Wet Room
A fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area is open and level with the rest of the floor, with no shower tray or enclosure.
A wet room is a bathroom that has been fully waterproofed (or “tanked”) so that the entire floor and lower walls are protected from water. The defining feature is that the shower area is open — there is no raised shower tray or glass enclosure. Instead, the floor is gently sloped toward a drain, and the whole room is designed to handle water without damage.
How a wet room differs from a standard bathroom
| Feature | Standard bathroom | Wet room |
|---|---|---|
| Shower area | Enclosed tray or cubicle | Open, level with the floor |
| Floor waterproofing | Around shower tray only | Entire floor tanked |
| Floor gradient | Flat (tray handles drainage) | Gentle slope toward drain |
| Glass screens | Usually full enclosure | Optional splash screen or none |
How wet rooms are built
- Floor structure — the floor is built up or cut to create a gentle gradient (typically a 1:80 fall) toward a linear or point drain
- Screed — a layer of screed creates the smooth, sloped surface
- Tanking — a waterproof membrane (liquid-applied or sheet) is applied to the entire floor and up the walls to at least splash height (typically 1.2 m or full height for best practice)
- Drain — a floor drain (linear channel drains are popular for a modern look) is set into the screed
- Tiling — non-slip floor tiles are laid over the tanking membrane
Why wet rooms are popular in renovations
- Small spaces — wet rooms are ideal for compact en-suites where a shower tray and enclosure would feel cramped
- Accessibility — a level-access shower with no step or tray to climb over is easier for everyone and future-proofs the bathroom
- Clean aesthetic — the open, minimalist design makes a small bathroom feel more spacious
- Property value — a well-built wet room is considered a premium feature
Important considerations
- Waterproofing is critical — the tanking must be done correctly, with no gaps or weak points. A failed tank in a wet room can cause serious water damage to the floor and rooms below
- Ventilation — a powerful extractor fan is essential, as the open shower area creates more steam and moisture in the room
- Floor tiles — must have a non-slip rating suitable for wet, barefoot use
Practical tip
A wet room requires specialist waterproofing skills. When getting quotations, ask your contractor specifically about the tanking system they will use and whether it comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee. This is not an area to cut costs — a properly tanked wet room will last decades, while a poorly done one can cause thousands in water damage.