Are you planning a new bathroom or renovating an existing one? You have an important choice to make. Will you choose a traditional bathroom or will you go for a wet room? Both styles have their advantages and drawbacks, and there isn’t one answer to this. A lot will depend on your preference, as well as your budget and the space available. Let’s break down the differences between the two and also go into more detail about what you might want to think about when weighing up the choice.
Wet room vs Bathroom: Which is Best?
What is a Wet room?
This first question might seem like a silly one, but it’s actually not. A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor. By choosing a wet room, you cut out the need for a separate shower tray or enclosure. The water from your shower will drain through a centrally located or even a wall-mounted drain. The benefit of a wet room is that it is purposely built to handle the moisture that comes out of this style of bathroom.
How Does This Compare To a Traditional Bathroom?
As you probably are aware, a traditional bathroom includes a separate shower enclosure and/or bath. There are specific wet and dry zones. The dry zones usually feature a toilet and a hand basin. In bathrooms, you will generally find that your water drains from specific areas like the bath or shower.
Pros and Cons of Wet Rooms
Pros:
Wet rooms look much more modern and stylish. They are more contemporary and match this style of home.
Wet rooms are ideal for small areas which might otherwise struggle to function as a traditional bathroom.
As a wet room has fewer fixtures and enclosures, you’ll find cleaning them a doddle compared with a traditional bathroom.
Generally speaking, a high-quality wet room can add additional value to a property – particularly in contemporary-style houses.
Wet rooms can offer better accessibility as they don’t have steps, barriers or other trip hazards. They are ideal for people with mobility issues or those who are futureproofing for older age.
Cons:
Wet rooms are generally much more expensive to fit and kit out. This is mainly down to the waterproofing.
If you are bothered by the whole room being wet, a wet room probably isn’t the best choice. As there is no shower enclosure, you’ll find that a wet room often is, well wet throughout.
You’ll need someone with expertise in wet rooms to fit it as poorly installed wet rooms can lead to leaks, and damp issues and could cause structural damage.
You’ll find that wet rooms don’t offer as much storage space as traditional bathrooms, as they don’t have the traditional cabinetry and vanities. So if you need storage in your bathroom a wet room might not be the best option for you.
Which One Should I Choose?
Ask yourself these questions.
Do you have a small bathroom and need a space-saving solution? Do you want a sleek, modern design? Is accessibility and ease of use a priority? Are you able and willing to invest in professional installation and waterproofing of a wet room?
If the answers are yes, then a wet room would be the best choice for you. Have a look at this site for more ideas for your wet room.
Ask yourself these questions.
Do you prefer a more conventional, compartmentalised design of bathroom? Does your household consist of young children or people who prefer baths? Would you prefer to keep your installation costs lower? Do you need storage and designated dry areas in your bathroom?
If the answers are yes, then a traditional bathroom is a better choice for you.
You’ll find that both wet rooms and traditional bathrooms have their place, and your choice ultimately should come down to which one would suit your needs and preferences. It’s your home and your choice!