Is a Wetroom Right for Your Home? Pros and Cons

Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular across the UK, especially in modern renovations and luxury bathroom upgrades.

But are they right for your home?

A wet room is a fully waterproofed (or “tanked”) bathroom where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor, creating an open-plan, barrier-free space. Unlike traditional bathrooms, there is no raised shower tray or enclosure.

While they offer sleek design and accessibility benefits, they also come with higher installation costs and important technical considerations.

Here’s what you need to know before making a decision.

The Pros of a Wet Room

1. Space-Saving, Open Design

Wet rooms are ideal for:

Small bathrooms
En-suites
Loft conversions
Awkward layouts

Removing bulky shower trays and doors creates the illusion of more space and gives the room a clean, minimalist finish. In compact homes, this can significantly improve both usability and visual space.

2. Enhanced Accessibility

With no steps, trays or thresholds, wet rooms are ideal for:

Elderly homeowners
Young families
Wheelchair users
Anyone planning for long-term mobility

The level-access design improves safety and ease of use, making wet rooms a strong long-term investment for accessible living.

3. Easier to Clean

Because wet rooms are open-plan and minimal:

Fewer grout lines
No shower door tracks
Fewer hidden corners

This reduces the areas where mould and grime can build up, making cleaning quicker and easier.

4. Adds Property Appeal

A well-designed wet room can act as a luxury feature.

In some cases, they may increase property value by 2-5%, particularly when installed as part of a high-quality bathroom renovation.

5. Flexible Design Options

Wet rooms can be installed in almost any shape or size of room, provided the structure allows for proper waterproofing and drainage.

If you’re considering upgrading your bathroom, you can explore our Bathroom Design & Installation services, including wet rooms, full renovations, tiling and layout planning.

The Cons of a Wet Room

1. Higher Installation Costs

Wet rooms are generally 20–30% more expensive than traditional bathroom installations. This is largely due to:

Specialist waterproofing (“tanking”)
Complex floor drainage and gradients
Professional tiling requirements
Additional labour time

Correct installation is essential to avoid costly long-term damage.

2. Risk of Leaks and Moisture Issues

Poorly installed tanking can result in serious structural water damage. Wet rooms require:

High-quality waterproof membrane systems
Precision drainage sloping
Strong extractor fans and ventilation

Without adequate airflow, moisture can build up and cause damp or mildew problems.

3. Cold Underfoot

Fully tiled floors can feel cold, particularly in winter.

Many homeowners choose underfloor heating to improve comfort, but this increases overall installation costs.

4. Lack of Full Containment

Unlike enclosed showers, everything in a wet room can get wet if the layout isn’t properly designed.

A well-positioned shower screen and correct floor grading are essential to prevent excessive splash and water spread.

5. Not Always Ideal as the Only Bathroom

In family homes, removing a bathtub may reduce appeal to buyers with young children.

If it’s your only bathroom, carefully consider whether a bath is important for long-term practicality.

Is a Wet Room Right for You?

A Wet Room Could Be Right If:

✔ You want a sleek, modern aesthetic
✔ Accessibility is important
✔ You’re converting a small en-suite
✔ You have a healthy renovation budget
✔ You’re planning a long-term investment

It May Not Be Ideal If:

✘ You’re on a tight budget
✘ Your property has older timber floors that are harder to waterproof
✘ It’s the only bathroom in a family home and you need a bathtub
✘ You prefer fully enclosed shower spaces

Considering a Wet Room Installation?

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Chorley or the surrounding areas, professional design and waterproofing expertise are essential.

Deakins NW provides expert Bathroom Design & Installation services, including wet room planning, full refurbishments and high-quality finishes.

Choosing the right design from the start ensures your bathroom looks great and performs reliably for years to come.

FAQs

Are wet rooms more expensive than traditional bathrooms?

Yes. Wet rooms typically cost 20–30% more than standard bathroom installations due to specialist waterproofing (tanking), precise floor sloping for drainage, and additional labour. The higher upfront cost reflects the technical expertise required to ensure the space is fully sealed and long-lasting.

Do wet rooms leak over time?

Not when installed correctly. A properly tanked wet room with the correct drainage gradient should not leak. However, poor workmanship, inadequate waterproofing or insufficient ventilation can lead to moisture issues and long-term water damage.

Are wet rooms suitable for small bathrooms?

Yes. Wet rooms can make small bathrooms or en-suites feel larger by removing bulky shower trays and enclosures. The open-plan design creates a cleaner, more spacious appearance while improving usability.

How long does a wet room installation take?

Most wet room installations take between 1-3 weeks depending on the size of the room, structural adjustments required, and chosen finishes. Larger or more complex renovations may take longer due to waterproofing stages and tile installation.

Contact Deakins Today

Please get in touch with us for all heating, plumbing, drainage or electrical enquiries.. Call us on 01772 426065, or send us a message via our contact form underneath.