Wet Room Guide

Wetrooms are increasingly popular in the UK and you may have heard a lot of buzz about them, but this begs the question what are they?

In this consumer guide we look at what wetrooms are and some of the benefits of them. We also look at some key aspects to include in wet room planning and introduce you to the Tile Fix Wet Room Quote Builder, that will recommend what to buy based on your individual specifications, thus helping you budget effectively.

Contents

What is a Wetroom?

Wetrooms are fully waterproofed bathrooms that feature a level-access shower. As they are completely waterproof, it is perfectly safe to have no shower screen and allow the water to splash into the room, effectively creating the entire room as one big shower room. Whilst it may appear that there is no shower tray, to achieve the level-access look you actually include a special waterproof wetroom shower tray below the tiles. This is gently sloped to ensure the water drains away quickly and effectively. Covering the shower tray with non-slip mosaic tiles then creates a practical and attractive showering area that is level with the rest of the tiled, waterproof floor.

There are lots of options available and much of this is limited only by space, budget and your imagination. You can include a bath in your room, as well as a shower screen, toilet, sink, electric underfloor heating, heated towel rails and more. When it comes to tiling your room, you can choose from a wide range of colours and materials, such as natural stone or porcelain, allowing you to create a personal look.

Below the tiles, it requires a fully watertight layer, which is often provided by tile backer boards with waterproofing tape or sealant on the joints between these boards. Tile backer boards also provide a smooth surface to tile on and provides added insulation.

Benefits Of Wetrooms

Wetrooms have many benefits, such as:

Completely Watertight. When properly installed, the rooms are completely waterproof meaning there is no need to worry about leaks. This is important because many walk-in showers don't use a shower screen to contain the water, allowing water to spread along the floor. In a properly tanked (waterproofed) room this is not a problem and the minimalist nature of wet room designs is a key part of their appeal.
May add value to a property when added as a second bathroom.
Can be installed on any level of the house as long as there is sufficient space in the floor to sink the drain and wet room shower tray to create the level-access finish.
Can be created in all sizes of rooms, including very small spaces.
Electric underfloor heating can be installed below the tiles for added warmth.
Are easy to clean.

How Much Does A Wet Room Cost?

Many people are seduced by the prospect of a stylish wet room in their home, but wonder how much a wet room costs. Much of this depends on the size of the room, the design you choose and the quality of the products, such as tiles.

The most important, and potentially expensive, part of creating a wet room is the fully watertight layer below the tiles. It is easy to ensure the wet room is completely watertight by purchasing the right items, and by hiring a professional to install the products if you do not feel completely confident doing it yourself. By focusing on getting this layer right, you will provide the ideal foundation for a successful wet room and will ensure that you do not incur costs down the line as a result of leaks.

A key appeal of a wet room is having a level-access, tiled shower floor rather than a white plastic step-in shower tray. To achieve this look you actually require a special waterproof wet room tray that sits below the tiles and is flush with the floor. The cost of your wet room shower tray will depend on the size of the tray and type of drain needed.

The tiles that you choose for your wet room will impact significantly on your day to day enjoyment of the room. Think carefully about the amount of ongoing maintenance you are prepared to do, as natural stone tiles typically need to be sealed regularly to maintain their waterproof status, which will also increase your costs. Porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic, but they are more hardwearing. Before tiling the floor, you can opt to include electric underfloor heating to keep the tiles warm, Tile Fix Direct stocks a number of different affordable underfloor heating options for your wet room.

Another key cost area to factor into your wet room budget is what fixtures and fittings you will choose to install. Wet rooms are designed so that you do not need to have a shower screen if you would prefer not to. However, many people like to include a frameless glass shower screen to provide a slight divider for the shower area, and to contain the water better and stop it splashing other items in the room.

Typical Wet Room Cost Examples

Room Size	Complete Wet Room	Wet Room Shower Area
1 x 1m	£408	£303
1 x 2m	£519	£330
2 x 3m	£790	£408
3 x 3m	£923	£486
4 x 4m	£1,199	£588
5 x 5m	£1,580	£752

Prices are based on a room with a concrete floor and brick walls, and include all essential components. Adding windows would reduce the price. Example prices exclude VAT and are correct at time of publication.

