Wet Rooms vs Disabled Bathrooms – what is the difference?

Wet rooms and disabled bathrooms serve different purposes but can overlap in functionality. When choosing between the two options, it’s essential to consider various factors, including restroom space and personal requirements. Wet rooms, with their open concept, are particularly suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with limited mobility. In this article we will be looking at the comparisons.

Wet Rooms

Definition: Wet rooms are fully waterproofed bathrooms where the entire space acts as a shower area, typically featuring a level-access floor and a drain in the centre.

Adaptability: Highly adaptable spaces suitable for various users, including those with disabilities or mobility challenges.

Space Utilisation: Efficient space utilisation, making them ideal for small bathrooms or areas where maximising space is crucial.

Accessible wet rooms

Disabled Bathrooms

Definition: Bathrooms specifically designed to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities, featuring accessibility aids such as grab bars, handrails, and accessible fixtures. Here are some commonly sought after bathroom accessories.

Accessibility Features: Focus on accessibility features to accommodate wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility.

Safety: Emphasis on safety measures such as anti-slip flooring and easy-to-use fixtures to prevent accidents.

Accessible bath with door bathroom design ideas

What is a wet room?

An accessible wet room is a bathroom or shower room where the showering area is waterproofed. The shower can have an open design or a walk-in style with a large opening and a shower screen. The crucial aspect is the wet room flooring, which transforms into the shower area through concealed rigid trays underneath. Water falls onto the surface, ensuring level access throughout the room, and drains away through a waste outlet embedded in the floor.

What is a disabled bathroom?

A disabled bathroom, also known as an accessible bathroom, is specifically designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. These bathrooms are equipped with various features and modifications to enhance accessibility and safety. Common features of a disabled bathroom include:

Grab bars: Installed strategically to provide support and stability for users when moving around or transferring to and from the toilet or shower.

Walk-in showers: These showers have level access, eliminating the need to step over a threshold, making it easier for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility to enter and exit safely.

Handheld showerheads: Allows users to control the direction and flow of water easily, catering to individual needs and preferences.

Lowered sinks and countertops: Designed to accommodate wheelchair users or individuals who may have difficulty reaching higher surfaces.

Wider doorways: To facilitate easy access for wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Here to help

Aquaneed has over 20 years’ experience in bathroom adaptions. If you are considering turning your old bathroom into a practical and luxury accessible bathroom, we are here to help and can provide with honest and reliable advice.

We cover all London boroughs, as well as the home counties including Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Kent and Sussex.

You can contact us by phone on 01784 440333 or via our contact page.