A wet room is the epitome of modern bathroom design, offering a sleek, open-plan space that is both stylish and highly practical. By eliminating the traditional shower tray and enclosure, a wet room creates a seamless, fully tiled shower area that opens up the room, making it feel larger and more luxurious.
This design is also incredibly accessible, making it a future-proof choice for any home. While it might seem like a complex bathroom renovation best left to professionals, it’s a project that a skilled DIYer can undertake with careful planning and the right knowledge.
Learning how to construct a wet room is about mastering two key principles: creating a gradient for drainage and achieving a completely waterproof seal. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from initial planning to the final tile, ensuring you have the information needed to build a beautiful and functional space.
Why Building a Wet Room Is a Great Home Improvement Project
Opting for a wet room is a significant upgrade over a standard bathroom. The open-plan design not only looks stunning and contemporary but also maximizes the available space, making even small bathrooms feel more expansive. From a practical standpoint, the single-level floor is easier to clean, with fewer corners for dirt and mold to accumulate.
Furthermore, the barrier-free entry of a wet room shower area makes it an excellent choice for individuals with mobility challenges, providing a safe and accessible bathing solution that adds significant long-term value to a property.
7 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Construct a Wet Room
Step 1: Planning and Design
Before you start, a detailed plan is essential. This includes mapping out the layout, deciding on the placement of the shower, toilet, and sink, and planning the plumbing and electrical work. You must strip the existing bathroom down to the bare studs and subfloor, removing all old fixtures, tiles, and drywall.
This blank canvas approach ensures that every surface can be properly prepared and waterproofed. A thorough inspection of the subfloor for any damage or rot is crucial at this stage, as it must be perfectly sound before you proceed with this major bathroom renovation.
Step 2: Waterproof the Floor and Walls
Once the demolition is complete, the next step is to waterproof the floor and walls. This is an essential step in any bathroom renovation, as it helps prevent water damage and mold growth.
First, you will need to install a moisture barrier on the floor. This can be done with a plastic sheet or waterproofing membrane. The barrier should extend up the walls by at least 6 inches to ensure proper protection.
Next, apply a waterproofing sealant on all surfaces that will come into contact with water – this includes both the floor and walls. There are various types of sealants available, such as liquid membranes or waterproofing paint. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application techniques
Step 3: Install Waterproof Membrane or Tanking System
Once the sealant has dried, it’s time to install a waterproof membrane or tanking system. This is an important step in ensuring that your shower remains watertight and protects against any potential leaks.
A waterproof membrane is a thin layer of material that is placed over the walls and floor of the shower. It acts as an additional barrier to prevent water from seeping through the walls or floor.
There are different types of membranes available, such as sheet membranes or liquid-applied membranes. Consult with a professional to determine which type would be best for your specific shower.
Another option is a tanking system, which involves applying a waterproof coating directly onto surfaces before tiling. This creates a fully
Step 4: Install the Drainage System
The drainage system is a crucial aspect of a shower installation, as it ensures that water properly drains from the shower to prevent pooling and potential damage. The following are the steps to install a proper drainage system:
- Determine the location of the drain: The drain should be placed in an area that allows for proper slope towards it, typically at least 1/4 inch per foot.
- Install the drain base: Once you have determined the location of the drain, you can begin by installing the drain base onto the subfloor using screws or adhesives.
- Connect the drain pipe: Using PVC glue or connectors, connect the drain pipe to the drain base.
- Test for leaks: Before continuing with the rest of the installation, it is important to test for any leaks by running water through the drain pipe.
- Create proper slope: Using a level tool, ensure that the drain pipe has a consistent slope towards the main sewer line or septic tank. This will prevent any potential clogging or stagnant water in the pipes.
Step 5: Install the Floor and Wall Tiles
Once the shower pan is successfully installed, it’s time to install the floor and wall tiles. This step requires precision and attention to detail in order to achieve a professional and visually appealing finish.
Begin by selecting tiles that match the desired aesthetic and are suitable for wet environments. Start with the floor tiles, applying a layer of thin-set mortar evenly using a notched trowel.
Lay each tile carefully, ensuring consistent spacing with tile spacers. Once the floor tiles are in place, proceed to the wall tiles, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Regularly check for alignment and make any necessary adjustments as you go. Allow the mortar to cure completely before applying grout to fill the gaps between tiles, wiping away any excess to achieve a clean and finished look.