Tile Fix Direct has a bespoke wet room quote builder that will recommend what you need to purchase for your wet room based on the information you input. This will help you get a feel for many of the costs involved in creating a watertight shower room and allow you to make decisions on what other fixtures and fittings you will include. The wet room quote builder asks you to input data such as the dimensions of the room, floor construction (e.g. timber) and dimensions of shower tray and provides you with a list of suggested products to purchase. You can choose to add them all to your shopping basket or amend quantities as needed.

Installing a wet room can transform a bathroom into a luxurious sanctuary that is both practical and stylish. In this blog post we take a look at the key things you need to consider when planning your wet room design ideas.

Walk-In Shower

Central to your room is a gorgeous walk-in shower. First you will need to decide what size of shower to include, and select the appropriate shower tray. These specially designed wet room trays have pre-formed falls to ensure water drains away effectively rather than sitting in a stagnant pool. They are designed to be tiled over, we advise using slip-resistant mosaics, and will be invisible in the completed room.

You can opt to have a square drain or a longer, linear drain, and position it in a variety of places. Make sure you purchase the correct shower tray based on your drain preferences. The drain covering can also be simple or ornate, depending on your preferred style.

Glass frameless shower screens complete the walk-in shower enclosure, but are an optional addition. As long as you fully waterproof the room you can choose to have a completely open shower if you would like. Otherwise, wet room screens provide a defined shower area, contain the water in one space, and are transparent so won't reduce the impression of space in the room.

Wet Room Flooring

When it comes to the planning your wet room floor, you need to ensure it is fully waterproof so that there are no leaks. This is especially important if you opt for no screen, as the water will spread across the floor. Tile backer boards from Orbry or Marmox are an ideal material for waterproofing the floor, in conjunction with waterproofing tape to seal the joins between the boards. They provide an insulated, watertight surface that is ready to tile on.

If you would like to include electric underfloor heating on your floor, you would look to use an alternative waterproofing method to tile backer boards in order to minimise the height of the floor. Make sure the underfloor heating is suitable for use in this type of room, and then use a self-levelling compound on top of the heating mats to create a floor surface that is ready for tiling.

Wet Room Walls

The walls within the room will also need to be waterproofed and we once again recommend using Orbry or Marmox tile backer boards in conjunction with waterproofing tape for the joins. As well as providing waterproof walls, these wet room wall panels are a great way to insulate the room and provide a flat surface ready for tiling.

Wet Room Tiles, Fixtures & Fittings

There is a huge variety of tiles to choose from, so take into account your design preferences, budget and how much maintenance you are willing to undertake. Natural stone tiles look stunning but often need ongoing maintenance, so be sure you are fully informed before making your purchase.

Depending on the space you have available and whether this is your main bathroom or a second one, you may like to include other fixtures and fittings. For example, a toilet, sink unit and bath are popular. We recommend including a bath if the wet room is your only bathroom, as this will maximise its appeal to prospective homeowners should you sell your property at some point.

How To Create An Accessible Wet Room?

Getting the right advice for you or a loved one's needs pays off greatly when it comes to your wet room designs. Talking to a reputable installer will help you get a clearer picture of what to include in and how to design your room.

Shower trays are available in different shapes and sizes; including rectangular, square, small and large. Different sizes and drain configurations of shower tray can suit different user and construction needs.

The shower tray will feature a slight gradient. This is so the water can run into the drain and not into the room.

Slip-resistant flooring is especially important for people with disabilities. An anti-slip tile floor has the benefits of superior quality and appearance over vinyl flooring solutions. Underfloor heating can also help with the evaporation of water so that the floor can be free of any danger from slips or falls.

Keeping safe in your room is of the absolute importance. Shower rails are an excellent safety feature. They can act as a grab rail and are able to support a lot of weight.

Positioning is crucial when deciding where to put fixtures in your room. An incorrectly placed fitting could make it unusable. Installation is vital and, if not done with the proper care and due process, there is a danger that the installed product may be unsafe.

When creating a modern open plan room there are several factors to consider. The most obvious of these being the parts you can see, for example showers, taps and accessories. While features like tiles and fittings can help achieve the look you want, the most important part is what you don't see. If you don't want to convert the whole room, then a good alternative is to create a 'wet area' within a bathroom.

The room should be fully waterproofed or 'tanked' throughout to prevent any leaks. This is achieved using a waterproofing membrane, mat or tile backer board beneath the tiles. Tile Fix Direct carries a range of tile backer boards and tanking membranes from brands such as Orbry, Marmox, Ardex and BAL. Using one of these options throughout your room will create a fully watertight room, preventing any leaks which could be costly in the future.

