As homes and living spaces evolve to meet the needs of all individuals, people have increasingly chosen wet room bathrooms. These innovative and accessible bathroom solutions are designed to make bathing easier, safer, and more comfortable. They cater to people of all ages and abilities. If you’re considering updating your bathroom for better accessibility, a wet room bathroom might be the perfect solution. It is also ideal if you simply want a stylish, functional space.
In this blog, let us will explore everything you need to know about wet room bathrooms. We will cover their design, functionality, and the benefits they offer. Let’s dive in!
What is a Wet Room Bathroom?
A wet room bathroom is a fully waterproofed bathroom space. The design integrates the shower area into the room without a traditional shower tray or enclosure. Also, it is typically designed and sloped towards a drain, allowing water to flow freely without pooling or damaging the floor.
Wet room bathrooms are often open-plan, with no need for glass panels or shower curtains, making them a sleek and stylish addition to any home. These bathrooms are designed to be fully accessible. They provide ease of use for individuals with limited mobility, the elderly, or those with physical disabilities.
Key Features of Wet Room Bathrooms
- Waterproof Flooring:
The most essential feature of a wet room bathroom is its waterproofing. The entire bathroom floor is designed to be sealed and sloped towards a drain. This prevents water from escaping and damaging the surrounding areas. Waterproof flooring is used to ensure durability and ease of cleaning. - Seamless Shower Area:
Unlike traditional bathrooms, wet room bathrooms have no shower tray. The shower area is seamlessly integrated into the floor, with no raised edges. This design makes it more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. - Accessible Design:
A wet room bathroom is perfect for people with disabilities or mobility issues. Wet rooms are designed with features such as non-slip floors, grab rails, and wide doorways. They are accessible for wheelchair users, the elderly, and those with limited movement. - Drainage and Ventilation:
Proper drainage is essential in a wet room bathroom to ensure that water flows efficiently into the drain without accumulating. The room is typically sloped, allowing water to run off easily. Good ventilation is also crucial to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth, especially since wet rooms are fully exposed to water. - Modern and Minimalist Aesthetic:
Wet room bathrooms offer a contemporary, open-plan look. The space feels more spacious and streamlined without the need for traditional shower cubicles or bathtubs. This makes it ideal for smaller homes or apartments.
Benefits of Wet Room Bathrooms
- Accessibility and Safety
One of the biggest advantages of a wet room bathroom is its accessibility. A wet room offers a safe and convenient way to shower for individuals with mobility challenges. It eliminates the need to step over a high edge or navigate slippery surfaces. A walk-in shower, low-entry, or level-access design eliminates barriers. It ensures easy access for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, and the elderly. - Space-Efficiency
Wet rooms are particularly beneficial for smaller bathrooms. Their design allows you to maximise space, creating the illusion of a larger area. By removing the need for bulky shower trays or bathtubs, you have more flexibility to move around, and the room feels open and airy. - Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Since there are no seams, trays, or tight corners, wet rooms are incredibly easy to clean. The smooth surface of tiles or vinyl makes it quick to wipe down and maintain. The open-plan design means there are fewer surfaces where mold and grime can accumulate. This makes wet rooms ideal for those who may find cleaning a traditional bathroom more challenging. - Aesthetics and Customisation
Wet room bathrooms allow for great design flexibility. With the ability to choose from a wide range of materials and finishes, you can create a bathroom that suits your style and needs. From sleek contemporary looks to more traditional or natural designs, wet rooms provide endless options for customisation. - Increased Property Value
Installing a wet room bathroom can also add value to your home, especially if you choose accessible design features. Accessible and modern bathrooms in homes tend to appeal to a wider range of buyers, particularly those who have elderly relatives or people with mobility issues.
Design Considerations for Wet Room Bathrooms
When designing a wet room bathroom, you need to consider several factors. These factors ensure that the space is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Layout and Floor Plan:
The layout of a wet room bathroom should prioritise ease of movement and accessibility. Ensure that the shower area is positioned in such a way that water will drain efficiently toward the drain without causing splashes in other areas of the room. The design should make the shower area spacious enough to allow comfortable use, and it should position other elements like the toilet and sink for convenience. - Proper Waterproofing:
Waterproofing is a critical step in the construction of a wet room. The walls and floor should be properly sealed to prevent water from seeping into the structure of the building. A professional installing team ensures that they do the waterproofing correctly to prevent future damage. - Non-Slip Flooring:
Safety is a major concern in a wet room bathroom, and choosing non-slip flooring is a priority. Materials like anti-slip tiles, vinyl, or rubber are commonly used to ensure the floor is safe, even when wet. This is especially important for the elderly or people with mobility challenges. - Grab Rails and Handrails:
For added support and safety, install grab rails and handrails around the shower area and near the toilet. These bathroom aids for the disabled provide stability and help prevent accidents. - Shower Seats:
Consider adding a shower seat or foldable bench if you or a family member need extra support while showering. This feature is particularly useful for individuals with limited mobility or for those who prefer to sit while showering.
Wet Rooms vs. Traditional Bathrooms
While traditional bathrooms with bathtubs and shower enclosures offer privacy and comfort, wet rooms provide a level of accessibility that traditional bathrooms simply cannot match. Wet rooms are designed for individuals with specific needs, such as those in wheelchairs, the elderly, or anyone who struggles with mobility. Moreover, they eliminate the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which are more common in traditional bathrooms.
Additionally, wet rooms offer flexibility in terms of design, layout, and usage. If you prefer a more open-plan design, a wet room bathroom can be customised to suit your preferences. It will still ensure safety and functionality.
How EA Mobility Can Help
At EA Mobility, we specialise in creating accessible bathrooms that cater to the needs of individuals with mobility challenges. If you are looking to install a wet room bathroom, a disability shower, or a fully accessible bath, we can help. We provide the expertise and products necessary to make your bathroom safe, stylish, and functional.
Our range of wet room solutions includes non-slip flooring, grab rails, shower seats, and other essential aids that enhance accessibility and comfort. Our team has experience in creating bespoke bathroom designs that fit your specific requirements. We ensure you enjoy a bathroom that meets your needs now and in the future.
To learn more about our wet room and bathroom solutions or to discuss your project with one of our experts, contact EA Mobility today.
Call us at 0808 281 2665 or email us at enquiries@eamobility.com.