Are wet rooms worth it? The honest guide for UK homes (2025)
Wet rooms look sleek and modern, but they’re not for everyone. In the UK, they typically cost between £6,000–£12,000 to install and can add value if designed and waterproofed properly. Get the prep right, and you’ll have a durable, spa-like space. Cut corners, and you’ll be calling your plasterer back before the paint’s dry.
So… Are Wet Rooms Worth It?
Wet rooms can be worth it when properly waterproofed and ventilated. Expect £6k–£12k in the UK. They make small bathrooms feel larger, improve accessibility, and can help resale. If you’re on timber floors, have poor ventilation, or can’t fund full tanking/UFH, a low-profile shower may be smarter.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Sleek, modern design. Creates an open, minimalist look that makes any bathroom feel more spacious. | Higher installation costs. Expect £6,000–£12,000 in the UK due to waterproofing, drainage, and gradient work. |
Easy to clean. No trays, screens, or mouldy seals, just wipe down and go. | Risk of leaks. Poor tanking or drainage planning can lead to water damage and costly repairs. |
Accessible for all ages. Step-free entry makes it ideal for families, guests, and ageing-in-place homes. | Cold underfoot. Fully tiled floors can feel chilly without underfloor heating. |
Adds resale appeal. A well-built wet room can subtly increase property value and marketability. | Requires strong ventilation. Without a proper extractor, condensation builds up quickly. |
Customisable layout. More freedom in where to place your shower, fittings, and tiles. | Not ideal everywhere. Older timber floors or limited space for drainage can make installation tricky. |
The Case for Wet Rooms
Think of a wet room as the minimalist’s answer to cluttered bathrooms. No trays, no thresholds, no visual breaks — just one continuous surface that feels calm, open and indulgent. For smaller homes, especially London terraces or city flats, that sense of space is gold dust.
But the beauty of a wet room isn’t just about looks. It’s design meeting practicality: safer underfoot, easier to clean, and future-proof for every stage of life. Add underfloor heating and decent extraction, and it’s not just a luxury feature — it’s a thoughtful, long-term choice.
At Beams, we always say: a wet room is 80% prep, 20% presentation. The tiles may get the attention, but the layers beneath decide whether it stays beautiful for years or becomes a very expensive swimming pool.
When Wet Rooms Go Wrong
For something that looks so simple, a wet room is one of the most technically demanding spaces in a home. One weak spot in the waterproofing, or a slight misjudgement in the floor gradient, and you’re into ceiling stain territory.
Common issues we see include:
- Leaks from poor tanking or rushed joints around pipework.
- Floors that don’t slope enough, leaving puddles that never quite dry.
- Budget extractors that can’t keep up with the humidity.
- Tiled floors without heating that make winter mornings feel like Arctic training.
All of it’s avoidable — with proper design, materials, and installers who understand gradients, drainage, and airflow. A well-built wet room isn’t the cheapest project in your renovation, but it’s one that earns its keep every single day.
The Real Cost of a Wet Room (UK 2025)
Type | Typical Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
Compact ensuite | £4,000 – £6,000 | Standard tiles, basic drainage, minimal alteration |
Mid-range bathroom | £6,000 – £9,000 | Underfloor heating, upgraded finishes, quality tanking |
Luxury spec | £10,000 – £15,000+ | Premium materials, custom drainage, designer fittings |
London projects tend to cost slightly more, thanks to labour rates and older building stock.
Everywhere else, costs hinge on existing plumbing, floor type, and how much structural work is needed.
FAQs
Do wet rooms leak?
Not if they are waterproofed correctly. Always specify a full tanking system.
Can you put a wet room upstairs?
Yes, but it needs extra preparation, often including joist work and very precise gradients. If space is tight, our walk in shower size guide shows minimum dimensions that work in real homes.
Do wet rooms add value?
They can, especially if you still have another bathroom with a bath. If you are weighing overall project returns, see our home renovation cost guide and the broader UK renovation cost calculator.
Do wet rooms need underfloor heating?
Not strictly, but it greatly improves comfort and speeds up drying. If you are reviewing heating and hot water choices for the bathroom, our electric shower vs combi boiler shower comparison is a good companion read.
What about ventilation and steam?
Good extraction is essential. Underspec fans lead to condensation and mould. For a plain-English explanation, try our Bathroom ventilation Part F guide.
Can Beams design and build wet rooms?
Yes. Explore our bathrooms service, then see how our process works from first ideas to final handover.