location where the entire space—walls, floor, and ceiling—can be fully waterproofed without impacting other rooms.
Waterproof Thoroughly
Waterproofing is the most important part of wet room creation. Do it thoroughly to prevent leaks and moisture damage.
Seal Floors and Walls
Use a waterproof sealant like epoxy or liquid plastic on all surfaces. Apply multiple layers and leave no gaps. Extend at least 4 inches up walls.
Waterproof Underlayment
Install a waterproof floor underlayment rated for wet rooms, like Schluter Ditra. This creates a moisture barrier between the sealant and your finished floor.
Caulk Penetrations
Seal plumbing, lights, and all penetrations with flexible silicone caulk.
Install a Moisture Barrier
Place a moisture barrier like Kerdi outside the waterproofed area to protect surrounding walls and framing.
Waterproof the Ceiling
Use a waterproof sealant on the ceiling too. This prevents leaks from moisture condensation.
Choose Floors That Resist Moisture
The right flooring prevents slips and resists moisture damage in a wet room. Good options include:
- Porcelain or ceramic tile
- Natural stone like granite or marble
- Poured resin flooring
- Solid vinyl sheets
- Rubber floor tiles
- Some water-resistant woods, like teak
Avoid laminate, engineered wood, and other materials prone to moisture warping. Use a textured surface for slip resistance.
Install a Linear Drain
Linear drains stretch across the floor to drain water efficiently. Choose one sized appropriately for your shower’s span. Consider a model with:
- Adjustable grate height to match your floor depth
- Removable debris catch to simplify cleaning
- Sufficient drainage capacity for your showerhead flow rate
Position the linear drain close to the water supply so pipe runs are minimized.
Slope the Floor to Drainage
The floor must slope down towards the linear drain so water flows properly. Aim for a 2% slope, or 1/4 inch of drop per linear foot.
Use a self-leveling underlayment like Ardex Feather Finish to create an even slope if your floor is uneven. Apply after waterproofing.
Install Water-Resistant Fixtures
Pick fixtures made to withstand wet environments. Look for:
Waterproof Lighting
Use flush mounted LED lights suitable for wet locations. Install a watertight cover over any ceiling lights.
Water-Tight Electrical
Choose switches, outlets, and fixtures rated for bathroom use with moisture-sealed covers. Use GFCI outlets for safety.
Metal Vanity and Fixtures
Pick a metal vanity and metal fixtures like towel bars. Avoid wood which can warp or swell.
Add Safety Features
Wet rooms present some safety concerns. Address these proactively:
- Install grab bars and non-slip textures on floors for stability.
- Ensure good lighting in the shower area so it’s not dark and hazardous.
- Use a tempered glass shower screen versus a shower curtain. Screens contain water better.
- Adjust water heater temperature to prevent scalding.
- Consider installing a folding or wall-mounted bench for accessibility.
Pick a Shower Head System
Choose a shower system designed for wet rooms, where the whole experience is centered around an open shower area versus an enclosed stall.
Look for:
- Overhead shower heads for full-body spray
- Adjustable slide bar for directing flow
- Handheld shower wand for accessibility
- Multiple jets for massage-like spray
- Temperature/pressure balancing valves for safety
Install a supply line long enough to extend into the shower area.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Adequate ventilation controls moisture buildup that can lead to mold in a wet room.
- Install a powerful ventilation fan able to exchange air multiple times per hour.
- Use a humidistat switch so the fan activates automatically when moisture is high.
- Keep windows and doors closed while showering so fans can work properly.
- Run the fan for a period after showering to fully clear excess moisture.
- Consider installing a dehumidifier to aid the ventilation system.
With careful planning and execution, you can create a beautiful, accessible, and easy-to-maintain wet room tailored exactly to your space and needs. Focus on waterproofing thoroughly, choosing moisture-resistant materials, and incorporating safety and accessibility features. Your wet room can become a luxurious highlight of your home with the right approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creating a Wet Room
What is the difference between a wet room and a regular bathroom?
The key difference is a wet room has no glass enclosure or curtain separating the shower area from the rest of the bathroom. The whole room is designed to get wet, with waterproofed floors/walls and a linear drain. A regular bathroom has a contained shower stall.
How much does a wet room cost compared to a normal bathroom?
Wet rooms are generally more expensive. Waterproofing the entire space and installing specialist linear drains add cost. Expect to pay 25-50% more for a wet room versus shower enclosure bathroom.
Can you convert a normal bathroom to a wet room?
Yes, an existing bathroom can be retrofitted into a wet room by waterproofing surfaces, removing shower enclosures, installing a linear drain, and replacing fixtures with water-resistant versions. This is a major remodel so costs are higher.
What size should a wet room be?
Most are a minimum of 6 square meters, but the ideal size depends on your space and needs. Make sure to allow room for shower, toilet, sink vanity, and accessories while keeping the space open and accessible.
Can I install a wet room anywhere in my home?
No, wet rooms require careful placement. They need full waterproofing so cannot share walls with other rooms unless those cavities are also waterproofed. Plumbing access is also a factor. The location must have adequate ventilation too.
Is a concrete floor base required for a wet room?
Concrete is ideal and commonly used, but other waterproof floor systems like a fitted vinyl layer or treated plywood sealed with epoxy can work. The key is waterproofing the floor properly.
How often should you clean and sanitize a wet room?
Clean the surfaces and linear drain weekly with an antimicrobial cleaner. Disinfect all surfaces with a sanitizing spray at least every 6 months to control mold and bacteria growth in moist areas.
Should I install a heated floor in a wet room?
Heated floors help reduce puddling and drying time. Electric radiant floor heating under the tile or an electric radiator are good options. Follow manufacturer instructions to ensure waterproofing integrity.
What are the best materials for a wet room floor?
Tile, natural stone, poured resin, and vinyl are best. Avoid wood and laminate. The material must be waterproof, slip-resistant, and able to withstand constant dampness. Mosaic tile patterns improve grip.
Conclusion
Constructing your own wet room is an involved but rewarding project. Focus on waterproofing thoroughly, incorporating safety features, choosing durable surfaces and fixtures, and maintaining good ventilation. Done right, your wet room can provide an accessible and spa-like shower experience. Follow these 8 tips to create a beautiful and effective wet room tailored to your space and needs.
