Rip out the walls for a refreshing, spa-like experience, and an easy-to-clean bathroom?
Absolutely!
There are almost no downsides to upgrading to a wet room.
What is a wet room?
In the Pacific Northwest, we tend to avoid “wet rooms.” There’s plenty of rain right outside our windows.
But this is a whole different kind of wet room—the best kind. A wet room is an all-in-one at-grade shower and bathroom combined.
At a minimum, the room includes a toilet, sink, and shower. But the shower, as in a spa setting, has no frame, door, or partition separating it from the rest of the bathroom. From floor to ceiling, the whole room is meant to withstand water and steam, and safely drain it away.
Why do you want one?
A well-constructed wet room is a unique mix of practical luxury.
On the luxurious side, they create a warm sleek environment that mimics the look of a high-end spa. Wet rooms often have luxurious heated floors and towel racks which also serve a practical purpose to aid in drying and dehumidifying the space.
Because floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles or natural stone are a must to protect the walls from water and dampness, the look creates a singular focus and soothing, coordinated ambiance.
Wall-mounted toilets, sinks, countertops, and cupboards make cleaning much simpler because the whole room can be mopped with a rubber blade when no furniture is resting on the floor. But this also creates a seamless minimalist look associated with modern opulence.
A wet room can make a home more accessible. Because there is no shower frame an elderly or disabled person can enter all parts of the bathroom with ease. Especially if other furnishings are off the floor, a wet room can be made fully wheelchair accessible. If you are remodeling or adding to your forever home, add railings, elegant seating, ADA-compliant drawer and cabinet pulls, and more.
Designing and building a wet room: Important remodel considerations.
Creating a wet room is not a DIY project. While we have written in this space about home remodels you can take on, we recommend a reputable builder for a safe and completely water-tight wet room. Any room that is taking on water has the potential to cause problems without proper plumbing, grading, drainage, and sealing.
A typical wet room will not have a bathtub but banishing the only bathtub in your house will decrease your home’s value or make it harder to sell. Remodel a second bathroom into a wet room. Or, if you have the space, put a freestanding tub in the wet room for a full bath.
A popular hybrid option is a wet room divided by an unobtrusive half wall or glass pane that protects towels, toilet paper, and cabinetry from splashes. This is especially helpful in a smaller footprint.
Water-resistant cabinetry is necessary if it will have any contact with water or become too humid. Alternatively, cabinets can be built just outside the doorway.
Proper mechanical ventilation is a must. Your contractor can locate fan models with smart humidity sensors that automatically work against dampness in the room.
A wet room is a unique, high-value project that elegantly updates any home. In good hands, it is a water-tight investment that will bring joy and comfort to the whole family.
It takes a pro to build bathrooms personalized to the people in your home. Call (503) 631-7662 or click to start a conversation with Crystal Remodeling about the most important room in your house.