The vast array of floor coverings now available for wet rooms enables designers to be bold in their design choices and unleash their full creative flair. By being able to choose the same flooring throughout, the flow of the space is uninterrupted by the confines of a shower tray, making the room appear larger and more luxurious.
Tiles
The most common choice for a wet room, tiles provide the greatest range of colour and pattern to suit individual styles.
Porcelain, natural stone and mosaic tiles can all hard-wearing and work well in a wet room environment.
Factors to consider when choosing a tile for your wet room:
- Slip resistance rating: also known as R rating, assesses how slip resistance the flooring is by using a ramp test. R9 offers the smallest degree of slip resistance whilst R13 offers the highest slip resistance. To ensure safety when walking on tiles which are wet and could be contaminated by showering products, choose a rating of R11 or higher.
- Size of tile: the smaller the tile the more grout lines you will have. Grout can be more prone to mould building up, particularly if the room is not well ventilated. However, the more grout lines there are the better the level of slip resistance.
- Mitre cuts: if you are installing a former with a 4-way fall, you will need to mitre cuts on the tiles, which means to cut at a 45-degree angle along an edge. Consider how the chosen tile will look when the tiles are mitred to determine if it is still suitable.
Vinyl
When you think vinyl, it might conjure up images of hospital and care home bathrooms. However, this needn’t be the case. Whilst vinyl is still traditionally used in these settings, it has moved on considerably. The choice of designs available make it a fantastic budget saving alternative.
It’s low maintenance and is softer and warmer than tiles making it more comfortable underfoot.
Another great benefit is it creates a waterproof barrier to the floor, meaning that tanking isn’t necessary, although it can still be used for additional peace of mind.
Epoxy Resin
For a seamless, poured floor, Epoxy Resin can be used to create a non-slip, low maintenance wet room floor covering.
It’s easy to clean surface doesn’t harbour bacteria, it doesn’t taint, and it is resistant to chemicals.
This durable and versatile product comes in a wide range of colours to co-ordinate with the chosen décor.
Microcement
A floor covering for wet rooms we are seeing gain in popularity is Microcement.
Microcement is a very fine coating of cement combined with fine aggregates mixed with water based liquid polymers or powdered resin polymers, which can be applied thinly (2-3mm) to walls, stairs and floors.
It’s resistance to humidity, and ability to create one continuous floor covering with no joints or grouting makes it ideal for wet rooms.
It creates a seamless, minimalistic finish, which is hard wearing and easy to clean. The industrial design lends itself to contemporary living, and even comes in a choice of earthy colours.