Wet Room vs. Walk-In Shower vs. Bath: The Definitive 2026 Comparison

The Big Decision: Wet Room, Walk-In Shower, or Bath?

It is the most common question we get asked during home surveys:
“I know I need to replace my old bath with a shower, but do I need a full wet room, or just a walk-in shower with a tray?”

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they are very different solutions with different price tags and safety levels.

• A Walk-In Shower relies on a plastic tray and silicone seals.

• A Wet Room is a structural, waterproofed room with a level floor.

At EA Mobility, we want you to make the right investment for your future. Here is the definitive 2026 comparison to help you decide which option fits your home.

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1. The Walk-In Shower (The “Tray” System)

What is it? This is the most common way to replace a bath. We install a “low profile” white shower tray (usually acrylic or stone resin) and surround it with glass screens.

The Pros:

• Cost: It is generally cheaper than a wet room because we don’t have to waterproof (tank) the entire floor.

• Speed: Can be installed in just 2-3 days.

• Water Containment: The tray creates a defined zone for the water.

The Cons:

• The Trip Hazard: Even “slimline” trays have a lip or step of 40mm–100mm. For a wheelchair user or someone with a shuffling gait, this is a barrier.

• The Leak Risk: Trays rely on silicone sealant around the edges. Over time, silicone degrades, goes black, and can peel. This is the #1 cause of bathroom leaks in the UK.

• Fixed Size: You are limited to standard tray sizes (e.g., 1700mm x 700mm).

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2. The Wet Room (The “Level Access” System)

What is it? A specialist bathroom where the floor is completely flat. We remove the floorboards, install a structural former, and “tank” (seal) the entire room. The drain is built into the floor.

The Pros:

• Zero Threshold: There is no step. The floor is continuous. This is the only truly safe option for wheelchair users.

• Space: By removing the bulky white tray, wet room bathrooms feel roughly 30% bigger.

• No Leaks: Because the whole room is a sealed “tank,” there is no silicone bead at the floor level to fail. It is the most watertight solution available.

The Cons:

• Cost: It requires more skilled labour and materials (tanking), so it costs more. (Check 2026 Prices Here).

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3. The “Standard Bath” (Doing Nothing)

What is it? Keeping your existing standard bathtub.

Verdict: If you are reading this, you likely already find the bath difficult.

• Safety Warning: A standard bath requires you to step over a 500mm rim. In 2026, falls in the bathroom are the leading cause of injury for the over-65s at home.

• Recommendation: If you struggle to lift your leg, keeping a standard bath is a false economy. It is safer to upgrade to a shower system now.

(Looking for a Walk-in Bath with a door? We compare those separately in our Walk-in Bath Guide).

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The “Cleaning” Battle: Which is Easier?

This is a huge factor for our clients.

The Walk-In Shower (Tray):

• Harder to clean. You have to scrub the plastic tray, clean the runners of the sliding door, and constantly scrub the silicone seal to stop it going black.

The Wet Room:

• Easiest to clean. No tray rim to catch dirt. No silicone at floor level. You can simply mop the whole room or spray it down with the handheld shower. We use Anti-Microbial Grout to stop mould before it starts. (See our full Cleaning Guide).

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Comparison Table: At A Glance

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The Hybrid Solution: “Wet Room Bath” Replacement

Did you know you can have a wet room without tiling the entire room floor-to-ceiling?

The Solution: We remove your 1700mm bath. In that exact footprint, we install a wet room floor (level access) and tile just that area and the splash zones.

• Why choose this? It gives you the safety of a wet room (zero step) but keeps the cost lower than a full room renovation. It is the perfect middle ground.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does removing a bath devalue my house?
A: In 2026, the “Forever Home” market is huge. If you live in a bungalow or a smaller property, a high-end wet room often adds value. However, if you live in a 3-4 bedroom family home, estate agents usually recommend keeping at least one bathtub for families with children.

Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: No. Converting a bathroom to a wet room is considered “Permitted Development.” You do not need planning permission unless you are building a new extension to house it, or if you live in a Listed Building.

Q: Can I have a wet room AND a bath?
A: Yes! If you have space, this is the ultimate luxury setup. We can tank the floor to create a level-access shower area in one corner, while keeping a freestanding or standard bath in another.

Q: How long does a wet room last?
A: A professionally installed wet room should last a lifetime. Unlike shower trays (where silicone seals degrade after 5-10 years), a tanked wet room has no perishable seals at floor level. It is a permanent structural solution.

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Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose a Walk-In Shower (Tray) If:

• • You are fully mobile and can step over a 40mm lip safely.

  • You are on a tighter budget.

  • You want a quick 2-day update.

Choose a Wet Room (Level Access) If:

• • Safety is your #1 priority. You want to remove all trip hazards.

  • You use a wheelchair or walking frame.

  • You want a bathroom that is incredibly easy to clean (no scrubbing trays).

  • You are eligible for VAT Exemption (which makes the price competitive).

Still Undecided?
The best way to choose is to see the difference.

Our surveyor will measure your floor depth and give you a quote for both options so you can compare.