Everything You Need to Know About Wet Bath Remodels
Wet bathrooms, also known as wet rooms or wet baths, are transforming how we think about bathroom design. Whether you're remodeling a small space or planning a spa-like primary suite, understanding what a wet room is and how it can benefit your home is essential. This article breaks down the key features, pros and cons, design ideas, and who might benefit most from this unique type of bathroom.
What Is a Wet Bathroom?
A wet bathroom or wet room is a type of bathroom where the shower area is not enclosed by a traditional stall, shower door, or tub. Instead, the entire room is designed to get wet, with a floor that drains water efficiently and materials that are fully waterproof.
Wet rooms are typically fully tiled, with a gently sloped floor to direct water from the shower toward a drain. Instead of confining the shower to a stall or tray, the showerhead is mounted openly, creating a completely open and waterproof environment.
Why Do Homeowners Want a Wet Room Bathroom?
There are several reasons homeowners choose a wet room bathroom over a traditional setup:
Modern look: Wet rooms offer a sleek and modern style that enhances the aesthetics of your home.
Maximized use of space: A wet bathroom works exceptionally well in smaller bathrooms where space is limited.
Easy to clean: With fewer barriers like a shower door, the entire bathroom becomes easier to maintain.
Luxury feel: Many wet rooms emulate the spa-like feel of high-end bathroom design, especially in a primary suite.
Who Needs a Wet Bath?
A wet bath is ideal for:
Those with mobility issues or who want to age in place, since there are no thresholds to step over.
Homeowners remodeling smaller bathrooms that don’t allow for a separate shower and tub.
Anyone looking for a modern bathroom that is functional, easy to clean, and fully tiled.
People who prefer a walk-in shower without a shower stall or shower door.
What Is the Difference Between a Wet Room and a Traditional Bathroom?
A traditional bathroom typically includes a bathtub, a shower stall or tray, and a vanity and toilet in separated areas. A wet room, by contrast, is a type of bathroom where the shower and bath (if included) share the same open space.
Key differences:
Wet rooms are designed to get wet, while traditional bathrooms try to contain the water within a shower area.
Wet room bathrooms often do not include a bathtub unless it's a freestanding tub.
A true wet room eliminates the need for any enclosed shower or shower tray.
How Do You Make a Main Bathroom into a Wet Room?
To make a wet room, you’ll need to:
Waterproof the entire floor and any walls that might get wet.
Install a central drain or linear drain that collects water from the shower.
Choose porcelain tiles or other non-slip, waterproof tile materials.
Ensure the floor is sloped to direct water to the drain.
Select wall-mounted fixtures like a toilet and vanity to keep the floor area clear.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Wet Bathroom?
Pros of a Wet Room Bathroom
Open space creates a modern look and is easier to clean.
Works well for smaller bathrooms and creative bathroom design.
Easier access for elderly or mobility-challenged individuals.
Adds a luxury element and potential value to your home.
Cons of Wet Room Bathrooms
Improper design can cause water to spread to the rest of the bathroom.
Not all homes are suited for a full wet room remodel, especially if on the first floor.
Can be more expensive due to the need for waterproofing and special drain installation.
Some may not like the feeling of a bathroom with an open shower.
Understanding the Pros and Cons of a Wet Room Remodel
A wet bathroom, often called a wet room, is a sleek and modern type of bathroom that eliminates traditional barriers between the shower, tub, and the rest of the room. This open-concept bathroom design creates a space that is both functional and luxurious. Whether you're planning a remodel of your main bathroom or designing a new wet bath from scratch, there are several things you need to know about wet rooms before you start.
One of the main benefits of a wet bathroom is how it maximizes the area of the room. By removing the shower stall or traditional bathtub, the floor becomes a continuous, fully tiled surface. This seamless design allows water to flow freely across the tile to a central drain, making it easy to clean and ideal for smaller bathrooms where space is limited. Bathrooms allow for more freedom when you don’t have to contain water to a specific shower or bathtub zone.
If you're considering installing a wet room in your home, you’ll want to evaluate both the pros and cons of wet designs. On the luxury side, a wet room can accommodate features like a soaking tub, wall-mounted fixtures, and a spa-like atmosphere. This setup is excellent for homeowners who love to bathe without the confinement of a traditional bathtub within a boxed-in shower area.
However, there are downsides. Without proper planning, water may reach outside of the shower area, leading to a dry zone becoming unintentionally wet. Also, this kind of shower isn't ideal for every home layout—especially if the bathroom is on an upper level without adequate waterproofing.
Ultimately, deciding between a standard layout vs a wet room comes down to how you use your bathroom and what style best supports your lifestyle. For those seeking a high-end remodel, a wet bath offers a striking blend of style and functionality—just make sure you’re prepared for the unique installation requirements that make wet rooms work.
What Does a Wet Room Bathroom Design Include?
A well-designed wet room bathroom includes:
Fully tiled walls and floors with small tiles for better grip and slope.
Open shower area with no barriers.
Central or linear drain system.
Wall-mounted vanity and toilet.
Thoughtful tile selection to prevent slips.
These design decisions ensure that the entire room is functional, beautiful, and safe.
Are Wet Rooms Only for Small Bathrooms?
Not at all. While wet rooms work brilliantly in small bathrooms, they are increasingly popular in larger bathrooms as well. In bigger spaces, a wet room might include both a freestanding tub and walk-in shower, still embracing the open concept.
The openness can create a spa-like experience, especially when combined with high-end fixtures, custom tile, and natural lighting.
Is It Easy to Clean a Wet Room?
Yes! Wet bathrooms are often considered easier to clean because they avoid seams and crevices around a shower stall or shower door. The use of tile, porcelain, and waterproof materials means most surfaces can be cleaned quickly.
Drains are typically located in central shower areas, and with the right slope, water won’t pool or spread to dry zones. This makes maintenance more convenient.
What Are the Best Materials for a Wet Bathroom?
For a wet room bathroom, materials must be:
Waterproof: such as porcelain tiles, epoxy grout, and waterproof membranes.
Durable: able to withstand frequent water contact.
Safe: tile with texture or smaller formats for traction.
Stylish: to reflect the homeowner’s bathroom design goals.
Avoid materials that absorb moisture or become slippery when wet. Non-slip, textured tile is best for the floor, and porcelain is ideal for walls.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel to a Wet Room?
Costs vary widely depending on:
Whether you’re starting from scratch or doing a remodel.
The need to replace or adjust plumbing.
The size of the room and complexity of the tile and drain work.
Expect to pay more than a standard bathroom remodel, especially if you want a fully tiled, luxurious wet room experience. However, it can add value to your home and reduce long-term maintenance.
Summary: Key Things to Remember About Wet Bathrooms
A wet bathroom is fully waterproofed and designed to get wet, often without a shower stall.
Ideal for small bathrooms, accessibility, or modern design.
Includes fully tiled surfaces, wall-mounted fixtures, and sloped flooring with a central drain.
Pros: Stylish, space-efficient, easy to clean, luxurious.
Cons: Requires professional installation, not suited for all homes, and can be more expensive.
Works well with porcelain tiles, walk-in showers, and freestanding tubs.
A wet room bathroom isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart, flexible bathroom design solution that combines practicality with elegance. If you're planning a remodel, a wet bath could be the upgrade you never knew you needed.
