“Affordable Stylish Luxury”
What is a Wetroom?
A wetroom is a totally waterproofed or tanked bathroom with a shower area at the same level as the rest of the floor. The water drains away through a flush drain within the shower area. A truly open plan wetroom removes the need for an enclosure although many people prefer to install a glass screen to prevent water splashing outside the shower area. As the floor of showering area is completely level with the rest of the room, they are ideal for people with mobility issues who are able to move effortlessely in and out of the showering area. A wetroom is a great way of utlising space effectively and can be installed on the ground and upper floors of your home, on both timber and concrete substrates. It requires less cleaning and mainteance than a usual bathroom thanks to the greater area reached by the shower water, and this makes a wetroom also a more hygenic option suitable for all the family.
What are The Benefits Of a Wetroom
- Stylish
- Adds value to your home
- Maintenance and cleaning easier
- Easy Access for all ages and abilities
- Greater design flexibility
- Maximise your space
- Subject to floor and drainage assessment
- Affordable luxury
- Carefully planned waterproofing
Why Choose Us?
We pride ourselves on a reputation of excelence and on completion of your project you can rest assured your bathroom expectations will be surpassed and you will be able to enjoy your new bathroom for many years to come. We give a written warranty as standard on all our bathrooms and your recomendation is of the utmost importance to us a it helps us grow our business.
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Wetroom Installation in Dublin
A wetroom can look simple once it is finished, but a lot depends on what has been done underneath the tiles. Floor preparation, drainage, waterproofing and the position of the shower area all play a part in how well the room works day to day.
These details are particularly important when an existing bathroom is being converted rather than built from scratch. Older homes around Dublin can have uneven floors, awkward pipe positions or layouts that were never designed with an open shower area in mind.
Getting those practical points right at the beginning usually leads to a better finished bathroom and fewer compromises later.
Waterproofing Beneath the Finished Surface
Tiles and grout deal with everyday water well, but they should not be relied upon as the only waterproof barrier in a wetroom.
The shower area normally needs a proper tanking or waterproofing system beneath the finished surface. Particular attention should be paid around the drain, pipe penetrations, corners and wall-to-floor junctions.
This is even more important in upstairs bathrooms where the room below could be affected by a leak.
Good waterproofing is not something you really notice once the bathroom is complete. That is actually the point. It sits behind the finished surfaces doing its job quietly for years.
Getting the Wetroom Floor and Drainage Right
One of the most important parts of any wetroom is the fall of the floor towards the drain.
The floor may appear almost level, but there needs to be enough gradient for water to move naturally towards the waste instead of collecting around the shower area.
The position of the drain also matters.
A linear drain can create a clean, contemporary appearance and often works well with larger tiles. A central or point drain may suit other layouts better.
There is no reason to force one style into every bathroom. The best option depends on the existing floor, the dimensions of the shower area and the overall design.
Converting an Existing Bathroom Into a Wetroom
Many standard bathrooms can be converted into wetrooms without increasing the size of the room.
Removing a bath or enclosed shower can free up a surprising amount of usable space. The main question is what can be achieved with the existing floor and drainage.
Sometimes the existing bathroom layout works well and only minor alterations are required. In other cases, moving a toilet, basin or shower position can make the whole room easier to use.
This is particularly common in older Dublin houses where bathrooms may have been altered several times over the years.
A sensible layout matters more than trying to fit every possible feature into the room.
Wetrooms for Smaller Dublin Bathrooms
Small bathrooms can often benefit most from an open shower layout.
Traditional shower enclosures create physical and visual barriers. Removing some of those barriers can make a compact bathroom feel less boxed in, even though the actual dimensions have not changed.
A few details can make a big difference in a smaller wetroom:
Clear glass rather than heavily framed screens
Wall-hung vanity units
Recessed shelving
Simple tile layouts
Compact sanitaryware
Good lighting
Careful positioning of the shower controls
The aim should be to keep the floor area easy to move around while still leaving enough storage for normal daily use.
Wetroom Ideas for Ensuites
Ensuites are another area where a wetroom-style layout can work particularly well.
Space is usually tighter than in the main family bathroom, so replacing a bulky enclosure with a fixed glass panel can make the room feel noticeably more open.
Splash control needs more thought in a small ensuite because the toilet and basin are often close to the shower area.
Ventilation is important too. An ensuite opens directly into a bedroom, so moisture needs to be removed effectively rather than allowed to linger after each shower.
A well-planned ensuite wetroom should feel compact but not cramped.
Accessible Wetroom Features
One reason homeowners consider a wetroom is the easier access it can provide.
Removing a raised shower tray means there is less of a step when entering the shower. Depending on who will use the bathroom, other features can also be incorporated into the design.
These might include:
Grab rails
Shower seating
Wider shower areas
Easy-reach controls
Slip-resistant flooring
Additional lighting
More open space around bathroom fittings
An accessible wetroom does not need to look institutional.