By creating a wet area you only waterproof around the walk-in shower, which means any water that may splash into the rest of the room could potentially cause damage. 'Wet areas' are most suited to very large rooms, however we would always recommend waterproofing at least one metre away from any showering area, and more if you are not using a screen. The best and safest option is always to waterproof the entire room.

You will still need to use a shower tray to create a level access shower in your room. These are fitted beneath the tiles and have a built in slope, or fall, to encourage water to flow into the drain. The shower trays have a hole in them for a compatible drain to be installed, and a wide range of drain positions and options are available. Alternatively, order a custom shower tray if you would like a custom shower tray size or the drain to be positioned differently.

If you prefer to only waterproof the shower area you will need to take steps to prevent water from splashing throughout the rest of the non-waterproofed room. Use a wet room shower screen to separate the showering area from the rest of the room. Our shower screens are sleek and modern looking, and as they are glass they will not block the open plan view of your room.

Measure The Room

The first thing to do when planning your room is to measure and make a note of where you would like the key fittings to be placed. A walk in shower is central to any plan, and this can be as big or as small as you like. It is common to also include a toilet and sink, and by choosing wall hung units you can maximise the use of space. If you have room in the bathroom, then including a roll top bath adds an extra touch of luxury, as do heated towel rails.

You also need to know what the floors and walls are constructed of (e.g. timber) as this will impact on the recommended waterproofing materials for your room. Once you've finished measuring up the room and have an idea of what you want, enter the relevant information into the quote builder and it will come up with a list of recommended products and quantities that you are likely to need for your specific project.

Optional Extras

Other choices that you have when planning your room include having a frameless glass shower screen to contain the water, and installing electric underfloor heating for added warmth. Tile Fix Direct also offers a select range of tiles for your room, with slip-resistant mosaics the recommended tile for a walk in shower floor.

Style Inspiration

To get a feel for what you would like in your own room, we suggest looking through Pinterest and relevant home ideas websites to see the different design options available. Even if you only have a small room and a low budget, you can maximise the impact by using light coloured tiles and adding colour through your choice of towels and accessories.

Once you are ready to purchase your requirements, visit our easy to use quote builder and view the list of products suggested for your specific build. You can adjust the quantities as needed and then add to your basket to purchase at our low, online-only prices.

Wet Room Design Factors

So you've decided to install your wet rooms ideas and the next step is figuring out the design and colours you'll use. This room is an investment, so your room design is not something to rush , you need to make sure you'll love the result and that it will be a place of enjoyment for years to come. Some of the things to consider when designing your room include: the size of the room, if this is your main bathroom or a second one, what style of decor you like, and your budget. We'll take a look at each of these in turn to help you with your own wet room ideas.

How Big Is Your Wet Room

The size of your room will impact on the colour schemes that will look good in the space. For example, a small room will be made to feel even smaller if all dark colours are used. Conversely, a large space may appear soulless if only white items are used.

Using light colours , not necessarily white - is recommended in small spaces. This helps to create an impression of more space, and adds an airy feel to the room. You can use all white tiles for a clean look and add touches of colour through your towels and accessories if desired. Another tip for making the room appear larger is having darker floor tiles and lighter wall tiles. A border strip or a strip of mosaics in the shower is a great way of adding texture and colour into a small room.

Dark colours, bright colours and bold designs will all look good in large spaces. However, if you like simple, light designs then there's no reason why you shouldn't indulge this in a large room. Adding items like a feature wall, a statement mirror or gorgeous storage units can help add personality to a large room.

Is This The Main Bathroom

If this is going to be the only bathroom in the house, we recommend including a bath as well as a walk in shower, as this will appeal to the greatest number of people if you come to sell your home. When adding the room as a second bathroom, especially if you only have space for a small wet room then you can simply have a walk in shower and then opt for a toilet and sink if space permits.

What Style Of Decor Do You Like

Take the time to look online for pictures that inspire you to help you figure out what sorts of styles you like. Consider how the rest of your home is decorated and how the new room will tie in with that. In a very traditional home an ultra modern design in the room may seem incongruous. Think about the sorts of colours you'd like to incorporate and also factor in whether you are likely to sell your home in the next five or so years. If looking to sell your home, be sure to keep the design simple and universally popular to appeal to the greatest number of buyers.

