Walk in showers and wet rooms have become a very popular option for those renovating the bathroom, which doesn't really come as a big surprise as most people prefer to shower rather than bathe. We lead busier lifestyles than ever before, and a walk in shower or wet room provides a stylish and practical showering solution for all age groups, ranging from young professionals to the elderly, as well as for those with restricted mobility.
So, if you're planning a new bathroom and wondering whether to install a walk in shower enclosure or a wet room, our essential guide uncovers all you need to know – from how much you can expect to spend, to the different types of walk in showers and much more, which will hopefully help you make the right decision.
What is the difference betwen a wet room and a walk in shower?
The difference between a wet room and a walk in shower is that in a true wet room, the space is completely open plan (although a wet room shower screen can be used), and the water flows away through a drain in the floor, whereas a walk in shower typically features one or two glass screens and a low level shower tray. Both options provide easy access and make a real statement in any bathroom or en-suite.
Budget, time restraints and style, all play a role in deciding whether to have a full wet room fitted in your home, or to opt for a walk in shower enclosure for a modern look.
Wet Room
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 showers and wet room glass panels don't have a door unlike a traditional shower enclosure. Instead a simple glass panel separates it from the rest of the bathroom. The frameless glass panel can either be fixed to a wall, or for a walk-through design, held in place parallel to a wall by a pole attached to the ceiling, or facing a wall.
Wet room glass panels can be fitted onto a low level shower tray, which provides an easy yet effective way to create a sleek minimal look, or they can be fitted direct to the floor. A great alternative to wet room glass panels, walk in shower enclosures consist of a narrow framed or frameless glass screen that's teamed with a rectangular low profile shower tray.
Available in various styles and sizes, walk-in showers give the bathroom a modern, seamless feel, while offering a practical showering solution. They can be fitted in a recess so there's just a single glass panel on show, or with two glass panels, as well as with or without a shower tray.
What is a walk in shower?
A walk-in shower has no doors, which allows you to simply walk in. This type of showering solution typically includes a wet room screen and a low profile shower tray. One end of the shower is open to the room and can be used to dry off, while the opposite end is the showering area with a glass screen. Walk in showers allow you to create the look and feel of a wet room but without all the associated cost.
Advantages of walk in showers
Walk-in showers have many advantages, and they are a great option for adding smart, contemporary style to any bathroom. Here's some benefits to a walk in enclosure.
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 to know
When choosing a walk in shower there are a few 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.