Wet Room: 8 reasons why it’s the right bathing option for you

While walk-in showers and walk-in baths provide excellent bathing solutions for many, wet rooms offer the ultimate in space, comfort and ease, especially for those whose mobility conditions are likely to get worse. Read on to find out why a wet room is the right choice for you.

So, you’ve heard of a wet room, but not sure whether it will work in your home? To help you make the right decision, we’ve taken a closer look.

Wet rooms are becoming more and more desirable, conjuring up images of a lavish and highly attractive, contemporary aesthetic. Essentially, it’s a room (or a space within a room) you can walk into, shower and not worry about any trip hazard potential associated with a traditional shower.

Whilst wet rooms may seem luxurious for some, they are an absolute necessity to others. Bathing is an essential part of our daily lives and one we shouldn’t have to struggle to maintain. For some, opting for a wet room can take the problems out of this daily routine and turn it into something enjoyable and relaxing. Here are our top 8 reasons why a wet room may be the right choice for you:

1. They provide excellent access for all
2. Add a stylish element to your home
3. Allows for changes in mobility
4. They can add value to your home
5. You can add accessories personal to your own needs
6. Suitable for any bathroom size, including small ones
7. Easy to clean
8. Everyone can use them

1. They provide excellent access for all

As well as eliminating the trip hazard of a shower tray, a wet room also eradicates the need for shower doors, making them perfect for wheelchair users, those with reduced mobility or even anyone who struggles with gripping handles. Wheelchair users won’t have to worry about getting in and out of a shower or bath. Simply wheel a bathing chair to the desired position, have a wash, get dried and get on with the rest of your day! This also makes them ideal for those who have carers that help them with bathing.

2. Add a stylish element to your home

Wet rooms come in a whole range of designs, so there’s no doubt you can add style and a contemporary look to your home. A wet room sometimes does need to be tiled on the floor and walls, so this does mean that you can introduce a modern design element with a bold geometric pattern or bright colour to add your own personality to your bathroom.

3. Allows for changes in mobility

Some illnesses, conditions and disabilities are characterised by the gradual erosion of motor skills, such as walking. While you, or someone you’re close to, may be able to walk into a bathroom and get into a walk-in shower or walk-in bath today, this may not be as easy in a few weeks’, months’ or years’ time. Wet rooms can be adapted to accommodate changes in mobility, as physical symptoms progress. Furthermore, the extra space can make it easier for carers to lend a hand, should they be required in the future.

4.They can add value to your home

Some people worry that the installation of a wet room can devalue a home. However, in our experience, the reverse is true: wet rooms tend to be seen as a desirable feature found mostly in high-end homes. For one, a wet room’s seamless design makes it a great option for accessibility and future-proofing your home for years to come.

In a normal bathroom, water can run into areas it shouldn’t, and the build-up of moisture can create damp in the walls. In a wet room, however, the floors and walls are “tanked” (sealed with some form of waterproof membrane), to prevent water from seeping out and causing damage. Therefore, you are also essentially adding waterproofing to one of the major areas of your home that is particularly susceptible to leaks and issues with water. In terms of the structure of your property, this can only be a good thing.

If, or when you look to sell your property, this makes a wet room highly attractive, especially if you also have a second bathroom. Simply browse our range of wet rooms, and you’ll find they are also surprisingly affordable and can transform your bathroom into something unique and inviting.

5. You can add accessories personal to your own needs

Designing your own wet room can allow for you to be creative with choice of shelving, shower types and other features. It can also be a great opportunity to create a space comfortable and practical for your own personal needs. Seats (wooden or padded cushion), riser rails and grab rails can be placed under the shower, and you may also choose textured flooring for extra grip.

Other things can also be factored in, such as whether the individual is right or left-handed, or whether they are weaker on one side – after a stroke, for example. Because there is space to play with, a wet room can be adapted to someone’s specific, current and ongoing needs

6. Suitable for any bathroom size, including small ones

You may think that a wet room would only be suited to larger houses and bathrooms. However, they can also be a great option for smaller bathrooms. Removing the bath to make room for the main shower can open up the room and provide some much-needed space. There is no need for bulky shower trays and enclosures with doors that may impose upon what little space you already have. If your bathroom is on the small side, however, you may need to include a shower screen to prevent everything getting sprayed with water.

7. Easy to clean

One of the biggest advantages of installing a wet room is how easy it can be to clean. Due to the lack of shower screens and trays, wet rooms, in general, take less work. If you also opt for a wall-hung sink and toilet, it’s easier still – and who doesn’t want to have less cleaning to do? As the environment is wet, normal household bathroom cleaners can be used throughout the room to keep your bathroom spotless and mould and mildew at bay. Additionally, in your design choice, you can opt to use tempered safety glass with protective coating – which keeps your glass cleaner for longer.

8. Everyone can use them

Whether you have mobility issues or not, a wet room is suitable and practical for everyone. Choosing a wet room over a traditional bath and shower instalment is a simple way to make an environment that is safe and easy for everyone to use, regardless of age or mobility.

Limitation of a wet room

Whilst there are some amazing reasons to install a new wet room, here at Bathing Solutions, we know it might not be for everyone. In these cases, we often encourage people to look instead at a walk-in bath or walk-in shower, both of which tick a lot of boxes for many!

• In small bathrooms without a shower screen, you may need to watch out for spray from the shower. However, clever design ideas and screens can often prevent this from being an issue!
• It’s important to hire a professional fitter to waterproof the room – if it’s not done properly, leaking water can cause damage not just in your bathroom but also to the rest of your house.
• It can create steam, which could be an issue for some, especially if your wet room is small. However, you can easily overcome this with good ventilation.
• Wet rooms are a big project to take on yourself. The tanking process to ensure your room is completely watertight can create an upheaval for a little while, so we would definitely advise using professionals if you are thinking of adding this feature to your bathroom.

If you have a bath and are looking to change this for a wet room or walk in shower, then check out our guide on replacing a bath with a walk-in shower.