Top 7 Practical and Easy-to-Maintain Wetroom Ideas
A wet room can be a luxurious addition to any home, but it can become a headache if it isn't designed well or has inappropriate elements. Learn how to make the most of this small space and enhance its usefulness.
Top 7 Ways to Make a Wetroom Practical
Here are some tips you can use to ensure your wetroom remains practical and easy to maintain:
1. Waterproof It
A wetroom should be waterproof and watertight, or it can get mouldy. To ensure this, the space should be fully tanked, complete with hidden tray systems that can streamline drainage. Similarly, low-level shower trays with no space underneath can define your shower space nicely. Make sure you hire tanking professionals to install a waterproof wetroom for you.
2. Don't Forget Sanitaryware
Since you are installing a wet room, you don't need an enclosure or screen. If that is the case, choose sanitaryware wisely. When you take a shower or bath in a wetroom, water will go everywhere. So go for ceramics that can be installed flush to the wall or are wall-mounted. There will be no place for the water to pool, so cleanup will be easier. Plus, install a shower panel to prevent toiletries from rolling everywhere.
3. Install a Folding Shower Screen
Wetrooms are great for small spaces since they don’t need bulky fixtures or enclosures to remain practical. This means you can add a small shower easily in a tight corner or right next to the tub. If space is at a premium, install folding shower screens instead. These take up less space than a traditional shower. The screen will keep all the water you use in one area for easy and quick cleanup.
4. Don’t Forget Drainage!
There are several drainage solutions you can use for wetrooms as per their layout and design. Most homeowners go for standard square or circular drains, but contemporary options can meet modern aesthetics without compromising flow rates.
For instance, linear drains are not only stylish to look at but also practical. Similarly, you can go for stone or porcelain grill drains that can disappear in the tile work giving the illusion of a continuous stone floor.
Today, most wetroom drains are installed along the back, which gives house developers a lot of flexibility. But check out the flow rates of the drains you choose. Mismatched rates can lead to pooling water or flooding. Even if you get rid of the water, you may be unable to dry the floor completely. This can lead to water damage extending to the pipes and tiles.
5. Add Storage Options
Wetroom floors can get super slippery, so if your shampoo is on your sink, you can slip and hurt yourself trying to get it. Install niche shelving near the shower area and tub to prevent this. These can be constructed in a stud wall as your wetroom is being made, and these won't take up space like racks and rails do. Prevent water from pooling at the back with a slight gradient.
6. Allow Natural Light In
Interior lights can illuminate your wetroom, but natural sunlight can set the mood for your personal spa day. Install a large skylight on the ceiling to let the light in, and you will feel like you are showering outdoors. If you love to visit tropical places such as Bali or Thailand, this is a great way to recreate that experience.
If that isn't an option, choose lighting options with more than one circuit. One should be for the overhead lights and the other for task lighting. Place these strategically to set the perfect ambience for your wetroom.
7. Remember Ventilation!
Like any bathroom, wetrooms must be well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew growth and ensure healthy airflow. So make sure that yours has a window you can open or an extractor fan that can extract hot air and odours from the space and let fresh air in. While wetrooms are extremely durable and designed to be waterproof, they are still prone to damage if they are not maintained. Wipe the floor clean each time you use the shower or tub. There is only so much an open window and exhaust fan can do, after all.
A wetroom is only as good as the fixtures and elements it has. If you have to sacrifice some design elements to ensure the space remains waterproof and easy to clean, don’t hesitate to cut some corners.
Final Words
Wetrooms are a great option for homeowners with limited space in their homes but need a spa experience each time they shower or bathe. Use the tips mentioned in this guide during the construction phase to ensure this space remains practical and doesn’t incur more costs down the line.
The budget you should maintain for your wet room should depend on the finishing you are looking for. Choose a service that can meet your needs without going over budget. Don't forget installation costs along with the costs of the fixtures you will need for the space. For example, a walk-in shower would be better than a large tub that can take up more space. These come with shower trays, so you can save on waterproofing costs.
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