Walk-in showers and wet rooms are both popular choices at the moment, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. But they’re actually quite different in terms of construction, cost and the type of space they suit.
What is a walk-in shower?
A walk-in shower has a defined shower area, usually enclosed on two or three sides by glass panels or screens, with an open entry rather than a door. It has a shower tray (which can be low-profile or flush to the floor) that contains the water and channels it to a drain.
Walk-in showers are simpler to install than wet rooms and suit most standard bathroom layouts. They’re a good choice if you want a modern, open feel without the full construction involved in a wet room.
What is a wet room?
A wet room is a fully waterproofed room where the shower is open to the rest of the space, with no tray and no enclosure. The entire floor is tanked (waterproofed) and slopes toward a central or wall drain. Water from the shower can run across the whole floor.
Wet rooms require significantly more construction work. The floor needs to be tanked properly, which involves applying specialist waterproof membranes to the entire floor and often the lower sections of the walls. Done correctly, a wet room is a sleek and very practical solution.
Key differences at a glance
- Walk-in showers are generally less expensive to install.
- Wet rooms require more extensive waterproofing work and are more involved to construct.
- Walk-in showers can be fitted in most bathrooms without structural changes.
- Wet rooms are particularly well suited to compact spaces such as en suites, where a tray and enclosure would feel cramped.
- Both can be made accessible and step-free, which is important for those with mobility considerations.
Which is right for your bathroom?
It depends on your budget, the size of the space and how much disruption you’re comfortable with during installation. Our team will look at your bathroom and give you an honest view of what works best in your specific space.
We fit bathrooms, walk-in showers and wet rooms across Birmingham and Solihull. Give us a call to arrange a free visit and no-pressure quote.
