What You Need to Know About Wet Room Installation Costs

Wet rooms are gaining popularity among homeowners for their practicality and durability, especially in busy family environments.

Chris Scott, Joint MD, Mascot Bespoke, notes, 'Wet rooms have become essential in luxury renovations. Clients, often busy and well-traveled, seek to replicate a five-star hotel spa ambiance in their homes.'

So, what's the cost of installing a wet room? Like other bathroom concepts, wet room prices hinge on factors like plumbing modifications, drainage requirements, room layout, size, and chosen finishes.

Chris emphasizes, 'Success in wet room design lies in getting the essentials right. While tiles, sinks, and taps may capture attention, it's the behind-the-scenes elements that ultimately shape the room's appearance and functionality.'

'For a genuine wet room feel, avoiding a shower tray and tiling the entire space is ideal. While grout and silicone will eventually degrade, implementing the right waterproofing system atop under-floor heating is crucial. This can be tiled over directly.'

'Investing in this layer may increase upfront costs, but it saves you from potential water damage repairs down the line.'

We've consulted leading bathroom experts to outline the costs associated with wet room installations below.

What Are the Costs of Installing a Wet Room?

Nick Cryer, founder of Berkeley Place, has handled numerous wet room projects. He shares, 'Typically, we estimate around $11,000 (£8,000) to $18,000 (£13,000) for a medium-sized wet room, compared to $8,000 (£6,000) to $14,000 (£10,000) for a traditional bathroom.'

'In general, wet rooms justify the additional expense. We anticipate a cost increase of 20% to 30% compared to standard bathrooms, primarily due to the waterproofing preparations required. Extra ventilation and careful planning for any heating systems are also necessary.'

Gemma Holsgrove, associate director at an interior design agency, suggests a wider range. 'I foresee a wet room costing between $20,000 and $40,000 (£15,000-30,000) based on its size and specifications.'

Breakdown of Wet Room Component Costs

Wet room installations can be pricey. According to Nick Cryer, 'These projects require specialized skills and are time-intensive. While materials are readily available, we advise hiring experienced professionals for the installation.'

Check out the estimated costs for each wet room component below. Remember, these prices can fluctuate depending on the room's dimensions, complexity of your wet room ideas, and finish levels.

• Fittings: If you have a joisted floor, the tray can often be installed flush. For concrete floors, elevating the tray is necessary. Jo Sangster, senior designer at Ripples Bathrooms, states, 'Trays and waterproofing may range from $800 to $1,400 (£600-£1,000), with larger sizes costing more. Suppliers often provide custom options for size and drainage.' Gemma adds that high-end finishes can cost between $11,000 (£8,000) and $20,000 (£15,000).
• Tiles: Jo Sangster mentions average tile costs of $70-$140 (£50-£100) per square meter. She advises that tiles used in the wet room tray should be anti-slip. Smaller tiles generally offer better grip, although they require more grout lines. Gemma recommends budgeting $2,000-$5,500 (£1,500-£4,000) depending on size and finish.
• Drainage and plumbing: Waterproofing, or tanking, adds a protective layer between the walls and the flooring. Gemma estimates plumbing costs between $2,700-$4,000 (£2,000-£3,000). Jo also reminds homeowners to consider the drainage position relative to the shower head and glass enclosure.
• Labor: Jo explains that fitting a wet floor involves extra tanking and tile adjustments, but the result is worth it! Expect to allocate $700-$4,000 (£500-£3,000) for tiling, depending on room size.

Are There Hidden Costs to Consider in Wet Room Installations?

If you're exploring walk-in shower ideas, you may notice the hard surfaces can feel cold. To enhance comfort, consider adding underfloor heating.

Jo asserts, 'Underfloor heating is essential with a wet floor tray, providing warmth underfoot and aiding in moisture evaporation. This creates a more inviting shower experience.'

Chris Scott adds that many clients are extending underfloor heating to walls. 'It's common for homeowners to heat both the floor and walls, maintaining a consistent temperature and speeding up the drying of tiled surfaces, preventing dampness.'

Costs vary: electric underfloor heating can be installed easily in upper rooms with mats wired to the mains by an electrician. For complete home renovations, especially on ground floors, wet underfloor heating connected to the boiler is an option.

Are Wet Rooms Worth the Investment?

Wet rooms can be a valuable investment, particularly if you're considering small bathroom ideas for a guest or en suite bathroom.

Jo Sangster concludes, 'The aesthetic of a wet room is impressive and enhances the overall space, especially with an open walk-in shower. While alternatives exist, many new products still create visual divisions in the bathroom, often making it appear smaller.'