What Is Your Renovation Budget

It's really important that you identify how much you can afford to spend on your room, so that you don't plan an extravagant design only to find that it's ten times what you can afford.

These rooms aren't just about the tiles and walk in shower, however, there is an entire layer of waterproofing below the surface, and you need to budget for the materials required for this and realise what work is involved in how to make a wet room. The Tile Fix Direct quote builder is a useful tool that helps you identify all of the practical elements you will need for your room and help you budget for them.

Once you've thought through these four design factors you will be ready to start purchasing items to create a gorgeous room. At Tile Fix Direct we sell all the components, the full wet room kit to fully waterproof a room at low online only prices, so be sure to check out our range.

With the continuing increase in popularity in the UK, it's no surprise that many fixers and fitters are including them in their services offered. While tiles and waterproof adhesive and grout do help to keep moisture out of the walls in traditional bathrooms, these rooms require an additional layer of waterproofing to protect against leaks.

The Importance Of Waterproofing A Wet Room

Wetrooms are becoming popular across the UK, often as a stylish second bathroom. However, before you rush into creating the gorgeous, fully tiled room of your dreams, take note of arguably the biggest mistake people can make when installing them: not properly waterproofing the room.

Below the glossy tiles and walk in shower is a fundamentally important waterproof layer which creates the watertight foundation for the room. A typical method of waterproofing (a.k.a. tanking) consists of using waterproof tile backer boards on the walls and floor in conjunction with waterproof tape to seal the joints. However, there are many variations that professional fitters will use , the key thing is to ensure that whoever installs your room is experienced and does a thorough job. Spending a bit more time and money on getting this stage right could potentially save you thousands in the long run.

Risks Of Not Waterproofing Properly

The potential risk of ineffective tanking is that the room could leak. This could cause damage both to the structure of the room and to the rest of the house, resulting in an expensive repair job. By properly waterproofing the room, either by hiring an experienced professional or by following the manufacturer's guidelines if you are doing it yourself, you can avoid this costly experience.

How To Waterproof Properly

Make sure you waterproof the floor, walls and corners with designated products and use a specially designed wet room tray that is waterproof, designed to be tiled on and has the correct fall inbuilt to allow water to drain away effectively. We recommend you always waterproof the entire floor, even if you are only installing a walk in shower as opposed to the full room, as this ensures that water will not leak through the floor. Another consideration when tanking the floor, is whether or not you will include electric underfloor heating. This form of heating works really well to not only warm the room, but to also help evaporate water that has spilled on the floor, but will require a different method of waterproofing to ensure the floor height isn't significantly raised.

Tile backer boards from Marmox or Orbry are generally our recommended material to use for the majority of the waterproofing, in conjunction with waterproof tape to seal the joins between the boards. However, if you are looking to install electric underfloor heating in your room, then the Orbry Waterproofing System in conjunction with Norcros Permalayer is our suggested method of tanking.

You can purchase all the products you need to waterproof from our website. For more detailed instructions on these methods, and to decide which method of tanking is best for you, please refer the below guides:

Orbry Stud Wall Fixing Guide

Orbry Solid Wall Fixing Guide

Orbry Floor Fixing Guide

Orbry Waterproofing Guide

Orbry Wet Room Installation Guide

Orbry Underfloor Heating Installation Guide

The purpose of this type of room is often to maximise space in a small bathroom, which usually involves removing the bath, leaving an open plan area to design your room within. Whilst not necessary, shower screens can offer many benefits. We've put together some of the advantages of including one in your design.

Benefits of a Shower Screen

Prevent water splashing throughout the room. Installing a shower screen will create a barrier between the shower area and the rest of the room, helping unwanted water to stay in the shower area and not soak towels or toilet paper.
Easy to clean. Shower screens are generally very simple in design, leaving no hard to reach nooks and crannies. This makes them very easy to clean and maintain, always leaving your room looking smart.
Divide space in your room with a shower screen. The open plan nature of the room creates space, but if you are looking to separate the shower area a glass screen will do this without interrupting the minimalist look of the room.
Helps contain water in a level access shower area making drainage quicker and easier, which will help avoid slipping on a wet floor.
Added storage space. A number of products are available that allow you to hang a towel or hold showering products by clipping them on to the shower screen.

What Kind of Wet Room Shower Screens Are Available?

There are three main configurations for your wet room screens.

