Bathroom designs are as unique and varied as the homeowners who dream them up. Some are bold and creative, others classic and simple. One concept that has become more popular in the past decade is something called a wet room.
A wet room is a design theme in which the bathtub is included in the shower zone. The concept is especially effective when remodeling within a limited space. Large showers often top the list of requests when building out a dream bathroom. But if both a large shower and a tub are desired, consolidating the square footage can make it happen even in tight spaces.
If a wet room has piqued your interest, there are a few things to consider – including the pros and cons – before you get started.
Pros of a Wet Room
Allows for both a large shower and a separate tub using much less square footage
Makes a small bathroom seem bigger
Can give the bathroom an upscale look
Allows for more design flexibility
Cons of a Wet Room
Water can splash onto other areas of the bathroomA more open floor plan can make things a little chilly; not as much residual steam
More tilework means higher costs
Depending on the design, it could take more effort to clean
Wet Room Design Ideas
A key factor when designing a wet room is engineering the slope of the shower floor. A zero-clearance (curbless) entry with a slope down to a linear drain is a highly requested feature for showers in general.
Tubs, however, are made to be level. To achieve a level tub, the choice between a free-standing tub and a drop-in tub is important. A drop-in tub can easily accommodate a sloping floor by cutting the stone or tile deck to follow the slope or by placing the linear drain along the front of the tub deck. A built-in tub’s deck also can double as a seat or a place to set things on, and – bonus – it’s easier to clean.
Free standing tubs, on the other hand, are very popular because they can be stylish and sculptural. But the downside is that dealing with the slope of the shower floor can be problematic.
A Real-World Example
Laura Gills Interior Design recently worked with a client on a master bathroom remodel in which a lot of criteria needed to be accommodated in a limited square footage. The husband wanted a steam shower and the wife wanted a free-standing tub. The wet room concept provided a solution without compromising the size of the adjacent walk-in closet.
Due to the necessary orientation of the wet room, the tub needed to run parallel to the slope of the floor. The contractor worked with our stone fabricator to create a base that seamlessly leveled the tub in the space. The outcome was a dream bathroom where both of the homeowners got what they wanted.
Thinking about creating your own ideal space? Reach out to Laura Gills for a consultation. Laura’s professional, creative eye can help you determine the best use of any space, and recommend designs that bring your vision to life.