Thinking of replacing your bath or shower with a walk-in design? Here’s why a fully waterproofed wet room could be the smartest, most elegant option — especially in compact or older Dublin homes.
What Exactly Is a Wet Room?
A wet room is a fully waterproofed (tanked) bathroom space with a level-access shower area. Instead of using a raised tray, the floor is gently sloped towards a discreet drain. This allows for a cleaner layout, better drainage, and a more streamlined appearance. Glass panels can still be used, but they’re optional — and chosen for style, not necessity.
Why Wet Rooms Are Ideal for Irish Homes
1. Makes Smaller Bathrooms Feel Bigger
Irish bathrooms, especially in semi-detached, terraced and period Dublin houses, can be tight on space. A wet room removes bulky enclosures and raised trays, instantly creating a sense of openness.
- Flush, uninterrupted floor surface
- No visual barriers, steps or tray edges
- Perfect for bathrooms 1.7–2.4 metres wide
2. Cleaner, Simpler and Easier to Maintain
With minimal grout lines, no tray edges and no plastic seals, wet rooms are hygienic and easier to clean — particularly helpful in hard water areas around Dublin and Kildare.
- Fewer silicone joints to degrade
- No frames or channels to trap grime
- Large-format tiles reduce maintenance
3. Deluxe Look — Even in Older Homes
Wet rooms create a clean, minimalist look that works as beautifully in period properties as it does in modern builds. Using large-format tiles, concealed drainage and a single frameless glass panel, we regularly transform older bathrooms into elegant, spa-like spaces.
4. Built for Longevity and Protection
Unlike conventional showers, wet rooms use full waterproof tanking across floors and walls — not just inside the shower area. This is especially valuable in older Irish homes where moisture, uneven walls, and timber floors are common.
- Full tanking prevents leaks and rot
- Better resistance to condensation and mould
- Protects your structure long-term
5. Future-Friendly Without Looking Like a “Mobility Bathroom”
Level-access wet rooms are naturally easier for all ages to use — but still look elegant and design-led. No ramps, no plastic fixtures, just a sleek, open floor.
Key Design Considerations We Take Care Of
- Drainage slope: Floor is subtly shaped to guide water to the waste.
- Tanking (waterproofing): Walls and floors are sealed with a specialist system.
- Structural support: Floors are reinforced to avoid movement and tile cracking.
- Ventilation: Quiet, efficient extraction is critical for moisture control.
- Glass (optional): A frameless panel can help control splash while keeping the room open.
Wet Room vs Standard Shower: What You Gain
| Feature | Wet Room | Standard Shower Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Floor Level | Fully flush, seamless | Tray edge or step |
| Waterproofing | Full-room tanking | Localised sealing |
| Visual Space | Open and expansive | Defined enclosure footprint |
| Cleaning & Hygiene | Minimal joints, no frames | More seals, grout, edges to maintain |
| Future-Friendly | Level access by design | Requires modifications |
Why We Recommend Wet Rooms So Often
In hundreds of bathroom renovations across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath, wet rooms consistently deliver the best mix of elegance, ease of use, and long-term reliability. They work beautifully in compact spaces, older homes, and modern extensions alike — and once installed correctly, they’re easier to maintain for years to come.
Handled End-to-End by Our In-House Team
We don’t subcontract. Every wet room installation is designed, tanked, tiled, piped and finished by our own specialists — ensuring consistency, quality and accountability from start to finish.
Interested in a wet room for your home? Book a consultation with our in-house team for personalised advice on layout, drainage, waterproofing and design options for your space.
FAQs
Can a wet room be installed in a small bathroom?
Yes — wet rooms are ideal for compact spaces. Done correctly, they can make your bathroom feel larger and more open.
Will a wet room work in an older Dublin home?
Absolutely. We design around the structure, reinforce floors where needed, and tank the space for long-term protection.
Do wet rooms leak?
Not when properly installed. Full waterproof tanking, floor gradients and quality drainage prevent leaks.
Is a glass screen necessary?
No — it’s optional. Many wet rooms use a single minimalist panel for splash control, but layout will decide if it’s needed.