Wet Room Panels : The panel is a shower screen made of a single pane of glass. They are fitted to the wall through a specially created wall channel, or can be used to create a walk in shower area through the use of metal bracing bars.
Wet Room Panel with Return Panel : A return panel is another glass panel that is smaller in width than the main shower screen. Attached at a right angle to form an 'l' shape, the return panel is designed to further limit the amount of shower spray hitting the rest of the room. Some screens offer the ability to attach the return panel on a hinge for ease of access to the shower area.
Walk In Enclosure : A walk in enclosure is formed using a number of panels to create the ultimate protection against shower spray. Typically, this configuration features two central glass panels, staggered to create an enclosed area.

How To Choose The Best Wet Room Shower Screen For You

Choosing the best shower screen for you is essential, so before you decide on your screen consider:

Measurements : Before you choose your shower screen ensure you are fitting it in the ideal place and take accurate measurements of the area so you can be certain that your shower screen is of the right size.
Width : Some shower screens come in a selection of widths meaning you can choose the ideal size for you. Our range of Orbry Shower Screens come in various widths from 690mm - 1190mm.
Is the screen protected? Leading brands cover their shower screens with a special protective coating that prevents damage. Our range of Orbry shower screens include a protective genuine Clearshield coating.
What fixings are required? The fixings you require will depend on whether you want the shower screen to sit within the tiles or on top of them. Orbry shower screens are delivered with an appropriate kit which can include the surface wall and floor channels and telescopic wall bar.
Guarantee : Trusted brands will offer comprehensive guarantees that can cover up to a lifetime warranty. Orbry offer a lifetime guarantee when using all Orbry products where available.

When planning your room or walk in shower it is extremely important to carefully plan and install the flooring to avoid any dangerous and costly problems in the future. Each part of the flooring from the waterproofing to the tiles is extremely important, and in this blog we'll take you through the things you need to consider before installing flooring, as well as installation options.

Things to consider before installing flooring:

Construction of the substrate
The placement of the shower tray
The size of the shower tray
If electric underfloor heating will be added
Which waterproofing method you will use

Flooring installation methods will depend on your substrate and choice of waterproofing methods. If you are tiling over timber it is important that the boards are rigid enough to cope with the weight of boards, tiles and foot traffic. Check the individual installation guidelines for your chosen waterproofing method to check it is suitable for your substrate.

Once the shower tray is installed and the walls have been waterproofed you can begin waterproofing the floor. If you are not including electric underfloor heating the best option for waterproofing is using tile backer boards such as those from Orbry or Marmox. As well as waterproofing, tile backer boards can be used to raise the height of the floor by 10mm to sit flush with a walk-in shower tray.

If you are planning on installing electric underfloor heating a waterproof uncoupling membrane is a better option than tile backer boards for your flooring. This is thinner and therefore will not raise the overall height of the floor more than the shower tray. The decoupling membrane will stop any movement in the substrate effecting the tiles above, as well as creating an insulated layer beneath the electric underfloor heating to project the heat upwards.

Once the entire room is watertight you can begin laying your wet room floor tiles. As the room contains a level access shower, water is more likely to splash throughout the room. This can create a slippery surface, therefore we would recommend using non-slip mosaic tiles to avoid any falls.

Why Is Wetroom Flooring So Important?

Quality flooring is a necessity. On the surface people will just see tiles and grouting, however these hide the most important elements that waterproof the room. Waterproofing, or tanking, is an absolutely essential part of installing your room as it will prevent damage and improve the longevity of your room. You can also waterproof your room at the same time as installing insulation for your underfloor heating system, if you have chosen to install this one as part of the room.

What Types Of Wetroom Flooring Are Available?

Tiles are the most popular choice for wet room flooring as they are hardwearing, easy to clean, water resistant and attractive. Tiles, especially mosaic tiles, are preferred not only for their looks, but because many great looking slip resistant tiles are available. Mosaic tiles are easy to install over a shower tray and look great.

