A Guide to Wet Rooms - Everything You Need to Know

Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular, they’re sleek, practical, and add a contemporary edge to any home. Whether you’re planning a stylish ensuite or looking to futureproof your main bathroom, a wet room could be the perfect solution. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what wet rooms are, how they work, and why they’re such a great choice for homeowners. 

What is a wet room?

A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor. There’s no need for a shower tray as the water drains away through a flush, built in floor drain, and the entire space is designed to handle moisture. 

Some are completely open-plan, while others use a glass screen to contain the water splashes. Either way, they offer a clean, minimalist look that works well in both small and large bathrooms. 

Benefits of a wet room

1. Stylish and modern design - Wet rooms bring a luxurious spa-like feel to your home. The clean lines, open layout, and sleek finishes suit both contemporary and classic interiors. They can also help make your property more appealing to potential buyers. 

2. Space-saving solutions - They are ideal for small bathrooms or awkward layouts. By removing shower enclosures and doors, you can make the space feel larger and more open.

3. Easy to clean - With fewer nooks, crannies, and grout lines, they are much easier to keep clean. 

4. Accessible and futureproof - Wet rooms are great for all ages and abilities. With level access and no step into shower tray, they’re an excellent option for anyone with mobility concerns, making them a popular choice for multigenerational homes. 

Designing your wet room - Materials that work

Finishes in a wet room do more than set the tone for your design, they play a crucial role in functionality, waterproofing, and safety. Since the entire space must be sealed against moisture, every surface needs to work hard while still looking great. Here are some smart, stylish finish options to consider - 

Large format wall tiles - Large tiles are ideal for wet rooms as they reduce grout lines, making the space easier to clean and maintain. Ceramic tiles are a great choice for walls, they’re durable, and available in a wide range of styles. If you want to reduce grout lines even further, consider using shower wall panels, which offer a sleek, low-maintenance alternative in the shower area.

Flooring - Porcelain tiles and Altro safety flooring are two excellent wet room flooring options. Porcelain is hard-wearing, available in large formats, and perfect for creating a seamless, high-end look. Altro flooring is a vinyl-based safety floor designed specifically for wet areas - it's slip-resistant, hygienic, and ideal for added peace of mind in family or accessible bathrooms.

Wall-mounted fixtures - From floating vanities to wall-hung toilets, choosing wall-mounted fittings not only contributes to a contemporary, minimalist style but also makes cleaning easier and protects fittings from any standing water. 

Underfloor heating - A practical and luxurious addition, underfloor heating helps water evaporate quicker, keeping the space warm, dry, and comfortable. It also means you can skip bulky radiators for a cleaner design. 

By carefully selecting materials and finishes designed for wet environments, you can create a space that’s not only beautiful but also built to last. 

Ready to create your dream wet room?

Whether you want a stylish update for your ensuite or practical, futureproof solutions for your family bathroom, NBK is here to help. With over 25 years of experience, we will guide you through every step - from layout planning and waterproofing to beautiful finishing touches. 

Visit our showroom in Norwich or Diss to explore how we can help in person, or get in touch via our contact form here - Contact us