The Benefits of Wet Rooms in Bathrooms

Elevating your bathroom with an extensive remodel typically brings about much greater satisfaction and enjoyment in your home.

A bathroom remodel may not net you the most money during resale, but it’s hard to put a dollar amount on increased happiness in your home. One recent trend in bathroom remodels is to transform the space into a wet room. Outside of wowing visitors and guests, there can be many benefits of turning your standard bathroom into a stylish wet room with a bath, especially for people with mobility issues.

Let’s take a closer look at wet rooms in bathrooms, including the best features to add, the pros and cons, and the average cost of installing a wet room in your bathroom.

What are Bathroom Wet Rooms?

The simplest definition of a wet room in the bathroom is that it lacks any type of enclosure to separate the shower from the rest of the space.

Most showers require stepping over a threshold to enter, but a bathroom wet room features a completely level floor. Instead of a shower door, many homeowners opt for unframed glass panels or partitions. These are placed strategically to minimize water splashing onto the bathroom floor. The shower floor also has a slight slope to ensure proper drainage.

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Why Wet Rooms Are Gaining Popularity

The open design of wet rooms creates a sense of simplicity. However, they often include custom tile work and glass partitions that add a touch of elegance. This isn’t your high school locker room shower.

Here are some benefits of adding a bathroom wet room:

• Frameless showers allow more light to enter.
• Without a shower door, humidity escapes easily, helping the space dry faster and reducing the risk of mildew and mold.
• The lack of obstructions makes cleaning easier.

Transforming your bathroom into a wet room enhances freedom of movement for people with mobility issues. There are no thresholds or curbs in the shower area, so individuals using wheelchairs or walkers can easily access the water. The sink and toilet areas are seamlessly integrated into the wet room design, allowing for smooth transitions from one area to another.

There can be some drawbacks to wet rooms in the bathroom. These may include:

• It’s much easier to splash water about when showering.
• You may feel chilly breezes brushing your bare bum.
• The additional tile work and waterproofing requirements can push up overall remodel costs
• Existing cabinetry may need to be replaced with a water-resistant vanity.
• Due to their open design, wet rooms in the bathroom also can be a bit noisy.

Let’s take a look at some special considerations and best features found in bathroom wet rooms.

Four Essential Features for Your Bathroom Wet Room

Transforming your bathroom into a wet room changes the dynamic of the space. However, it also brings some important considerations. Here are four essential features to consider:

1. Storage: You may need to relocate linen storage outside the wet room. If your existing cabinetry is near the shower area, it will likely get wet. In this case, consider changing to water-resistant materials, such as stained, painted, laminate, or lacquered laminate.
2. Radiant Heat: This feature makes large, open wet rooms cozy during chilly winter months. Walking on cold bathroom tile can feel like dipping a toe in the North Atlantic, so radiant heat provides comfort.
3. Pedestal Sinks: A full porcelain pedestal sink base won’t be damaged by water, making it a durable choice for wet rooms.
4. Multiple Shower Fixtures: The open design of a wet room is ideal for installing combination or dual shower fixtures, enhancing your showering experience.

Larger showers also can accommodate a built-in bench for next-level luxury.

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Where They Work Best

Wet rooms work in nearly any bathroom space, from expansive master suites to small guest bathrooms. The waterproofing requirements are the same as installing a standard shower enclosure, so they really can be installed on any floor of your home as well.

Wet rooms are a great option for attic conversions or rooms with slanted ceilings that can’t accommodate a standard shower enclosure. The master bath typically has the most square footage, allowing for more design flexibility. However, you can also transform an in-law bathroom into a wet room, making it accessible for someone in a wheelchair.

Average Cost of Adding a Wet Room

Determining the real cost of adding a wet room can be challenging. Costs vary based on the size of the space, waterproofing needs, material choices, contractor labor rates, plumbing and electrical changes, and any desired upgrades or features.

Expect to spend between $9,000 to $30,000 for a wet room installation. In comparison, a standard bathroom remodel could cost between $6,600 to $16,800. You might save money by self-performing demolition of your old bathroom features.

Working with a licensed bathroom remodeling contractor can help you prioritize your spending on the remodel and wet room installation.

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Embrace the Benefits

Transforming your bathroom into a wet room can greatly enhance your home’s functionality and style. While you may not see the highest return on investment during resale, the comfort and joy a wet room adds to your daily life are priceless. The open design offers a modern and elegant space, especially when you include thoughtful features like radiant heat and water-resistant materials.

Wet rooms are ideal for individuals with mobility issues, providing easy access without thresholds. With careful planning and the help of a licensed contractor, you can create a beautiful wet room that elevates both your home and your lifestyle. Embrace the benefits of a wet room and enjoy a refreshing and accessible bathroom experience.

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