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.
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.
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.