How to convert your bathroom into a wet room

Open plan living in both houses and flats is becoming more and more popular and whether it's a case of having your sofas and dining room furniture in the same area or having your kitchen as part your living room, the concept doesn't have to be restricted to the lower floor of your home.

It is possible to convert your bathroom into an open-plan wet room, but it is not a task that should be done on a whim and can end up costing a lot of money. You will need to plan significantly.

First, you will need to consider the size of your bathroom. Where there is no room for a bathtub a wet room can be an attractive way to use what space you have in your bathroom, but if it is a very small space then everything including the toilet is going to get drenched unless you install some kind of door or wall to make a specific showering area.

You will also need to consider aspects such as underfloor heating, tiling, sealing and installation costs. For example, you will need to research the tiles you plan to use for the floor and walls, make sure the room is sealed properly, and prepare the floor to avoid the potential for future flooding problems. It is a job that can be tricky and therefore it is best to employ a professional to ensure that it is all done properly.

Any light fittings will have to be waterproof and you will also have to make sure that shelves and rails are high off the floor. Once it's in place, a wet room can be easier to clean as there are fewer surfaces - but remember that it will still need to be cleaned regularly and thoroughly, as the whole room will be soaked each time you use it!

Photo credit: Lotus Head

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