Step 6: Grouting and Sealing
After the mortar has fully cured, it’s time to apply grout to fill in the gaps between tiles. Grout helps create a solid and waterproof surface while also adding to the overall aesthetic of your tile project.
To begin, mix your grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a rubber float, spread the grout over the tiled surface at a 45-degree angle, pressing it into all of the joints. Work in small sections at a time, as grout can dry quickly.
Once you’ve covered an area with grout, use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away any excess and smooth out the lines. Rinse your sponge or cloth regularly and continue until all excess
Step 7: Install Fixtures and Fittings
With the room fully tiled and sealed, you can now install the shower fittings, toilet, sink, and any other fixtures. Wall-hung toilets and vanities are excellent choices for a wet room as they keep the floor completely clear, enhancing the open-plan feel and making it even easier to clean.
Ensure all plumbing connections are secure and that any holes made in the tiles for pipes or screws are sealed with silicone to maintain the integrity of the waterproofing membrane behind them. Finally, install a good quality extractor fan to manage humidity.
Common Installation Mistakes
When installing a wet room, several common mistakes can compromise the functionality and longevity of the space. One frequent issue is inadequate waterproofing, where the waterproofing membrane is either improperly applied or not extended far enough up the walls and across the floor, leading to leaks. Another common mistake is poor drainage placement or insufficient slope, which can result in water pooling rather than draining efficiently.
Using incompatible materials, such as non-waterproof grout or substandard silicone sealant, can also lead to moisture seepage over time. Additionally, failing to properly seal pipe penetrations or allowing gaps around fixtures can compromise the waterproof barrier. Lastly, neglecting to test the system for leaks before completing the installation can lead to costly repairs in the future. Careful attention to detail and adherence to best practices are essential to ensure a functional and durable wet room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Waterproof the Entire Bathroom?
While it is only strictly necessary to waterproof the shower area and the floor, it is highly recommended to waterproof the entire room. This process, known as “tanking,” provides complete peace of mind. Splashes can easily reach beyond the immediate shower area. Fully waterproofing the walls and floor ensures that no moisture can penetrate the structure of your home, preventing long-term issues with dampness, rot, and mold.
What Kind of Tiles Are Best for a Wet Room?
For the floor, you must choose tiles with a good slip-resistance rating. Porcelain and ceramic are excellent choices, but look for a textured or matte finish rather than a smooth, polished one. Smaller tiles, like mosaics, are often used in the shower area because the increased number of grout lines provides additional grip. For the walls, any standard waterproof bathroom tile will work well.
Is a Wet Room Suitable for a Small Bathroom?
Yes, a wet room is an excellent solution for a small bathroom. By removing the need for a separate shower enclosure, you create a more open and seamless space. This makes the room feel significantly larger and less cluttered. Using a glass screen instead of a shower curtain can help contain splashes while maintaining the open-plan feel.
How Is the Water Drained Away?
Water is directed to a drain via a subtle gradient built into the floor. This is usually achieved by installing a pre-formed shower tray that sits flush with the floor. The tray has the slope already built into it. The entire floor is then tiled over, hiding the tray and creating a seamless look. The drain itself is connected to your home’s main waste pipe system.
Can a Wet Room Be Installed on an Upper Floor?
Absolutely. A wet room can be installed on any floor of a house, whether it has a timber or concrete subfloor. The key is ensuring the floor structure is sound and that the waterproofing process is done meticulously. With modern wet room kits and waterproofing systems, creating a completely sealed, leak-proof room on an upper floor is a standard and safe procedure.
Conclusion
Mastering how to construct a wet room is a challenging but immensely rewarding project that can completely transform a bathroom into a modern, accessible, and luxurious space. The success of the project hinges on meticulous attention to two core principles: creating an effective drainage gradient and applying a flawless waterproofing membrane. With careful planning and a step-by-step approach, this high-end renovation is within the grasp of a confident DIYer.
This is more than just a bathroom upgrade; it’s an investment in your home’s style, functionality, and long-term value. With the knowledge from this guide, you are ready to take on the challenge and create a stunning and practical wet room.