Costs and planning
How much does a wet room cost?
A wet room usually costs more than a standard bathroom, because the whole floor has to be waterproofed and shaped to fall towards a drain. Published UK guides put a typical wet room at roughly £4,000 to £10,000, with averages of around £5,500 to £7,500. This guide explains where that money goes and what makes a wet room cost more or less.
What do published UK figures say?
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| MyBuilder | About £6,500 on average, within a typical range of £4,000 to £10,000 |
| MyJobQuote | Around £5,500 on average for a wet room installation |
| Checkatrade | En-suite wet rooms mostly £5,000 to £10,000, about £7,500 on average |
These are national figures from other organisations, not our prices. We give a fixed-price written quote after a free survey.
Why does a wet room cost more than a bathroom?
- Tanking: the floor and lower walls are waterproofed with a membrane before any tiles go down.
- Floor fall: the floor is shaped to a gentle slope so water runs to the drain.
- Drainage: a linear or centre drain needs space under the floor and the right fall.
- Upper floors: timber floors need a rigid deck, and joists may need checking or strengthening.
- Time: tanking and screeds need time to cure, so wet rooms take longer than a standard refit.
What makes a wet room cost less?
A ground-floor room, a simple layout that keeps the drain near the soil stack, wall panels instead of tiles on the upper walls, and standard tiles rather than large-format porcelain all keep the cost down. A walk-in shower with a low tray can also give a similar look for less: see our walk-in shower vs wet room guide.
Can you get help with the cost?
If a wet room is needed because of a disability, your council may help through the Scheme of Assistance after an occupational therapist assessment. Read our bathroom adaptation grants guide, and see our wet room installation service.
Sources
- MyBuilder: Cost of a wet room
- MyJobQuote: How much does a wet room cost?
- Checkatrade: En-suite bathroom installation cost
Figures from other organisations are theirs, not our prices. Check each source for the latest version.
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Is a wet room more expensive than a normal bathroom?
Usually, yes. A wet room needs the floor waterproofed and shaped to fall to a drain, and timber floors often need a rigid deck first. Those steps take materials and time that a standard bathroom with a bath or shower tray does not need. National cost guides typically put wet rooms in the £4,000 to £10,000 range, depending on the room and the finish.
Is a wet room cheaper than a walk-in shower?
Usually not. A walk-in shower uses a low-profile tray that sits on the existing floor, so there is much less floor work. A wet room removes the step completely, which matters for wheelchair users and step-free access, but the waterproofing and floor work cost more. If you do not need fully level access, a walk-in shower is normally the cheaper option. We give a fixed-price quote for either.
Does a wet room add value to a house?
It depends on the home and the buyer. A well-built wet room can appeal to buyers who need level access, but some family buyers prefer a bathroom with a bath. If you are replacing your only bath, consider keeping a bath elsewhere in the house. A local estate agent can tell you what buyers in your area expect. It is worth asking before you decide.
Can I get a grant for a wet room in Scotland?
If the wet room is needed because of a disability, you may qualify for help through your council's Scheme of Assistance after an occupational therapist assessment. Councils must give at least 80% of the eligible cost for essential adaptations, and 100% to people on certain benefits. Contact your council's occupational therapy service to start. Wait for the council's approval before any work starts.