A wet room is a modern bathroom design where the whole floor is flat and waterproof. Its modern design completely offers open shower area without barriers like shower trays or enclosures. The floor in a wet room is smooth and flat throughout. It has a gentle slope that guides water to the drain. This clever design makes your bathroom feel bigger. It looks clean and simple just like a fancy spa. Your regular bathroom becomes a relaxing getaway spot. No steps, no barriers just a beautiful open space that feels special every time you use it.
Benefits of Installing a Wet Room on Concrete Floor
Key features of a wet room include:
- Complete waterproofing (tanking) of walls and floor
- A gradual floor slope leading to a drain
- Often a single glass panel or partial wall to contain spray
- Fully tiled surfaces throughout
- Barrier-free design making it highly accessible
- Easy cleaning and maintenance due to fewer corners and joints
Required Tools and Materials
- Core drilling equipment for drainage installation
- Angle grinder with diamond blade
- Spirit level and laser level
- Trowels (notched and smooth)
- Measuring tape and marking pencils
- Mixing bucket and paddle mixer
- Utility knife
- Rubber roller
Materials Required:
- Tanking membrane or liquid waterproofing system
- Primer
- Screed material
- Drainage system with trap
- Waterproof tape for joints and corners
- Tiles and tile adhesive
- Grout
- Silicone sealant
Step-by-Step Installation Process
1. Preparation and Planning
Before installing a wet room on a concrete floor, you need to prepare and plan.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Assess the concrete surface check for any cracks, damage, or unevenness that needs repair
- Plan the drainage location and calculate the required floor slope
- Ensure proper ventilation is available or can be installed
- Check local building regulations regarding wet room installations
- Mark out the shower area and drainage points
2. Installing the Drainage System
Proper drainage installation is important for a successful wet room:
- Core drill through the concrete floor at the marked drainage point
- Install the drain body and connect it to the waste pipe
- Ensure the drain is level and properly sealed
- Test the drainage system for any leaks before proceeding
3. Creating the fall
The downslope ensures water flows toward the drain:
- Mix and apply a latex-modified screed around the drain
- Create a gradient of approximately 1:80 to 1:100 toward the drain
- Use a spirit level to ensure the correct fall angle
- Allow the screed to cure completely (usually 24-48 hours)
4. Waterproofing the Room
This important step prevents water damage:
- Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely
- Apply primer to all surfaces requiring waterproofing
- Install tanking membrane or apply liquid waterproofing system
- Pay special attention to corners, joints, and pipe penetrations
- Use waterproof tape for additional protection at corners and joints
- Allow proper curing time according to manufacturer specifications
5. Tiling the Wet Room
Once waterproofing is complete and fully cured then follows below steps for Tiling the Wet Room:
- Plan your tile layout carefully, considering cuts and waste
- Start tiling from the centre of the room, working outward
- Use appropriate adhesive suitable for wet areas
- Maintain consistent gaps between tiles for grouting
- Cut tiles precisely around the drain and other fixtures
- Allow adhesive to cure fully before grouting
6. Finishing Touches
Complete the installation with:
- Grouting all tile joints with water-resistant grout
- Sealing corners and joints with silicone sealant
- Installing shower fixtures and accessories
- Final testing of drainage and waterproofing
Safety Considerations
When installing a wet room on concrete floor, prioritize safety:
- Proper ventilation during installation
- Use of appropriate safety equipment
- Careful handling of tools and materials
- Regular testing of electrical safety
- Compliance with building codes
Conclusion
How to install wet room on concrete floor? This question requires attention to detail and careful execution of each step. It is a complex project that's result can be a beautiful, functional, and valuable addition to your home. Choosing DIY installation or professional services is ensuring the proper waterproofing and drainage is crucial for long-term success.