Walk in showers wet rooms are a popular trend in bathroom design. These spa-style baths feature an open concept, in which the room is considered a single space, rather than being sectioned off with separate bathing, toilet and sink areas. Large, open showers replace shower stalls and tubs, and all surfaces are tiled so that all parts of the room can safely get wet without water damage. This type of design maximizes space and creates the feel of a larger room but does require special consideration in design and construction, particularly regarding flooring.
Traditional bathrooms feature a walk in shower enclosure or showering space, limiting the wet area of the room. Showers have pans underneath them to collect water and prevent leakage to the surrounding space, and the rest of the floor can be made of any type of flooring material since it is designed to stay dry. When the entire lavatory is treated as a wet area, flooring must be designed differently.
Walk in shower wet room flooring must be made of a non-porous material, typically tile or vinyl. Extra preparation is necessary to effectively waterproof, or tank, a wet room floor before installing it. If wet rooms are not properly tanked, leaking can cause expensive damage, not only in the bath area, but also throughout the whole house. Contractors should start by using water-resistant plywood treated with a seal, called a membrane, for the sub-floor. The membrane coated sub-floor then should be installed with a slight slope toward the drain to channel water toward the drain. This promotes proper drainage, which is as important as waterproofing. Wet room shower kits are available, but it is essential that the person tanking the floor is experienced with this type of project.
The sub-floor should be as solid as possible since the surface flooring will likely be tile. Tiles will not stay properly in place and grout lines can crack when tile is laid over a sub-floor that shifts or has too much give. Color and size of tiles is a consideration as well, and room size can influence this decision. Large tiles give the illusion of a larger space and require less grout, however some homeowners prefer the look of smaller tiles depending on the design style chosen. In addition, dark tile tends to look more sophisticated and elegant, but light colors make a space look larger.
Another option is installing a heating system before laying the surface flooring. Heated floors provide two advantages. First is comfort. Tile floors can be cold, particularly in winter months, and a heated floor can add to the comfort and luxury of the room. Second is a drying action. The heat underneath promotes fast drying of the floor, which increases safety and ease of cleanup and discourages the growth of mold and mildew.
Walk in shower wet room flooring is a big part of designing and constructing a contemporary, spa-style, wet room bathroom. When correctly prepared and installed, such floors properly manage water, while adding to the beauty and functionality of the room. The extra preparation necessary can be costly compared with a traditional bathroom floor, but the added effort is worth the result.