Modern fittings, good tiles and discreet support features can create a bathroom that looks contemporary while being much easier to use.
Choosing Suitable Wetroom Tiles
Tile choice is not only about colour or style.
The shower floor needs to work with the gradient leading towards the drain, and the surface should provide suitable grip when wet.
Very large tiles can look impressive across the walls and main floor, but smaller tiles are sometimes more practical within the shower area because they can follow changes in floor level more easily.
Texture also deserves some thought. Extremely smooth surfaces may look attractive in a showroom but are not always the best choice for a floor that will regularly be wet.
The tile layout, grout colour and drain position should ideally be considered together rather than treated as separate decisions.
Ventilation Matters More in an Open Shower Room
A wetroom produces the same steam as any other shower room, but because the shower area is open, moisture can spread more freely around the space.
Good ventilation helps reduce condensation on mirrors, ceilings and painted surfaces.
An effective extractor fan is particularly valuable in bathrooms without large opening windows.
Ventilation should be treated as part of the renovation rather than an afterthought. It helps protect the finished bathroom and makes the room more comfortable to use.
Underfloor Heating in a Wetroom
Underfloor heating is a popular addition to wetroom renovations, particularly where a tiled floor would otherwise feel cold.
There is also a practical benefit.
A warmer floor can help surface moisture dry more quickly after the shower has been used.
It will not replace correct drainage or ventilation, but it can make the room more comfortable and help reduce the amount of water left sitting on tiled surfaces.
Suitability depends on the floor construction and the heating system being considered.
What Can Affect the Cost of a Wetroom Renovation?
Two wetrooms of the same size can have very different renovation costs.
A bathroom with suitable drainage and a sound floor may require much less preparation than an older room where the floor needs rebuilding or pipes need to be repositioned.
Some of the main factors include:
Existing floor condition
Drainage changes
Plumbing alterations
Amount of waterproofing required
Tile choice
Shower fittings
Glass screens
Vanity units
Electrical work
Ventilation
Underfloor heating
Accessibility features
It is usually more useful to price the actual bathroom than to rely on a generic wetroom price.
Wetroom Renovations Across Dublin
Wetroom projects vary a lot depending on the type of property.
A compact bathroom in Palmerstown may need a very different approach from an ensuite in Blackrock or a larger family bathroom in Lucan.
Luxe Bathrooms works on wetroom renovations across Dublin, including South Dublin, West Dublin, North Dublin and surrounding areas.
Projects are carried out in areas such as Tallaght, Clondalkin, Rathfarnham, Dundrum, Stillorgan, Donnybrook, Ranelagh, Blanchardstown, Swords, Blackrock, Lucan and Palmerstown.
Wetroom Renovation FAQs
Can a Wetroom Be Installed Upstairs?Yes. Wetrooms can be installed upstairs in many homes. The floor structure, drainage and waterproofing need to be suitable, and timber floors may require additional preparation before installation.
Do Wetrooms Need to Be Fully Waterproofed?The main wet areas need a proper waterproofing system beneath the finished tiles. The exact extent of waterproofing depends on the bathroom layout and construction.
Can I Remove My Bath and Replace It With a Wetroom?In many cases, yes. Removing a bath can create enough room for a generous walk-in shower area. The drainage position and available floor space should be checked first.
Do I Need a Shower Screen in a Wetroom?Not always. Larger rooms may work without one. In smaller bathrooms, a fixed glass screen can help reduce splashing while keeping the shower area open.
Are Wetrooms Suitable for Small Bathrooms?Yes. They can actually make smaller bathrooms feel more spacious because there are fewer bulky frames, trays and enclosure doors.
Can Underfloor Heating Be Installed in a Wetroom?Often, yes. It depends on the floor construction and the type of heating system being used.
Are Wetrooms Hard to Maintain?Generally, no. Their open design can make cleaning easier because there are fewer shower enclosure tracks and frames. The tiles, grout, drain and glass still require normal cleaning.
How Long Does a Wetroom Renovation Take?The timeframe depends on how much work is required beneath the finished surfaces. Drainage alterations, floor preparation, plumbing changes and waterproofing can all affect the schedule.
Can an Ensuite Be Converted Into a Wetroom?Yes, many ensuites are suitable. The shower position, splash zone, ventilation and available floor area need to be planned carefully.
What Is the Most Important Part of a Wetroom Installation?Waterproofing and drainage are two of the biggest priorities. The finished tiles and fittings are important visually, but the preparation beneath them determines how reliably the wetroom performs over time.
Planning a Wetroom Renovation?
If you are considering a new wetroom in Dublin, the best place to begin is with the room you already have. A few sensible decisions about drainage, layout and waterproofing at the beginning can make a much bigger difference than adding expensive fittings later.
Speak with Luxe Bathrooms about your bathroom and we can help you work out what is practical for the space.
Call +353 1 558 5176 or request a quote to discuss your wetroom renovation.
