WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WET ROOM AND A WALK IN SHOWER?
HOW TO CHOOSE A WALK IN SHOWER OR WET ROOM
- First decide if you would like a walk in shower or a wet room. Our walk-in showers include a tray, while the wet rooms are supplied with a drain.
- Once you’ve made a decision, you will then need to think about the shape and position.
- There are three main types to choose from including recessed, corner and floating.
Recessed – fits into an alcove and is ideal for replacing a bath. This type features a single glass screen, which can be fitted to allow for left or right entry. The glass screen is available in a choice of profile and arm finishes including chrome, white and black. The arm can be fitted to the wall or ceiling. Corner – fits into any corner of the bathroom and can replace a standard shower enclosure such as a quadrant. This type features two glass screens, which come in a range of profile and arm finishes including chrome, white and black. The arm can be fitted to the wall or ceiling. Floating – creates a very sleek, modern look, and allows for entry at either side. This type features a single glass panel and floor to ceiling poles in a chrome finish. Measuring 1950mm in height to catch more splashes, our glass shower screens come in a choice of widths including:
- 700mm
- 800mm
- 900mm
- 1000mm
- 1200mm
- 1400mm
You can take your pick from a wide range of configurations, or you can simply choose a single glass screen. Each screen features 8mm toughened glass with an easy clean protective coating.
WALK IN SHOWER TRAYS
SHOWER DRAINS
WALK IN SHOWERS AND WET ROOMS – THE BASICS
WHAT IS A WALK IN SHOWER?
ADVANTAGES OF WALK IN SHOWERS
Perfect for small bathrooms
Walk in showers are ideal for small bathrooms as they help to create the illusion of more space. A bulky shower enclosure means you have to account for the space taken up by shower doors and a high tray, but opting for a walk in shower removes this need.
Creates a bigger and brighter space
You can also install a walk-in shower without a tray, which will offer more flexibility when it comes to the layout, as there is no tray, it can be fitted into a tight, awkward space. A single glass screen provides an uninterrupted view through the bathroom, making it appear bigger and brighter – perfect for small bathrooms where there’s limited space and no natural light.
Ideal for those with limited mobility
Another fantastic benefit that a walk in shower has over a shower enclosure with doors, is that it’s a lot easier to use. The doorless and almost step-free design, makes a walk in shower a great choice for those with limited mobility and the elderly, who struggle to lift their leg over a bath and keep their balance. There’s also plenty of showering space, so you can wash young children with ease. You could even fit two shower heads for a luxury touch.
Easy maintenance
With just the glass screen, shower tray and shower head to clean, walk in showers are much easier to maintain, compared to a traditional shower enclosure. When shopping for walk in shower screens, make sure to choose one that features an easy clean protective coating that repels grime and soap scum to keep it looking like new for longer.
Designer style that adds value
A walk in shower room features clean lines and minimal looks, which provides a high-end feel and makes a statement too. If you ever decide to sell your home in the future, a walk in shower can make a real selling point. What’s more, you don’t have to break the bank to achieve this.
Durable design
With minimal fittings and no moving parts, a walk-in shower is a durable and robust showering option that will last for many years.
WALK IN SHOWERS – THINGS WORTH KNOWING
- All glass screens must be toughened and meet British Standard EN12150-1. The thicker the glass the better, between 6-8mm is standard.
- Large expanses of glass in the bathroom could mean lots of cleaning, but glass panels with an easy-clean coating help to prevent soap scum from building up and sticking to the glass, so cleaning will be less of a chore.
- Glass panels that are framed and edged with chrome, are ideal for families with young children, as the edge is slightly blunter. For a really seamless look opt for a frameless screen – this will have a bevelled safety edge.
- Don’t forget to check the guarantee period too, these can range from one year to a lifetime guarantee and cover faulty manufacture or materials, but not breakage.
HOW MUCH DOES A WALK IN SHOWER COST?
WATCH: HOW TO INSTALL A WALK IN SHOWER
WHAT IS A WET ROOM?
ADVANTAGES OF WET ROOMS
Adds value to your home
A wet room will give your home wow factor, and create a selling point if you ever want to sell in the future. As long as the wet room is installed properly, it will add value, but this is only the case if the wet room is added as an en-suite or second bathroom.
Easy access
As well as being stylish, wet rooms are ideal for those who are disabled and for the elderly too. As there’s no shower tray, access to the shower is a lot easier.
Creates a designer look
Wet rooms are a super stylish option, and perfect for adding designer style and a focal point to your home.
Ideal for small bathrooms
Creating a wet room enhances a sense of space in a small bathroom, and removing the bath means you’ll end up with loads more room. Even if you fit a wet room screen, the space will still look bright and airy. Wet room screens come in a wide range of sizes to suit any space.
Easy to clean
A big advantage of a wet room is that it’s easy to clean and maintain. There’s no shower tray to worry about, and if you fit a wall mounted basin and toilet, then it’s easier still. Found out how to make a wet room waterproof in our step-by-step guide.
CREATING A WET ROOM
WET ROOM IDEAS
- Before hiring a professional to fit your wet room, make sure you’ve considered every element of the scheme. Think about the size of the showering area, as well as the shower system, accessories, storage and the type of basin and toilet.
- To ensure a neat finish and for a super stylish look, opt for a concealed shower valve, and a large rainfall shower head. It’s also a good idea to fit a hand shower too. If you have the space, why not create a luxury look by doubling up on shower heads?
- Make sure to install a drain that can handle a high volume of water efficiently. Enhance a sleek, streamlined look by choosing a flush channel style drain that collects water across its full width.
- A wet room shower screen isn’t the only way to section off the shower area, you could instead create a tiled partition wall to stop water from splashing out.
- To enhance a spacious feel, opt for a wall mounted basin and toilet – this will make cleaning a lot easier too.
- Storage is important in any wet room or bathroom, so make sure there’s somewhere to keep toiletries and beauty products stored away. You could fit a vanity unit and mirrored cabinet, or create niche shelving, which can be built into the wall. To keep towels toasty warm, as well as neat and tidy, install a heated towel rail close to the shower.