Advice · ShowersWet room or walk-in shower?
Both give you an open, modern shower without a cramped cubicle. They are built quite differently, though, and the right one depends on your room, your floor and how you live.
The short answer
If you want true level access or a completely open floor, choose a wet room. If you want the look of an open shower with simpler installation, a walk-in shower on a low tray is usually the easier route.
What is the difference?
Wet room
- No tray: the floor itself falls to a drain
- The whole wet area is tanked and waterproofed
- Completely level, step-free access
- More preparation work on the floor
Walk-in shower
- A low-profile tray with a fixed glass screen
- Waterproofing focused on the shower area
- A small, low step onto the tray
- Usually quicker and simpler to install
Access and mobility
A wet room has no lip or step at all, so it is the better choice if someone in the house uses a walking aid or a shower seat, or if you are planning ahead for later life. A low-profile tray is only a small step, but it is still a step.
Upstairs bathrooms
Wet rooms on upper floors are very achievable, but timber floors need the right preparation so the floor can fall to the drain and stay rigid. A walk-in shower tray usually needs less work on the floor. It is worth having the floor structure and drainage route checked before deciding.
Small bathrooms
In a compact room, a wet room makes the whole floor feel like one open space. The trade-off is splashing: a fixed glass panel keeps towels, the toilet and the basin dry. A walk-in shower keeps the wet area clearly defined, which some people prefer in a busy family bathroom.
Cleaning and upkeep
Both are easier to clean than a traditional enclosure with doors and runners. A wet room has the fewest edges of all; a walk-in shower has one tray to wipe down. Large-format tiles cut down grout lines in either.
Cost
Because a wet room involves more floor preparation and waterproofing, it is generally the bigger job. A walk-in shower is usually the more economical way to get an open, modern shower. We give you a fully itemised quotation so you can compare properly.
Still not sure?
Bring your room measurements, or a few photos, to the showroom. We will talk through both options for your space and show you what they look like in person.
Questions
Is a wet room a good idea in a family bathroom?
It can be, especially with a fixed glass panel to control splashes. Many families prefer a walk-in shower in the main bathroom and a wet room in an en-suite or downstairs.
Do wet rooms leak?
A properly tanked wet room with the correct fall to the drain should not. Most problems come from poor waterproofing, so make sure whoever fits it has wet room experience.
Can I have a walk-in shower instead of a bath?
Yes. Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom changes people plan with us.