The popularity of wet room bathrooms is on the rise. With a novel style, the ability to clean surfaces quickly and easily, and way less water on the floor, you might be thinking about a bathroom remodel. In a wet room, all of the walls, floors, and surfaces are sealed against water, and the section of flooring where the shower is located is sloped to a single drain. It’s a design trend that can create a dreamy, luxurious retreat in your home. Below, we’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of wet room bathrooms. Then, with the correct information in hand, you can decide whether this new trend is right for you.
The Pros and Cons of Wet Room Bathrooms
There are also modified wet rooms – where you just have the shower and tub enclosed. This can help with keeping water away from other areas.
There are benefits and drawbacks to having a bathroom with no shower door or curtain. Here’s a look at some of the main things you’ll need to know:
Pros of Wet Rooms
- Showers that have no frames let in more light. This creates an airy aesthetic that makes your room feel brighter and more spacious.
- Since these rooms are designed with superior ventilation, there is less opportunity for mildew and mold growth than there is in traditional bathrooms.
- Wet room bathrooms are beautiful spaces that are easier to clean than traditional bathrooms because there are fewer walls, corners, and surfaces to scrub. And most are easy to clean materials.
- Wet rooms are ideal for all phases of life or different lifestyles. For example, the open concept is more accessible for wheelchairs and walkers.
Cons of Wet Rooms
- Perhaps the most obvious drawback to having a wet room bathroom is water can splash everywhere. With smaller bathrooms, you might want to consider mats that prevent slipping after a shower.
- If you love the steam from a hot shower, wet rooms don’t get this same effect. Since there is no enclosure to hold in the heat, you might want to consider other heating elements.
- With such an open design paired with so many hard materials, these bathrooms can also be too loud and bright for some people.
- Most items that you keep in a wet room bathroom will also need to be in special, water-resistant cabinets.
Things to Consider When Designing a Wet Room Bathroom
A professionally installed wet room bathroom has some similarities to a freestanding shower. For instance, the waterproofing methods are the same but are used on different scales. Many people build wet rooms with no shower enclosure whatsoever. You can also choose an open chamber with no door. This design helps to contain some of the water in the shower area. You can also add a half-wall to your open shower to minimize splashing.
Want to address the heat loss? Consider having professionals install radiant heating in the floor. Even though the floor will get plenty wet, professionals use special kits and methods to turn a cool floor into a cozy, warm one. You can also opt for cantilevered countertops, vanities, or pedestal sinks to keep cabinetry off of the floors. However, you should consider storing items outside the wet room if you don’t want to install water-resistant cabinets.
Creating the Bathroom of Your Dreams
Ready to remodel your bathroom? We can help you design the wet room bathroom you’ve been dreaming of. At Friel Lumber Company, we have everything you need, so check out our Kitchen & Bath Design Center! Contact us today and let us know how we can help you create your ideal space.