Planning Wet Room Flooring

Careful planning is highly recommended when designing your room and flooring is no different. Here are some key points to consider:

Waterproofing : The floor will need to be thoroughly waterproofed. This can be achieved in a number of ways. This will depend on what kind of floor you have, the tiles you want to use, and whether you have chosen to use underfloor heating. At Tile Fix, we have a large selection of different waterproofing products including tile backer boards, waterproofing tapes and tanking kits from brands such as Orbry and Marmox.
Underfloor Heating : Underfloor heating is a great way to save space and create a cosy, warm underfoot feeling in your room. We have many flooring solutions that minimise the additional height required when installing underfloor heating over an existing floor, such the Orbry Wet Room Flooring Waterproofing Compound.
Aesthetics : Choose the right design and style of tiles and grouting that compliments the rest of your room's aesthetics. Tile Fix sells a range of tiles and many different grout colours, so you can find a combination that is unique to you.
Budget : We offer a range of flooring products to suit any budget, whether you are looking for great value or something extra fancy. Please don't hesitate to contact us for advice on creating your perfect room.

Experienced DIY enthusiasts can install your room without any major problems. We provide all the step-by-step guides you will need to create your perfect room.

We often talk about how it's the 'bones' of wetrooms that are the most important; the shower tray and drain allow water to flow away quickly and easily and the waterproofing will protect your home from leaks which could cause serious damage. However, this does not mean that the tiles you choose for your room are not important too. The tiles will affect the look, safety and maintenance required in your room so it's important to take these factors into consideration when choosing tiles.

Material

Most tile materials are suitable for your room, however non-porous materials such as ceramic and porcelain are the most popular as they require little maintenance. Natural stone like limestone, slate and marble can be used but remember that these must be sealed every few months and may require special cleaning products to keep them looking their best. Porcelain tiles are especially suited to floors as they are extremely hardwearing.

Installation

The shower area will have a 'fall', or gradient, to encourage the water to flow towards the drain. When using large format tiles these will need to be cut in order to be laid on this slope. Mosaic tiles are often used in this area as they can easily cover this slope without having to be cut.

Safety

As you are essentially designing a large shower without an enclosure, it's understandable that water will splash throughout the room. This can make the floor slippery, so it's important to choose tiles which are non-slip to avoid any accidents. For added safety you can use mosaic tiles in the shower area which add extra grip in the wettest part of the room.

Appearance

Generally the floor and walls of your room will be completely tiled, so it's important to think carefully about the look you want to achieve. Go for the same, or similar, tiles on the floor and walls for a sleek look, or mix and match colours for a bright and fun room. Use mosaics to create feature walls or within shower niches for added glamour, or separate the shower area from the rest of the room by creating zones with different coloured or patterned tiles.

If you've got a small bathroom and prefer showering to soaking then this could be the perfect choice for you. By removing the bath and adding a walk-in shower you open up the space in your bathroom, making it look and feel much more spacious. While it can also work in larger spaces, they are often used to maximise space in cramped washrooms, or added as a second bathroom. If your bathroom is an awkward shape and you're struggling to fit a conventional shower in to the space, this could be the answer!

When designing wet rooms for small bathrooms, there are a number of things to take into consideration, so we've put together some tips and wet room ideas to help you.

Tanking

Tanking is the process of waterproofing your room. While it should be applied to the whole room, it is often the case that only the area around the shower is waterproofed. This can be an option in larger rooms, however in a small one it's extremely important to tank the whole room as there is more chance of water splashing throughout. You can waterproof using a waterproof membrane or tile backer board beneath the tiles.

Shower Screen

If you want to keep some of the water contained to the shower area then adding a shower screen to your room is a great idea. In a small room water can sometimes splash throughout the entire room, a shower screen will protect towels and toilet paper from getting damp. Our shower screens are simple in design, so they won't distract from the minimalist look of your room. You can also choose accessories to accompany your shower screen, for example a bathrobe hook, which will help keep your room tidy.

Shower Tray

Although the rooms do not contain a conventional shower tray, they will normally have one fitted beneath the tiles. This will have a built in slope to help water flow towards the drain, and are available in a range of sizes featuring different options for drain sizes and positions. Our tile-able shower trays can even be customised to fit your bespoke needs.

Electric Underfloor Heating

This is another optional addition to your room but it's something that will add a touch of luxury. Electric underfloor heating in your room can also help to evaporate any surface water from the floor, preventing slips. Self-adhesive electric underfloor heating mats are quick and easy to install in your small room, and they remove the need for a radiator and freeing up more space.

Converting your small bathroom into a wetroom offers many advantages, the first being the ease of cleaning and maintenance. They are perfect for the elderly and disabled due to their open plan nature, and can even add value to your home. Use our Wet Room Quote Builder to get an idea of what you will need and how much it will cost.

