Wet Rooms: Are They Actually Worth It?
The genuine benefits, the honest drawbacks, and what proper waterproofing actually involves.
Wet rooms — fully waterproofed bathrooms with no shower tray or enclosure — are one of the most requested upgrades we see, and they're genuinely worth it for the right property, but not every one.
The genuine benefits
They make small bathrooms feel significantly larger with no enclosure breaking up the space, they're easier to clean, and they're safer for anyone with mobility concerns — no step over a tray.
The honest drawbacks
Everything in the room gets wet, so towels and soft furnishings need a dry zone or a half-screen. Tile choice matters — anything below a proper slip rating is genuinely dangerous when wet. And if the waterproofing fails, the damage is significant.
Solid floor vs suspended floor
This is the question that matters most. Solid concrete floors are the easier conversion — the gradient forms directly into the screed. Suspended timber floors (common in a lot of period SW London housing) need a low-profile former and reinforcement, which adds cost but is entirely achievable.
Waterproofing is not optional
A continuous membrane covering the entire floor and at least 2m up every wall, properly taped at every corner — anything less and water will eventually find its way into the joists below.