Wetroom Design Tips and Advice

A wetroom offers a fabulous, luxurious experience, alongside high practicality, in even the smallest of areas. Whether you want to transform your bathroom into a place of style and indulgence, increase the value of your home, or simply save space, there are some things you need to consider when planning your wetroom design.

At UK Tiles direct, we supply products to help you create your perfect space – from our fabulous selection of tiles to the highest-quality sealants and waterproof tile adhesives.

Here are our top tips and advice on wetroom design.

Preparing for your wetroom

Preparing a wetroom requires expert help with water drainage and waterproofing, as well as the best possible products. Your floor will need a gradient to channel water into a drain and the entire room needs to be waterproofed, which involves priming the floor, the lower section of the walls and the entire shower area, before tiling. Our eco-friendly sealants and waterproofing materials, from leading brand, Kerakoll, have been specifically designed for use in wetrooms.

Wetroom design

When considering the design of your wetroom, there are lots of options, in terms of layout, fixtures, fittings and tiles. It’s also important to think about how to really utilise the space you have available, as even the smallest rooms can be transformed into a luxurious space.

Wetroom shower trays and wetroom shower screens

There is a wide selection of wetroom shower trays on the market. Some are designed for use under tiles and some to sit level with the floor. The Impey wet decks are a selection of pre-formed wetroom floor trays, which are installed and then tiled over. The Privilege ultra low-profile shower trays sit flush with the floor, as an alternative to tiles, and are available in an extensive range of colours and sizes (including made to measure) from our sister company, Room H2o.

You should carefully consider your choice of wetroom shower screen – you may even decide to have an open wetroom, with no screen at all. However, the most popular solution is a frameless glass shower screen, which will contain the water within one area. A fully frameless shower enclosure is also a stunning wetroom design idea.

Tiling choices for your wetroom design

Non-porous tiles are essential for wetrooms. Porcelain tiles are perfect for both walls and floors, and mosaic tiles are an exceptionally good choice, as the wetroom floor needs to be shaped to create a fall to the drain gulley, and they are generally easier to lay. At UK Tiles Direct we have a fantastic selection of ceramic and glass mosaic tiles, in an array of colours, sizes and shapes.

Large porcelain tiles are also worth considering in your wetroom design, as they have narrower (and fewer) grout lines, allowing for easier water drainage and cleaning. The revolutionary ultra-thin, large porcelain tiles from Porcel-Thin are exceptionally strong with low moisture absorption, making them a fabulous and stylish choice for your wetroom design.

Waterproof tile adhesive and waterproof grout

It is essential to use only the highest-quality, waterproof tile adhesive and waterproof tile grout. Kerakoll’s range of eco-friendly flexible and waterproof wall and floor tile adhesives are highly recommended for use with porcelain tiles and large format tiles in very wet conditions. Kerakoll waterproof tile grouts have also been specially developed for use with large format tiles and in extreme environments, such as wetrooms. With an array of colours to choose from, these waterproof tile grouts are the perfect finishing touch for your wetroom design.

It’s also worth considering underfloor heating in a wetroom, to not only keep the tiles warm underfoot but to help dry the floor. Porcelain tiles and large format tiles work brilliantly with underfloor heating, as they help to quickly and evenly distribute the heat.

The cost of installing a wetroom

Installation really depends on your wetroom design; the type of fixtures and fittings you opt for and your choice of tiles. But, as a rough guide, it would cost between £5,000 and £10,000 to install a wetroom. It’s essential not to compromise on quality when choosing the products for your wetroom design. Investing in the finest tiles, waterproof adhesives and waterproof grouts will ensure your wetroom stands the test of time.

Looking after your wetroom

Drying the wetroom floor after showering will help avoid too much moisture sitting on the tiles. Again, underfloor heating can help with this. Generally, wetrooms are easier to clean and maintain than a traditional bathroom, even more so if you don’t have a shower screen or enclosure.

AT UK tiles Direct we offer a professional tiling service in Dorset and the surrounding areas. Our skilled team has technical knowledge and years of experience, and we are also specialists in the application of waterproofing and tanking systems for wetrooms.

If you are thinking about installing a wetroom and would like some expert advice, please contact us, or visit our tile and bathroom showroom in Wareham, Dorset for inspirational wetroom ideas.