Wet rooms have become one of the most requested bathroom upgrades in Kent over the past few years. They offer a sleek, modern look, make the most of small spaces, and add genuine value to your home. But they're also more complex to install than a standard bathroom, which means choosing the right fitter and understanding the process is essential.
This guide covers everything you need to know about wet room installation — from costs and timelines to the technical requirements that make or break a wet room.
What Is a Wet Room?
A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area is open (no tray or enclosure) and the entire floor is designed to drain water safely. The floor is typically laid with a gradient towards a linear or point drain, and the walls and floor are sealed with a waterproof membrane (known as tanking) before tiling.
Unlike a walk-in shower with a low tray, a true wet room has a completely flush floor — which gives it that seamless, spa-like appearance.
How Much Does a Wet Room Cost?
Wet room installations in Kent typically cost between £8,000 and £15,000+, depending on the size of the room, the quality of finishes, and whether structural work is needed. Here's a rough breakdown:
- Tanking and waterproofing: £800-£1,500
- Drainage (linear drain + gradient formation): £600-£1,200
- Tiling (walls and floor): £1,500-£3,000
- Plumbing (shower valve, pipework): £500-£1,000
- Glass screen or partition: £400-£800
- Underfloor heating (optional): £400-£800
- Fixtures and fittings: £500-£2,000+
For a more detailed cost estimate, see our pricing guide or use our instant estimate calculator.
The Installation Process
A wet room installation typically takes 10-14 working days and follows this sequence:
- Strip-out: Remove existing bathroom fixtures, tiles, and flooring down to the subfloor.
- Structural assessment: Check the floor can support the weight and has (or can be given) adequate fall for drainage.
- Drainage installation: Fit the drain and create the gradient in the floor using a former or screed.
- Tanking: Apply the waterproof membrane to the entire floor and shower zone walls. This is the most critical step — any failure here will cause leaks.
- First-fix plumbing: Install pipework for the shower, basin, and toilet.
- Tiling: Tile the floor and walls. Large-format tiles are popular for wet rooms as they minimise grout lines.
- Second-fix plumbing: Install the shower head, valve, basin taps, and toilet.
- Glass screen: Fit the frameless glass screen or partition.
- Finishing: Silicone sealing, final checks, and snagging.
Can Any Bathroom Be Converted to a Wet Room?
Most bathrooms can be converted, but there are a few things to consider:
- Floor type: Concrete floors are ideal. Timber floors can work but may need reinforcing and a plywood overlay to prevent flex (which can crack tanking).
- Drainage position: The drain needs to connect to your existing soil pipe. If the bathroom is far from the soil stack, additional pipework may be needed.
- Room size: Wet rooms work brilliantly in small spaces — they actually make a room feel larger by removing visual barriers. A room as small as 1.5m x 2m can work.
- Downstairs rooms: Ground-floor conversions are often simpler because the concrete subfloor is already suitable.
Wet Room vs Walk-In Shower: What's the Difference?
The main difference is waterproofing. A walk-in shower uses a low-profile tray to contain water, while a wet room has a fully tanked floor with no tray. Wet rooms look more seamless and are easier to clean, but they cost more to install because of the tanking and gradient work required.
If budget is a concern, a walk-in shower with a low tray gives you a similar look at a lower cost. We can advise on the best option during your free site visit.
Popular Wet Room Finishes in 2026
Based on our recent installations across Dartford, Bexleyheath, and Bromley, the most popular wet room finishes include:
- Large-format porcelain tiles (600x1200mm) in stone or concrete effects
- Linear drains along the wall for a clean, minimal look
- Brushed brass or matt black shower fixtures
- Frameless glass screens (typically 800-1000mm wide)
- Electric underfloor heating for comfort
Why Choose GWS for Your Wet Room?
Wet rooms require precision — the tanking, gradient, and drainage must be perfect to prevent leaks. George has installed wet rooms across Kent and understands the technical requirements inside out. Every wet room we install comes with our 6-month workmanship guarantee, and we use premium tanking systems from trusted manufacturers.
View our completed projects or read our customer reviews to see why homeowners trust us. We also offer Klarna Pay in 3 to spread the cost interest-free.
Request a free wet room quote or call George on 07376 641877.