How We Install Wet Rooms: The Complete Guide
Understanding waterproofing, drainage, and the technical process behind modern wet room installations
What Is a Wet Room and Why Choose One?
A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom space with an open shower area—no tray, no enclosure, just a seamless floor that drains water away. Here's why they're becoming increasingly popular and what you need to know before installing one.
Why Choose a Wet Room?
Fully Accessible
No step or threshold - perfect for all ages and abilities
Modern Aesthetic
Sleek, minimalist design that enhances any bathroom
Easy to Clean
Fewer surfaces and joints mean easier maintenance
Increases Value
Premium feature that adds value to your property
Space Efficient
Perfect for small or awkward bathroom spaces
Age-Friendly
Ideal for elderly or mobility-impaired users
The Critical Importance of Waterproofing
The single most important aspect of a wet room is the waterproofing. Get this wrong, and you'll face water damage, mold, and costly repairs. Here's how we ensure your wet room is completely watertight using British Standard tanking systems.
Why waterproofing matters: Unlike a traditional shower tray that contains water, a wet room floor is level with the rest of the bathroom. This means water can potentially travel anywhere—which is why professional tanking (waterproofing) is absolutely essential.
Tanking Membrane Installation
We apply a liquid or sheet membrane to all wet areas—floor, walls, and joints. This creates a continuous waterproof barrier that prevents water from penetrating the substrate.
Proper Drainage & Falls
The floor must have a gradient (fall) of 1:80 toward the drain. Too steep and it's uncomfortable to walk on; too shallow and water pools. We get this exactly right.
Quality Linear or Point Drains
We install premium drainage systems—either linear drains (long, narrow grates) or point drains (central waste). Both are designed for high water flow and easy maintenance.
Guaranteed Waterproof Seal
All joints, corners, and penetrations (pipes, drains) are sealed with waterproof tape and membrane. We test the system before tiling to ensure zero leaks.
Our 6-Step Wet Room Installation Process
Site Survey & Drainage Assessment
We start with a comprehensive assessment of your space. The most critical question: where will the water go? We need to ensure there's adequate fall (gradient) from the shower area to the drain, and that the existing drainage system can handle the water flow.
What we check: Floor levels, joist direction (for timber floors), existing drainage location, and whether we need to raise the floor or lower the drain. We'll also discuss whether you want a linear drain (modern, minimalist) or a point drain (traditional, central waste).
Floor Preparation & Leveling
The floor must be perfectly prepared before any waterproofing begins. For concrete floors, we ensure the surface is smooth and level. For timber floors, we install marine-grade plywood or cement backer board to create a stable, waterproof base.
Creating the fall: We build up the floor using a pre-formed shower tray former or create a custom screed with the correct gradient. The fall must be consistent—typically 1:80 (12mm drop per meter)—to ensure water flows efficiently to the drain without pooling.
Waterproof Tanking System
This is the most critical stage. We apply a British Standard tanking system (liquid membrane or sheet membrane) to all wet areas—floor, walls up to at least 1.8m, and all joints. The membrane creates a continuous waterproof barrier that prevents water from penetrating the substrate.
Special attention to: Corners, joints, and penetrations (pipes, drains). These are the most vulnerable areas for leaks, so we reinforce them with waterproof tape and multiple membrane layers. We also tank behind where the shower controls will be installed.
Drainage Installation & Testing
We install your chosen drain system—either a linear drain (long, narrow grate along one edge) or a point drain (central waste). The drain must be perfectly level and sealed to the tanking membrane. We then conduct a flood test: we fill the wet room with water and leave it for 24 hours to ensure zero leaks.
Why we test before tiling: If there's a leak, it's much easier (and cheaper) to fix before the tiles go down. Once tiled, any waterproofing issues require removing tiles and starting again—which is why we never skip this step.
Premium Tiling & Finishing
With the waterproofing tested and approved, we install your chosen tiles. For wet rooms, we recommend large-format porcelain tiles (fewer grout lines = less maintenance) or natural stone. We use flexible adhesive and grout to accommodate any movement, and ensure all cuts are precise and all grout lines are consistent.
The details: We seal all joints with silicone (not grout), install any glass screens or panels, and add any finishing touches like recessed shelves or LED lighting. The drain grate is installed flush with the tiles for a seamless finish.
Quality Testing & Handover
Before we hand over the keys, we conduct a final water test. We run the shower at full pressure for 30 minutes and check for any leaks, pooling, or drainage issues. We also test the shower controls, check the water temperature, and ensure all seals are perfect.
Maintenance advice: We'll show you how to maintain your wet room—how to clean the drain, when to re-seal joints, and what products to use on your tiles. With proper care, your wet room will last for decades.
Typical Timeline
A wet room installation typically takes 10-14 working days from start to finish. This includes the 24-hour flood test and time for the tanking membrane to cure.
Larger or more complex wet rooms (multiple drains, underfloor heating, structural changes) may take 14-18 days.
Investment Range
Wet rooms are a premium service with prices typically ranging from £5,000-£12,000 depending on size, specification, and materials.
Factors affecting cost: floor type (concrete vs timber), drainage complexity, tile choice, and any structural work required.
Where We Install Wet Rooms
We install wet rooms across South London and Surrey. Each location page shows our local work and provides area-specific contact options: