How to Create a Wet Room Bathroom: A Step-by-Step Guide by Ferren Bathrooms
Thinking about turning your bathroom into a modern, walk-in wet room? You’re not alone - wet rooms have become one of the most popular choices with our clients. They look sleek, make the most of your space, and are surprisingly easy to maintain when built properly.
At Ferren Bathrooms, we’ve designed and installed a great variety of wet rooms, from compact ensuite makeovers to luxury spa-style bathrooms. If you’re wondering what’s involved, here’s our guide on how to build a wet room bathroom - including tips on tanking, tile-over shower trays, and concealed shower fittings.
Step 1: Start with the Right Design
Before any building starts, spend time planning your layout. A wet room isn’t just a shower - it’s a fully waterproofed space where the shower area blends seamlessly with the rest of the floor.
When planning your design, think about:
Drain placement and falls – water needs to flow naturally towards a drain point.
Underfloor heating – helps dry the floor faster and keeps your feet warm.
Ventilation – a powerful extractor fan prevents steam and condensation.
Glass screens and shower walls – great for keeping splashes under control.
Pro tip: Wet rooms are perfect for small bathrooms because you can remove the need for a bulky shower tray or cublicle, creating an open and airy feel.
Step 2: Tanking – Making It 100% Watertight
Tanking is what makes a wet room truly work. It’s the process of waterproofing the walls and floor so no moisture can escape and cause damage underneath.
At Ferren Bathrooms, we use a tanking system that completely seals:
The floor and corners
Walls and joints around the shower
We use a combination of sheet and liquid applied membrane. Once the tanking is in place, you can rest easy knowing your wet room is totally watertight - even under heavy use.
Step 3: Installing a Tile-Over Shower Tray (Wet Room Former)
Even though the floor in a wet room looks flat, there’s a clever solution hidden beneath - the tile-over shower tray, also known as a wet room former.
This creates a gentle, precise slope under your tiles so water runs smoothly into the integrated and sealed drain. The tray sits straight on top of the floor joists, with plywood fitted in between for support. This clever setup drops the tray down so it’s perfectly flush with the rest of the floor, giving you that smooth, seamless look.
Benefits of a tile-over tray:
Keeps the floor looking seamless
Ensures perfect drainage
Works with most floor substrates, including timber (most common in victorian properties).
Ready to tile straight over
We recommend using a quality pre-formed tray designed for wet room installations. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in long-term performance.
Step 4: Go for Concealed Shower Fittings
One of the most stylish features of any modern wet room is the concealed shower system. These hide all the pipework and valves inside the wall, leaving only the controls, hand held shower and shower head visible.
This not only looks sleek and minimal but also makes cleaning easier. At Ferren Bathrooms, we typically install thermostatic concealed valves, which keep your water temperature consistent and safe.
You can pair them with:
A rainfall shower head for a luxury spa vibe
A handheld shower for practicality and flexibility
It’s the perfect mix of form and function.
Step 5: Tile and Finish Your Wet Room
Now comes the fun part - the finishing touches. Your choice of tiles will set the tone for the whole space.
Popular wet room tile ideas:
Porcelain for durability, range of finishes and low maintenance
Natural stone for timeless look and quality (requires sealing every 6 - 12 months)
Large-format tiles for a cleaner, more spacious look (less grout!)
Add a frameless glass screen, built-in shower niche shelf and you’ve got a stunning wet room that feels open, calm, and luxurious.
Why Choose Ferren Bathrooms?
At Ferren Bathrooms, we specialise in wet room installation across South East London, offering a complete end to end service - from design and supply to expert installation.
Our customers choose us because we deliver:
Expert waterproofing and tiling
Premium, long-lasting materials
Honest, transparent quotes
A stress-free experience from start to finish
Whether you’re updating a compact ensuite or creating a spa-like retreat, we’ll help you design a wet room that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
Ready to Get Started?
Turn your bathroom into a stylish, waterproof sanctuary with Ferren Bathrooms.
Visit www.ferrenbathrooms.co.uk to explore our work, or get in touch today for a free design consultation and quote.
Your dream wet room starts here.
