How Much Does A Wet Room Cost To Buy And Install
If you want a luxury experience in your home, then a wet room is an excellent option. Step into your wet room to shower in the morning and relax after work.
Wet rooms are growing in popularity because they are becoming easier and cheaper to install. In this article, we'll clue you in on everything you need to know about the costs of installing wet rooms.
How Much Does Each Wet Room Component Cost?
Shower tray former
The shower tray former is a special type of shower tray that sits underneath the tiles or flooring in the shower room. Its job is to maintain the evenness of the floor and to direct the water from the shower towards the waste pipe.
The wet room shower tray is an important feature of the wet room installation, and it's recommended that you choose the right one for your wet room project. This also influences the cost.
Estimated cost:
The cost of your shower tray former will depend on the scale and cost of your wet room installation. For instance, if you want a luxury wet room installation, then you will pay more for your shower tray former, more expensive formers can offer better quality and functionality.
However, in general, a shower tray former should only cost between £200 and £300, for one that's guaranteed to last.
Tiles and flooring
When it comes to flooring for your wet room project, you have a range of options for the tiles. Most people choose between porcelain, mosaic, or natural stone. Tiles made from these materials offer a beautiful and functional flooring style that will last for many years.
Remember, it's important to have tiles that grip in a wet room, so ceramic tiles are not recommended, although they are good for walls.
Estimated cost:
Again, the cost of the wet room will largely depend on the size and ambition of the project. Regardless of whether you choose natural stone or porcelain, the cost of the wet room will be higher if you have a larger floor space.
Typically, you will pay more for natural stone tiles; these come in at around £5.00 per square metre and are the more expensive option. Porcelain is cheaper; these cost around £2.00 per square metre.
Shower unit
When it comes to designing your wet room, you have two options; you can have a wet room shower or a shower unit. A wet room shower is a shower that blends with the rest of the room; there is no shower unit; instead, there is a gradient on the floor directing water to the drain.
Other wet rooms have a shower unit that is separated from the rest of the shower area. A shower unit is sometimes raised.
Estimated cost:
If you intend to install a new shower unit in your wet room, the cost will depend on the size and scale of your project. Unlike a wet room shower, a shower unit requires some additional materials such as a glass enclosure and step.
If you want to install a shower unit in your wet room, you can expect to pay somewhere between £2000 and £5000 depending on the materials and style of the shower room.
Tanking slurry/membrane
Wet rooms aren't straightforward; in order to succeed as a wet room, the area needs to be sealed and watertight. This can be achieved in two ways, one of them is a tanking slurry, and the other is a tanking membrane.
Membranes are needed to prevent the shower water from penetrating the wall or floor and causing problems with the foundations or infrastructure. Each has its advantages and wet room costs.
Estimated cost:
The cost of your waterproofing will depend on the size of your floor space. Whether you choose tanking slurry or tanking membrane, the cost will increase in tandem with the square meterage of your space.
In general, the tanking slurry is cheaper than a tanking membrane, which also requires professional installation. Expect to pay around £50 per metre for a slurry or membrane, but the membrane needs installation.
Toilet
When it comes to toilet installation in your wet room, there are good and bad choices. In general, you want a toilet that is raised and sits flush to the wall; this prevents flooding underneath when you use the wet room freely.
If you choose a floor-standing toilet, it can lead to collected water and flooding issues that require further maintenance. For this reason and more, a raised toilet is a better idea.
Estimated cost:
While conventional floor-mounted toilets tend to be cheaper than wall-mounted ones, they are not as sensible for a wet room project.
For this reason, it's better to invest in a wall-mounted toilet at a higher cost. These toilets can cost anywhere between £100 and £5000 depending on the quality and brand you want for your project. Remember, there are sometimes some hidden costs, such as seats.
Basin
The basin in your wet room is one of the most versatile features of your project. There are many designs, styles, and materials of a basin that you can choose from; of course, the choices you make will be determined by the style of the wet room and your budget.
Consider whether you want a wall-mounted washbasin or a floor-mounted washbasin; again, a floor-mounted one has some issues.
Estimated cost:
Washbasins are available in a variety of shapes and styles, and they vary quite substantially in price. Since the washbasin is integral to the overall style of the project, you will have to integrate this with the style of the toilet and tiles.
For this reason, it's a good idea to decide on the style of the washroom early in the project, even if you want a standard wet room. Expect to pay upwards of £100 for a quality basin.
Underfloor heating (optional)
Whether you are stepping into the wet room for the first time or stepping out of the shower onto the floor space, it makes a difference when the floor is pleasantly warm and not icy cold.
While it is not necessary to have heated flooring for your wet room, it's a good idea, especially if you want that luxury experience. The good news is that underfloor heating is more accessible and affordable than you think.
Estimated cost:
Installing underfloor heating in a wet room is recommended not only for the reasons of luxury living but also because it provides exceptional functionality.
Unsurprisingly, wet room floors regularly become flooded, which can lead to structural issues in the long term. If you want to keep your wet room dry, then install underfloor heating. Expect to pay around £1000 for underfloor heating for a new wet room.
Shower screen (optional)
If you have a wet room shower, there is no need to install a shower door; in this style of wet room, the entire space is sealed, and you can turn the shower on freely without worrying about flooding the floor space - but this is not the case with other wet room designs.
If you have a shower unit installed, you will need a shower door to prevent too much flooding on the wet room floor, even when it's sealed.
Estimated cost:
When it comes to wet room shower screens, you have different options; you can choose a shower unit or a separate shower screen. Shower units are enclosed spaces with doors that open; you will have to step in and out of the shower and close the door when the shower is in use.