Maximising the Appearance of Space in a Wet Room

A significant advantage of adding wetrooms in a small space is its ability to dramatically increase the perceived size of the room. Here are three great tips for creating an illusion of more space in the room:

Use Light Coloured Tiles - a common design trick, using light coloured tiles will create a larger, more airy appearance.
Have A Wall Hung Sink And Toilet - by freeing up the limited floor space this allows the eye to see a greater floor area and helps to increase the apparent size.
Add A Mirror - a well placed mirror will reflect light into the room and help make it appear larger.

Wetrooms are quite different to traditional bathrooms so if you've not had one before you may have have questions you want to ask before you decide to install one. We've put together this handy FAQ to give you all the information you might need on the more common questions.

What Is A Wet Room?

It is sometimes called a shower room and is a fully waterproofed room with a walk in or 'level access' shower. The shower tray is hidden beneath the floor and normally tiled over, essentially the whole room becomes the shower enclosure.

Which Bathroom Is Best Converted Into A Wet Room?

Smaller, secondary bathrooms are often the most popular choice to be converted. The benefit of turning a small bathroom into a wetroom is that it frees up more space, allowing for an uncluttered, open-plan bathroom design. They are brilliant for convenient showering! Of course, the only limit to the size of your room and what you have in it is the size of the room itself. They can also be used as a primary bathroom too.

What Is Tanking?

Tanking is the process of completely waterproofing the floor and walls within the room.

Why Does The Wet Room Need To Be Waterproofed?

Removing the shower enclosure means that water will splash throughout the room, so it is essential that the room is fully tanked. Sometimes a 'wet area' is created by just waterproofing the showering area, however we would recommend waterproofing the whole room if not using a screen - especially in smaller rooms.

Do I Need A Shower Screen In My Wet Room?

No, a shower screen is not necessary in the room, however it can help contain more of the water inside the showering area. It can also act as a partition to break up a larger room, although the clear glass will not affect the minimalist look of the room.

Where Does The Water Go?

The drain is fitted in the floor within the shower tray, with the floor sloping slightly towards it to encourage the water to drain away. Tile Fix Direct stocks a great range choice of shower tray and wet room drain, including stylish linear, stainless steel and tile-able covers.

Do I Need Underfloor Heating

While not necessary, electric underfloor heating is an added luxury that can benefit your room. It helps evaporate water from the floor, and removes the need for radiators - adding to the modern and minimalist look.

Is My Bathroom Too Small or Large For A Wetroom?

It's unlikely that your bathroom is too small or large to be converted. It is the perfect solution for a small space as the bath can be removed, giving the room a much more open feel. You might want to add a shower screen as this will stop water splashing on to towels and toilet paper. For those with larger spaces who also enjoy a long soak in the bath, this can be added as you get creative with the space.

Can I Install A Wetroom Myself?

For the more experienced installing the room can be a DIY job, and we have plenty of handy step-by-step videos and guides to help you install your room. However, if you are not confident about the process we would recommend using an experienced installer as waterproofing correctly is vital.

What Do I Need To Install A Wetroom?

Waterproofing system - tile backer boards or membrane and joint sealing tape
Shower tray and drain
Tiles, adhesive and grout
Optional underfloor heating and shower screen

What Size Shower Tray Do I Need?

Shower trays are pre-formed to provide the ideal fall for the water, which is important to ensure the water drains away quickly and completely. They are hidden beneath the tiles, so the shower tray should be the size of the shower area. Tile Fix Direct stock a wide range of shower tray sizes, with different positions for the drain also available.

How Do I Clean And Maintain My Wetroom?

These type of rooms are easy to keep clean as there is much less to them than traditional bathrooms. Wipe down the tiles after showering and sweep the floors when dry to keep your room looking its best.

How Much Does Installing A Wet Room Cost?

This is very much dependant on the size of the room and the different options you choose. You can use our Quote Builder to calculate the cost of your bespoke room.

What Are The Benefits Of Installing A Wet Room?

Low maintenance and easy to clean
Modern and stylish look
Can add value to your house
Completely watertight
Easy access for the elderly and less abled

Can you build a wetroom on the first floor?

The truth is you can design and install the room on the first floor, second floor or any other floor. You can also install the room on wooden floors as well as on concrete. As long as the waterproofing and installation is carried out correctly you shouldn't get leaks and can enjoy an amazing shower experience.

There are a number of considerations that you should make before installing the room on the first floor.

