What Is a Wet Room?

With spring just weeks away (according to the groundhog), many homeowners are planning which home renovations they want to tackle first. As always, bathroom remodeling tops the list and one trend in particular is gaining traction with homeowners: the wet room.

The Components of a Wet Room

A wet room is a European-inspired bathroom space composed entirely of materials that are meant to get wet. In other words, the room is completely covered with a waterproof material, typically tile. There’s no shower enclosure and the entire bathroom is open. The shower area is at the same level as the rest of the floor, with no shower screen or tray – though some homeowners do choose to install a glass enclosure. Some wet room designs include a freestanding tub. Others include a glass panel to keep water within the shower area. In addition, there’s a drain in the floor toward which the floor slopes slightly to allow for drainage.

Wet Room Pros & Cons

While they do have many benefits, they’re not for everyone. Consider the following pros and cons when deciding if a wet room is right for you.

Pros

• The superior materials and finishes used can raise the value of your home.
• It provides easier access for wheelchairs and walkers, as well as more room for railings and grab bars.
• Comprehensive wet room kits make it easy to convert your bathroom into a wet room.
• Less storage space means less room for clutter.
• Wet rooms can be sprayed down, making them easier to clean.
• The open floor plan and minimalist design of wet rooms can make small bathrooms feel larger.

Cons

• It can be expensive to waterproof the entire room.
• In general, homeowners with wet rooms tend to use more water and more power than those with traditional showers, which means higher utility bills.
• The wet environment can make towels and linens – not to mention toilet paper – perpetually damp and may lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

Want to Know More?

If you believe a wet room would be perfect for your home, be sure to hire a reliable, experienced remodeling company like Callen to take care of the renovation for you. Our experienced bathroom remodelers can even help you plan your design. Feel free to Call Callen at 414-765-2585 or contact us online today.