The other style is a shower screen that blocks the water. A shower door will cost you upwards of £100 and depends on your budget.
Additional costs
There are typically two ways to install a wet room; if you have some building experience or trade experience, you can install the basic wet room yourself; otherwise, it's a good idea to hire a professional installer.
Although you will pay a little more than doing the work yourself, you can rest assured that the installation will be professional and guaranteed for at least a decade. This is a reasonable option.
However, if you want to install the wet room yourself and save money, make sure you plan the project carefully and work to a tight and realistic budget. If you decide to go it alone, you will need some tools and materials to carry out the work successfully.
Additional tools you will need include a measuring ruler and pencil, a circular saw, and a drill with a range of bits; you may also need tape and primer.
How Much Will Labour Costs Be?
Of course, the labour costs of your project largely depend on how you decide to install the wet room. If you are willing to study some of the trade skills you need for the job, it's realistic to achieve a high-quality result without spending too much on labour costs.
Even if you decide to carry out the work yourself, you might still have to hire a professional for some jobs, such as plumbing or electric work.
If you decide to hire professional installers for the entire job, you can expect to pay between £10,000 and £20,000 in total. Again, the cost of the installation depends on the size and scale of the project.
If you want to reduce the overall cost and still enjoy luxury wet room installations, it's a good idea to install as much as you can and only pay for specialist work. Plumbing can still be expensive.
Factors Affecting The Price Of A Wet Room Installation
Current flooring
If you're like most households, your bathroom will have flooring that is based on wood or concrete. Nowadays, a wet room can be installed regardless of the type of flooring you have; nevertheless, there are some considerations to make.
For one thing, if you want to install your wet room on an existing timber floor, you will need to prepare it correctly using a shower tray and special drainage facilities.
Room size
A large wet room with a free-standing bathtub is an attractive prospect, but it's not always the most affordable one. In general, the larger the area, the more expensive your wet room project will turn out.
Most of the materials needed for installing a wet room are measured in square feet. This includes tikes for the floor and underfloor heating. It also affects the price of the shower unit and toilet you select.
Accessibility
When it comes to accessibility, there are various options for you to choose from, you can have an open plan wet room installed with no shower unit, or you can have a shower unit that separates the area from the rest of the room.
If you opt for open plan accessibility, it might cost more overall because you will need to have the flooring properly tanked with a membrane or a slurry. This can affect the cost.
Location
Another factor that can affect the overall cost of your wet room installation is the location of your property. Whether you opt for partial installation or a full installation, the costs of plumbing, electricity, and materials often depend on the cost of your local services.
It's possible to find cheaper installation services online, but unless they are accessible to your property, you might pay more.
Quality of parts
As with most household projects, the cost of the overall project depends on many factors. One of these factors is the quality of the parts, labour, and additional components needed to carry out the project successfully.
As with most aspects of the project, costs vary depending on the quality of the components used; this is an opportunity to save as well as improve quality depending on your attitude.
Wet Room Building Regulations In The UK
When you are thinking of installing a new wet room in the UK, the question of planning permission often arises.
Although a wet room installation seems like an internal modification that doesn't require any permissions, it might still require an inspection from the building department at the local council office if you make alterations to plumbing and electrics. These modifications are very common.
Wet Room Vs Walk In Shower: Which Is Cheaper?
While wet room areas are an attractive prospect, they are not always the cheapest option. When it comes to installing a new shower in your home, the cheapest option is to install a prefabricated shower unit.
Not only are these prefabricated showers cheaper to buy they are also cheaper to install. But if you opt for a wet room shower, the costs can spiral quickly. In short, walk-ins are much cheaper.
Make your Wet Room a reality with Plumbnation
A wet room is an excellent idea; it provides a luxurious place to relax and enjoy your home while increasing the value of your property. A wet room also makes a property easier to sell.
However, it's important to plan the project carefully and consider all the wet room installation costs, the last thing you want is for your project to become more expensive than you planned for, but there are cheaper options.
At Plumbnation we stock all the parts you'll need to build a wet room of your own. You'll find a selection of showers that are perfect for any wet room or walk-in shower. We also stock specialised wet room shower trays and wet room screens to help you turn your project into a reality.
FAQs
Is it better to use tanking slurry or a membrane for waterproofing?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both tank slurry and tank membranes. In general, tank slurry is very effective; however, its effectiveness largely depends on the quality of the wall behind it; if the walls are low quality, the slurry's integrity will be compromised, leading to leaks and drainage issues.
Membranes are more reliable overall, but they must be installed by professionals with a pump.
How much value will a wet room add to my home?
In general, installing a wet room will add value to your home, that's because wet rooms and ensuites make maintenance simpler than a traditional bathroom; it also increases the functionality of the property.
However, to add value to the home, the wet room takes professional installation. According to recent surveys, installing a wet room can add 5% value to your home or property.
Is an upstairs wet room a good idea?
Installing a wet room is considered a luxury in the home; it allows you to walk into a room and have a shower or bath without worrying about flooding, rot, or drainage issues.
Naturally, most people imagine a wet room on the ground floor where it is easier to seal the room and protect it from flooding; but if the wet room is installed correctly, you can easily install one on the second floor or upstairs area.
How long will it take to install my wet room?
Installing a wet room in your home can improve your quality of life and increase the value of your property; you need to be prepared to wait one week for the work to be carried out adequately.
Typically, a wet room will only take a maximum of four days to install by a professional company, but there will be a day or two on either side of the work for preparation and clearing up the work after.