Published 3rd January 2024 - 8 Minute read
Summary
Our guide provides the key differences to understand between a wet room and a walk-in shower. We will give you advantages and disadvantages to each option and estimated costs when budgeting for a walk-in shower or wet room. By the end of the article, you should have all the information you need to transform your shower experiences with your new high quality walk-in shower or wet room.
Quicklinks:
Advantages of a walk-in shower
Disadvantages of a walk-in shower
What is the difference between a walk-in shower and a wetroom?
Walk-in showers and wet rooms are open spaces. Walk-in showers include a shower tray and one or more shower walls, while wet rooms have sloped floor and floor drains.
What is a wet room/wetroom?
A wet room has an open design concept, sloped flooring and should be professionally fitted and waterproofed.
What are the advantages of a wet room?
1. On trend - wet rooms are associated with a modern and minimalist design aesthetic. They can provide a sleek and sophisticated look to a bathroom, often preferred in contemporary interior design.
2. Accessible
3. Safe
4. Easy to clean due to being at floor level
5. The flooring is non-slip
6. Creates the feeling of more space
7. The bathroom feels less cluttered
8. Waterproofs the bathroom
9. Increased light - without the visual barrier of shower enclosures, wet rooms can make a space feel more open and brighter. This can be especially beneficial in bathrooms with limited natural light.
What are the disadvantages of a wet room?
1 - Sensation of feeling colder - a shower enclosuer acts as a natural barrier towards the colder air accessing your space
2 - More of the bathroom gets wetter
3 - Installation Costs - a wet room tends to have a higher cost due to the sealing and installation costs associated with waterproofing.
4 - Cleaning a bigger space - as a consequence of water spreading to other parts of the room, you may have a bigger area dry off
5 - Running costs via higher heating bills - due to the lack of a shower enclosure, some people tend to compensate with underfloor heating/radiators running to counter the cooler air
What is the cost of a wet room?
It is difficult to give exact cost estimates for bathroom renovations, but budgeting between £6k and £10k for fixtures and installation is recommended.
What is a walk-in shower?
Walk-in showers are a cheaper alternative to wet rooms, they include a shower tray and various designs. They give a modern look and are easier to install.
What are the advantages of Walk-in Showers?
1 - Spaciousness - Offers greater showering space, suitable for adults and children and creates an open spacious feel, visually enlarging the bathroom
2 - Luxurious Appearance - Sleek, modern design elevates bathroom aesthetics. Adds sophistication and a luxurious feel to the space
3 - Customization - Because you have more space, it provides opportunity for personalising your showering experience with various materials, finishes, and fixtures
4 - Accessibility - Ideal for individuals with limited mobility; easier entry compared to bathtubs
What are the disadvantages of a walk-in shower?
1 - Cooler Temperature - Enhanced Ventilation facilitates easy escape of excess moisture and steam, preventing humidity buildup.
2 - Unintended Consequence - Increased ventilation can lead to a cooler shower area due to air movement which is a possibility in colder bathrooms, especially during winter months.
3 - Slippery Surfaces – Walk-in showers, like traditional ones with bathtubs, as Bon Jovi would say, can be slippery when wet. The smooth, non-porous materials in shower trays contribute to slipperiness
Preventive Measures
1 - Textured shower trays or materials with inherent slip-resistant properties help reduce slipping accidents. Consider one of Merlyns brilliantly crafted non-slip shower trays that come in an array of colour shower trays and sizes.
2 - Use of non-slip mats or strips on the shower floor for added traction.
What is the cost of a walk-in shower?
The cost of a walk-in shower varies depending on bathroom size, shower type, and materials, with a recommended budget of £2k to £6k.
With beautiful craftsmanship and a variety of designs such as walk-in shower trays, quadrant shower trays and rectangular shower trays, find your perfect bathroom option with Merlyn. View our range of premium Merlyn shower trays and accessories here.