The cost of a wet room in the UK can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, but you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of £5,000 to £15,000. Here’s a breakdown:

• Average cost: £10,000
• Low end: £5,000
• High end: £15,000

Some of the things that can affect the final price include:

• Bigger bathrooms will naturally cost more to convert into wet rooms.
• High-end tiles and fixtures will add to the cost.
• Prices can vary depending on your location and the experience of the installer.
• Extras like underfloor heating or grab bars for accessibility will increase the price.

If you’re considering a wet room, it’s always best to get quotes so that you understand the full cost of what you are agreeing to. It is always important to ensure that there will be no hidden costs later down the line as well.

How much does a wet room cost to install

Wet room installations are unfortunately not a DIY project that you can take on yourself. When considering how much does a wet room cost, you must also take into account the cost of installation, since it is a complex job with drainage, waterproofing, tiling, sealing and more. 

While the above price scale of wet room cost includes installation, consider that the following things could significantly increase the cost:

• If your existing bathroom has a timber floor that needs removal to create a proper base for the wet room floor former, this adds to the labor cost.
• High-quality waterproofing membranes and sealing materials can be more expensive, but they are crucial for a long-lasting and leak-free wet room.
• The size and type of tiles you choose can significantly impact the cost. Larger tiles or high-end materials like natural stone will be more expensive than smaller, standard tiles.
• A basic shower head and controls will be cheaper compared to a complex rainfall shower system or a steam shower.
• Adding underfloor heating is a luxury that adds to the overall cost. The cost depends on the size of the area and the type of heating system used.
• The experience and location of the installer can also affect the overall price.

Remember to find the right balance. While some cost-saving options exist, it’s important to prioritize quality materials and qualified professionals for the crucial waterproofing and drainage aspects to avoid future leaks and potential damage.

How much does a disabled wet room cost

A disabled wet room can cost significantly more than a standard wet room, typically ranging from £10,000 to £15,000 compared to £4,000 to £10,000 for a standard one. The price difference comes down to the additional features and considerations needed to create a safe and accessible environment for users with limited mobility, especially since:

1. Compared to a standard wet room, a disabled wet room typically prioritizes a larger floor area. This allows for easier maneuvering of wheelchairs or walkers and provides more space for caregivers to assist if needed.
2. Strategically placed grab bars near the shower, toilet, and around the room provide additional support and balance for users. These bars need to be securely mounted to support a person’s weight.
3. A fixed or fold-down shower seat allows users to rest safely while showering. This can be particularly important for those with limited stamina or balance.
4. A disabled wet room might include a toilet installed at a higher level than a standard toilet. This “comfort height” toilet makes it easier for users to sit down and stand up.
5. Wider doorways and larger turning circles within the wet room are often incorporated to ensure wheelchairs can easily navigate the space.
6. The type of flooring used in a disabled wet room is crucial.  Extra attention is paid to ensure the tiles or flooring material has a high slip resistance, even when wet, minimizing the risk of falls. 

Ideally, this flooring should come with a warranty, because if it does start to lose its non-slip operating, it could cause a major accident for a person with limited mobility.

Can wet rooms save money in the long run

Overall, wet rooms can be a worthwhile investment if you consider them a long-term addition to your home. 

The potential for reduced maintenance costs, increased durability, and potentially higher resale value can outweigh the higher initial installation cost. 

However, careful planning, using qualified professionals, and considering the long-term benefits are crucial for maximising the cost-saving potential of a wet room.

A wet room is essentially a completely waterproof bathroom designed to allow showering without a conventional shower tray. The floor typically slopes gently towards a central drain, allowing water to drain away, and the walls and floor are specially treated and sealed with a waterproof membrane to prevent leaks and moisture damage.

How a wet room looks

Wet rooms can come in a variety of styles, but they all share some common features. The overall aesthetic of a wet room can vary depending on the design choices. They can be sleek and minimalist, luxurious and spa-like, or modern and industrial.

Unlike a traditional shower stall with a curb, a wet room has an open shower area that is level with the rest of the bathroom floor. The floor slopes gently towards a central drain which is usually covered with a sleek grate. This allows water to drain away efficiently, preventing puddles and moisture build-up.

Since the entire room is exposed to water, wet rooms use waterproof materials like tiles or stones for the walls and floor. As well as this, while not all wet rooms have them, some incorporate a glass screen to help contain water spray and keep the rest of the bathroom dry.

Here is an example of a bathroom before we transformed it into a wet room. Despite the smaller space, it functions perfectly. The free-of-charge 3D design took into account the personal design preferences and mobility requirements of our customer. 

This involved removing the existing shower enclosure, floor, mirror and wall cabinet and replacing the floor with our altro wet room flooring.  We installed white sparkle wall panelling to all walls, refit the WC, basin and heated towel rail, and positioned the shower seat and grab rails where the customer required them.

Before:

After:

What are the benefits of a wet room in a house

Wet rooms offer several advantages over traditional bathrooms, making them a popular choice for modern homes. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. One of the biggest advantages is their accessibility.  The absence of curbs and the open floor plan make wet rooms ideal for those with limited mobility, elderly individuals, or wheelchair users. This allows for safe and independent showering.
2. Wet rooms can be a great way to maximize space, especially in smaller bathrooms. By eliminating bulky shower units and enclosures, they create a more open feel and can make the bathroom appear larger.
3. With waterproof surfaces, wet rooms are generally easier to clean and maintain compared to traditional bathrooms with multiple fixtures and crevices.
4. Wet rooms offer a sleek and contemporary aesthetic that can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
5. In some cases, having a wet room can actually increase the value of your property, especially if it’s designed for accessibility.  This is because they are becoming a sought-after feature by potential buyers.

What is a wet room in a house with disabled access

Wet rooms provide several key benefits for people with limited mobility or disabilities, making daily routines like showering safer and more manageable. Here’s how:

1. Traditional bathrooms often have curbs or steps leading into the shower or bathtub. These can be a significant obstacle for those with limited mobility or using wheelchairs. Wet rooms have a completely level floor, removing this hazard and allowing for easy roll-in access for wheelchairs or walkers.
2. Wet rooms typically offer more open floor space compared to traditional shower stalls. This extra space allows for easier maneuvering with a walker, shower chair, or providing assistance from a caregiver.
3. The level floor and grab bars commonly installed in wet rooms provide better stability when showering. This reduces the risk of slips and falls, which are a major concern in bathrooms for people with limited mobility.
4. Wet rooms can be easily adapted to incorporate additional safety features like grab bars strategically placed around the shower area, a fold-down shower seat for resting, or a handheld showerhead for easier control while seated.

Overall, wet rooms create a safer and more user-friendly bathroom environment for those with limited mobility or disabilities. They promote independence, reduce the risk of falls, and make showering a more manageable and dignified experience.

What is a wet room bathroom like compared to a normal bathroom?

When comparing a normal bathroom to a wet room, here are some additional things to consider:

• Cost: Installing a wet room can be more expensive than a traditional bathroom due to the waterproofing requirements and specialized installation process.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in a wet room to prevent moisture build-up and mold growth.
• Planning: Since the entire room is exposed to water, careful planning  is necessary to ensure proper drainage and  avoid water leaks.

If you are interested in accessible bathing but are unsure if a wet room is the right solution for you, perhaps walk-in showers or walk-in baths would suit your needs better?

For example, if stepping over a shower tray is a barrier to comfortable bathing for you, a walk-in shower without a shower tray could be a solution for you. 

Walk-in baths with doors that open outwards also support any mobility issues, since you are not having to climb in and out of the bath.