Tiles – Natural stone and porcelain tiles are becoming the most popular choice in wet rooms as they give a beautiful, contemporary, and hardwearing finish. Vinyl – Cost-effective and available in a wide range of colours and styles, vinyl is a common choice for wet room flooring outside of the shower area.
Porcelain tiles, including large format porcelain tiles are perfect for a wet room. If large format porcelain tiles are chosen a 'envelope' cut will need to be used so that the laying of the tiles follows the fall of the wet room tray to the drain.
A wet room will require the flooring and walls to be waterproofed and fully tiled – a job for a professional builder or plumber to complete.
Porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% of water, whereas ceramic and other material tiles can absorb a lot more. The clay used for porcelain tiles is denser and therefore less porous – making it an ideal candidate for a steamy shower room.
The frequency of changing a wet room floor depends on factors like the quality of materials used, maintenance practices, and general wear and tear. Well-installed and properly maintained wet room floors can last for many years before requiring replacement.
For the floor of the shower area, you should select a slip-resistant tile. Stone and porcelain tiles are the best for the shower floor. Avoid glazed ceramic tiles in this spot, as they tend to be slippery. Also, remember that non-vitreous tiles are not suitable for the shower floor.
Indoors, mould can thrive in damp spaces such as wetrooms and bathrooms, especially if they are poorly ventilated.
More Expensive: This consideration means that installing a wet room is often more expensive than other types of shower.
Falls should be between 1:35 and 1:80 (ie. for every 80mm the incline travels towards the waste outlet, the floor level will fall 1mm) as per BS 5385 Part 3.
Avoid wet room drainage problems
The key to proper drainage is a well-sloped floor. Aim for a 1.5% to 2% incline towards the drain, ensuring water flows freely without creating a noticeable incline. Hiring a professional can guarantee the slope is accurate and avoids pooling water.
Wetrooms can be constructed on timber and concrete floors. For timber floors, a “dec” or tapered board is installed within the shower area above the ply supported joists, where the original floorboards have been removed. The built-in gradient creates the fall towards the drain.
DuraLux® Waterproof Luxury Vinyl
With a rigid stone-based core, your floor is not only 100% waterproof but scratch and dent-resistant. 5mm DuraLux® Performance Plank with built-in foam backing is a great flooring choice that is quick and easy to install!
Wet rooms are growing increasingly popular with high-end renovators and interior designers. Think of these as a splash zone for your bathroom, an area where the shower and/or bathtub are placed, usually surrounded by tile, where the water can stay separate from your sink and toilet.
Vinyl Flooring: Versatile & Water-Resistant Option
Vinyl is a great option for flooring in wet spaces. Vinyl flooring is a synthetic material that is resistant to moisture and is easy to clean and maintain. It's also an affordable option and can be installed quickly and easily.
The open-plan design can make wet rooms feel colder than traditional bathrooms, as heat dissipates more quickly. Additionally, without barriers to contain water, the entire floor can become wet and slippery. Non-slip tiles and underfloor heating can help mitigate these issues, but they add to the expense.
It's estimated that an additional bathroom can add around a 5% increase in value of a home, according to a variety of studies by insurers and estate agents. A wetroom, when styled as an extra bathroom, whether ensuite or separate bathroom, can therefore add an additional 5% in value to your home.
Walk-in showers are a cheaper alternative to wet rooms, they include a shower tray and various designs. They give a modern look and are easier to install.
Choosing the right materials. You can expect a correctly fitted, high quality wetroom to last for the lifetime of your chosen tiles. But never underestimate the importance of waterproofing. To make sure your wetroom lasts, it needs to be watertight.
Keeping your shower doors closed at all hours of the day locks in moist air and can lead to mold. After you shower, the interior space is at its wettest point. Try to keep the doors open for a half hour or so until the steam clears. If you have a fan in your bathroom, make sure to turn it on and let the air circulate.
Wet rooms are 100% waterproof and that's that. What leaks is poor workmanship of poorly installed floors. This usually occurs when corners are being cut and money is trying to be saved. We're not saying it has to cost the world to install a wetroom, but do be prepared to spend some money and have the job done properly.
Tiled Flooring: Opt for textured, non-slip tiles for the shower floor. Look for tiles with a high coefficient of friction to provide excellent traction, even when wet.
Ceramic Tiles for Wet Room Walls: Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for wet room walls due to their durability, water resistance, and range of colours, patterns, and sizes. However, they may not be the best choice for wet room floors because of their lack of slip resistance.
Water resistance is a crucial factor for your shower floor tiles. Since these tiles face constant moisture exposure, choosing materials impervious to water, like porcelain or glass tiles, helps prevent mold and mildew growth.