Depending on your floor surface, you may need to excavate the shower area slightly or remove floorboards before installing the shower tray and drain.

The rest of the floor may need to be raised slightly to sit flush with the top of the shower tray - this can be achieved with Orbry tile backer boards or, if you are installing underfloor heating matting, with the Orbry Waterproofing System and Permalayer so you need to bear this in mind when compiling your wet room kits.

With wet rooms continuing to increase in popularity in the UK, it's no surprise that many fixers and fitters are including them in their services offered. While tiles and waterproof adhesive and grout do help to keep moisture out of the walls in traditional bathrooms, wet rooms require an additional layer of waterproofing to protect against leaks.

Waterproofing, or tanking, the entire room is essential in a wet room as water can, and will, get everywhere. A wet room is intended to essentially turn the whole room into the shower enclosure, so expect moisture to cover most of the room. We've put together some quick tips for ensuring your wetroom is completely waterproof which should help avoid any costly damages in the future.

Prepare walls and floors before you begin; remove any old adhesive or flaking paint and plaster and ensure the walls are smooth and flat. If you have filled any holes in the walls, allow the filler to dry before applying waterproofing compound or adhesive.
Locate and mark all water and power points; once waterproofing is complete, the surface area shouldn't be punctured.
Fully tank your wet room to ensure it is waterproof. Although only waterproofing around the shower area might seem tempting, it means your wet room is not completely protected against leaks which could cause considerable damage.
Use waterproof tape and compound on joints and corners to reinforce them and protect against leaks.
If you are using tile backer boards try to stagger the joints when fixing to walls.
Choose a drain that is suitable for wet rooms as this will be designed to withstand large amounts of water.
Install a wet room shower tray as this has a built in slope, or fall, which will encourage water to flow into the drain and not pool on the floor.
Choose lighting that is suitable for the area; bathroom lighting is given an IP (Ingress Protection) rating - the higher the number the more waterproof it is. Which one you will need depends on the position of the light fitting within the room.

Tile Fix Direct has a great range of wet room waterproofing products available to order online, as well as helpful wet room installation guides and advice.

You may have recently installed your new room in your home and want to keep it looking spotless, or perhaps are struggling to keep your existing room neat and tidy. We've put together these four great tips on how to keep your room organised to help you maintain the stunning, attractive look of your new room.

1. Clear It Out

The first thing to do is to look at everything that is in the room and make a conscious decision about its worth. Be ruthless- do you really need it? The idea is to minimise the contents of your room in order to reduce clutter, so apply one of the following rules to the item: bin it, re-house it in another room, or find a suitable spot for it in the bathroom. Just because you want to keep something, doesn't mean it needs to be stored in the room itself. So take time to consider whether it really belongs there or if there is another room it could go in.

2. Use Clever Storage

Being clever with storage in the room will help make the overall room look inviting and feel relaxing. A combined sink/cabinet unit is ideal for adding some additional hidden storage for items such as cleaning products and spare loo rolls. By hiding these items from sight, you minimise the appearance of clutter and create a more streamlined look. However, it is not practical to hide everything away, as some things are used on a daily basis. Carefully choose what you will display, based on whether you need to easily access it regularly, and opt for attractive and coordinating containers that suit your wet room designs. For example, decanting soap, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel into glass bottles looks stylish and also keeps the room organised.

3. Better Utilise The Walls

The walls are an often under-utilised source of storage in the room. If you only have a small room, then the walls can be a particularly useful source of storage space. Wall mounted shelves, magazine racks, towel rails and bathrobe hooks create areas to store and display items, without taking up too much space or making the room look messy. Adding a shelf above the door can provide valuable extra space to store towels or bulk items such as loo rolls. A heated towel rail can double as a source of heat and a practical place to keep your towels. Another useful addition is a double robe hook that clips over the shower screen, allowing you to hang your towel and robe whilst showering.

4. Ongoing Maintenance Keep It Tidy

Once your room is organised, the goal is to maintain it in a clean and tidy state. To achieve this it is best to spend a few minutes each day tidying it up, picking towels off the floor and doing spot cleaning. Do a thorough clean at least once a week to keep the room hygienic. Being vigilant with ongoing cleaning and tidying will ensure that your room remains organised and is a relaxing sanctuary from the stresses of daily life.

If you haven't created your dream room just yet, check out our great range of wet room products including level access shower trays, waterproofing and underfloor heating.

Wet Room Guide

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