Q:
Our neighbors remodeled and say they now have a “wet” bathroom. What is a wet bathroom anyway?
A:
Great question! The “wet bath” has long been the standard for many countries around the world and is now making its way into the design minds here in the United States. Chances are if you’ve stayed in a hotel, you’ve already experienced one.
What is a Wet Bathroom?
Simply put, a wet bath is a fully waterproofed space where the sink, shower, tub and toilet can all be exposed to water. Unlike traditional bathrooms, no shower curtains or glass dividers are needed. Tiled from floor to ceiling, the design maximizes space and creates an open, modern layout. The key is that the whole space is waterproofed by a professional tile installer.
Benefits
One benefit is that wet baths are perfect for smaller spaces because they allow for an open, modern layout. We also love wet bathrooms because they eliminate the need for bulky fixtures like shower curtains or glass doors. With Seattle bathrooms, space is often at a premium and the wet bath concept can open up many possibilities. Additionally, a wet bath typically offers a sleek, contemporary feel coupled with easy maintenance.
Fun fact
CRD Design Build once used the wet bath concept to create a guest bathroom out of a closet!
Considerations
Thinking of incorporating a wet bathroom into your Seattle home? There are a few things to think about before committing to the concept such as:
- Remember that you won’t have shower glass to hold in the warm steam from your shower. This is no problem for a small bathroom, but can be an issue for bigger bathrooms. The larger the room, the cooler your shower experience will be as the warmth and steam escape into the room.
- In general, small wet bathrooms are less expensive to remodel. However, there is an added expense in covering all the walls and floor in tile while creating a wet bathroom. We recommend using inexpensive large-format porcelain tiles for the floors and majority of the walls to manage expenses. You can always use an accent tile in a few key areas to spice up the design!
Are you planning a bathroom remodel?
At CRD Design Build, we love all the benefits of wet baths and love designing them for our clients. It’s the ultimate combo of style and function. If you are curious about the concept and wonder if it would be right for your home, please feel free to get in touch. And be sure to check out our Pinterest board for more bathroom remodel ideas and inspiration!
