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Wonderful wetrooms
Wetrooms can offer everything from hotel chic to ultimate accessibility, and if you’re really clever, they can encompass both. Highlife Bathrooms’ Jon Hall discusses what you need to consider when planning the ideal wetroom for you
WHAT IS A WETROOM? I remember 20 years ago seeing my first proper wetroom created for an American client who was building a house in Cambridgeshire. This was a true wetroom with no shower glass, a stainless steel WC, basin and even a polished metal mirror. There was a huge rainfall shower head and the entire floor and six inches up the walls were covered in black rubber with a single drain hole in one corner. These days ‘wetroom’ is far more likely to simply mean a walk in-style shower made from one, two or three pieces of glass, sitting either on a draining floor or even a slimline tray. The rest of the bathroom is ‘dry’ and consisting of a standard WC and maybe furniture – including seating etc – which
is not designed to get soaking wet. Both things are still possible, but you need to be clear in your own mind what you require, and then make that plain to your builder or installer in order to get the best possible advice. A simple Google search will give you plenty of design cues and any good local or online retailer will help you narrow your options.
WHAT IF SOMEONE NEEDS HELP WITH SHOWERING?
Is this to be your only showering facility or just one option in a home with two or more bathrooms? Wetrooms can be a great addition to your home, but bear in mind if you have young children or live with anyone requiring support in
the shower that a more standard shower enclosure will allow whoever isn’t in the shower to stay much dryer!
HOW ‘DRY’ DO I NEED THE REST OF
THE ROOM TO STAY? Assuming you are not like my American client, you have three basic designs to choose from: a single sheet of glass (either fitted at 90° to a wall or standing ‘free’ of the wall on support arms); the same with an ‘end’ sheet of glass; or one/both of these plus a pivot return (see the options in the diagram on page 18). The more enclosed the shower, the less consideration you need to give to the placement of furniture, electrics and so on in other parts of the room. Now you need to choose between a tray and fitting directly to the floor. A tray will keep the vast majority of water contained and with slim options and hidden wastes available this can still be a sleek and attractive option. Going for glass fitted directly to the floor gives easy access, even for those with mobility limitations, and a stunning look. You need to check with an expert installer about suitable tanking systems, drain options and so on but many completely hidden and watertight options are available to achieve this look. Bear in mind that you may also need either fully tiled or wet-wall clad walls and floor to ensure all water can drain away properly.
WHAT GLASS SIZE AND FRAME SIZE
SHOULD I PICK? Wetroom glass manufacturers now offer a vast array of design options including choices of coloured frames, patterned or printed glass etc. Should you feel inclined, you can even get a bespoke image printed on your glass. The majority of us will still plump for 8 mm clear glass – it’s thick enough to stay rigid even if leaned on, and has a classic look. I would always advise ‘easy-clean’ glass; most manufacturers offer their own version, and it really does make a difference in day to day use.
WHAT TYPE OF SHOWER IS BEST? Once you’ve chosen your preferred wetroom design, it’s time to think about the shower itself. So many options are available – from digital showers you can control from your bedside or phone, to concealed valves with handles or push button operation, and the more traditional exposed valves. In addition, large rainfall heads can give a real ‘spa at home’ experience, but I would always advise incorporating a handset
july/august 2019
www.sbhonline.co.uk 17
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