When it comes to choosing a bathroom design, many modern homeowners are opting for a shower tray or wet room over a traditional bathroom. Wet rooms are generally considered to be more functional, as they allow for more natural light and ventilation. However, bathrooms can often be larger and have more amenities, such as showers and toilets. So, which is the right choice for you?

What is a wet room?

A wet room is a bathroom design where the shower and sink are combined in one space, and the water drains into a single drain in the centre of the room. This layout can be more efficient and luxurious than traditional designs, and it’s perfect for small spaces. They can also be more visually appealing because you can use wet room panels or bathroom wall panels throughout for a cohesive design, they also take up less space than traditional bathrooms. Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular, so if you’re thinking about a bathroom renovation, be sure to consider this stylish option.

What is a shower tray?

Shower trays are features in more traditional bathrooms, and are a critical component of a shower enclosure as it directs the water flow to the drainage point.

What is a traditional bathroom?

A traditional bathroom is a room in a home that is typically used for personal hygiene activities, such as taking a bath or shower. The fixtures in a traditional bathroom include a sink, toilet, and bathtub or shower. Traditionally, bathrooms were located on the first floor of a home, but they are now also found on higher floors.

Wet room vs walk in shower

A wet room is a bathroom that is designed to allow easy access to a shower without the need for a curtain or door. This type of bathroom can be beneficial for people who have difficulty stepping over a traditional bathtub. A wet room typically has a low-profile shower area and a drain in the floor that leads to a sewage system.

The cost of installation is one difference, as a wet room may be more expensive because it often requires the removal of a wall to create the open shower area. Another consideration is that a wet room must have waterproofing throughout, while in most cases a bathroom only needs it in the shower area.

Walk in showers don’t usually have a door, opting for glass panels to partition the shower from the rest of the bathroom. They are a great way to offer similar accessibility than a regular bath or shower, but don’t cost as much as a full wet room to install. So, when trying to work out whether you need a wet room vs walk in shower, the deciding factor might simply be the cost or the level of accessibility you require - besides, you can install specific shower wall panels using our shower wall panel kits, so you can still achieve a sleek effect.

Wet room vs bathroom

Why install a wet room?

When wondering whether you should install a wet room vs bathroom, a wet room can be a great option for anyone looking to renovate their bathroom. They have a variety of benefits that can make your life easier. Firstly, and potentially the most important, wet rooms are extremely easy to clean as all the water and dirt goes down the drain. This means you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing your bathroom every week.

If you’re tight for space, then a wet room could be the answer for your small bathroom as there is no need for a separate shower and bathtub. Additionally, for people with mobility issues, wet rooms are the most accessible bathroom. There is no need to step over any raised edges to get into the show, making it much easier for those who find it difficult to move around.

Benefits of a wet room

  • Luxurious
  • Accessible
  • Spacious
  • Low maintenance

Drawbacks of a wet room

  • Steamy and damp
  • Must install non-slip flooring
  • More expensive than walk in shower

Why should you install a traditional bathroom?

There are many benefits to having a traditional bathroom in your home. First of all, they typically have more storage space than other types of bathrooms. This is because they usually include a large vanity cabinet and additional shelving.

Traditional bathrooms often have a more elegant look and feel to them than other types of bathrooms. This is due in part to their classic design features, such as subway tile or pedestal sinks. Additionally, traditional bathrooms are often more affordable than other types of bathrooms, which makes them a popular choice for budget-minded homeowners.

Wet room vs shower tray

Why should you install a walk in shower tray?

This is a feature in a home that can add a lot of impact whilst remaining practical and durable. Shower trays are also designed with two sections in mind, one for showering and the other for drying off. They also come in a wide range of sizes and a variety of materials to suit any bathroom. As we’ve already mentioned, when trying to work out whether a wet room vs shower tray is for you, they can both be beneficial depending on your needs.

Benefits of a walk in shower tray

  • Creates feeling of space
  • Accessible
  • Offers flexibility for bathroom layouts
  • Low maintenance
  • Ideal for small bathrooms

Drawbacks of a walk in shower tray

  • Shower screen can still cause some issues with accessibility
  • Not generally suitable for wheelchair access

Should you choose a wet room, a walk in shower or a traditional bathroom?

When it comes time to renovate your home, one of the decisions you'll have to make is whether to add a bathroom or a wet room. So, which is better for you?

As previously stated, a bathroom typically has a sink, toilet and shower, while a wet room only has a shower. Wet rooms are becoming more popular because they're versatile and can be used by everyone, regardless of their ability to walk. They're also easier to clean than bathrooms because there's no sink or toilet to worry about. Walk in shower trays are a happy middle ground.

However, bathrooms are still more popular because they're cheaper to install and many people find them more comfortable than wet rooms. So, if you’re thinking about selling your house in the next few years, you might want to consider a traditional bathroom setup as this is what most buyers expect. If you're not sure which is right for you, talk to a professional contractor who can help you make the right decision for your home.

Shop the DBS Range

Whether you’re looking to remodel your current bathroom to a wet room or traditional bathroom, the one this that is guaranteed is that you will need durable and waterproof materials for your walls, floors and ceiling. Here at DBS bathrooms, we offer a wide range of decorative wall panels to suite everyone’s desired taste, whether you want coloured wall panels or bathroom feature walls.

Shop the full range of bathroom wall panels to find your perfect panels, then get in touch with us to request free samples today.