How to build a wet room

What is a wet room?
A wet room is created when the whole bathroom area is tiled or finished in the same material as the shower. There is also no shower tray so the shower floor is level with the rest of the floor. Often, if the room is large enough, there will be no shower enclosure at all and there might not even be bathtub.

Is a wet room right for me?
A wet room can be a good way to make the most out of a modestly-sized bathroom as you can fit in all your bathroom components without creating awkward corners that you have to squeeze around. However, if your bathroom is too small, everything in it is likely to get wet when you shower.

A wet room may not be the answer if you are after a quick bathroom makeover, as it requires sealing the whole area with waterproof tanking, a job which can cost in the region of £1,000. However, so long as it is installed properly, your wet room should be more leak-proof than a regular bathroom because of this watertight membrane.

What sort of existing structures do I need?
A wet room deck and membrane can be laid on either concrete or wooden flooring. It's preferable to set it into the floor if possible, otherwise you can end up with a bathroom floor that is up to an inch higher than the floor outside. A sturdy floor is essential for a wet room, as any movement could cause a leak or crack in the tiling.
That said, wet rooms are less awkward to clean because there are fewer nooks and crannies, but may need cleaning more frequently as the whole area will get wet every time you shower. As wet rooms are a contemporary look, they are more likely to suit a new build or a modern conversion, rather than a Victorian townhouse.

How do you design a wetroom?
Plan your wet room carefully, so that the towel rack is shielded from the shower and shelves are positioned high enough not to get splashed. Make sure light fittings are waterproof (your plumber will advise on the correct one, most likely a Zone 1 fitting). If your wet room is to feature a bathtub as well as a shower, make sure it is in keeping with the streamlined design. A simple modern shape is more likely to complement the look than an ornate tub with legs.

What type of flooring goes in a wet room?
Research the tiles that you wish to use carefully. Black stone surfaces create a dramatic statement but beware that they show up limescale, so may need more cleaning. Limestone creates a neutral spa-like feel, but needs to be sealed to avoid staining. Ceramic tiles are both durable and affordable, but consider tiles with a texture underfoot to make them less slippery. Take inspiration from designer shops like C.P. Hart - even if they are beyond your budget, you'll pick up ideas that you may be able to recreate more cheaply.

What does wet room installation involve?
Installing your own wet room involves laying a specially designed wet room deck which has a gradient to aid drainage. The area is then sealed and all the corners and edges reinforced with waterproof adhesive before tiles are laid. This can be a tricky job, so if you are not very experienced at DIY, it's probably sensible to hire a professional to install it for you. If you are confident, however, many home furnishing stores sell the full kit and also have videos and installation manuals on their sites that you can follow.

A complete wet room kit from a shop like Wickes, including the deck, waste system and waterproofing will cost you under £700, but on top of this you will need to factor in installation costs - if you are not planning to install it yourself - and the cost of the tiling and shower fitting. In total, the complete job could cost around £7,000. To search for a specialist bathroom fitter in your area try My Builder or, for specialist wet room installation, try Wet Rooms UK.