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With more people choosing open-plan bathrooms, one of the big decisions is choosing which type of shower to go for - a wet room or a walk-in shower tray? We speak to customers about this every day in our bathroom showrooms, so our design team knows exactly what to consider before making the call!
What is the Difference Between a Wet Room vs a Shower Tray?
A wet room is a type of shower space where the floor is fully tiled and waterproofed, and the water drains directly through a built-in outlet in the floor. There’s no raised tray or step, and the shower is often open, though some people choose a glass screen to keep the water in one area.
A shower tray, on the other hand, is part of a more traditional setup. The tray sits on or just above the floor and helps collect and direct water towards the drain. It usually comes with a glass shower enclosure, which keeps the water in a defined space and separates it from the rest of the room.
So, while both options can offer a walk-in shower look, they’re built differently and come with their own practical pros and cons.
| Wet Room | Shower Tray |
| Fully tiled floor, often open-plan | Defined shower space with tray & screen |
| Built-in floor drain, requires sloping | Water drains through outlet in the tray |
| Complex install, with full waterproofing | Easier to install, especially upstairs |
| Step-free, ideal for mobility needs | Usually low-profile, but has a slight step |
| Usually more expensive to install | More budget-friendly |
| More tiling and joints to clean | Easy to clean, especially with framed glass |
Wet Room Pros and Cons
Pros:
Wet rooms are easy to access.
There’s no step or tray to get over, which makes them ideal for people with limited mobility or for anyone planning ahead for the future.
They look modern.
With fully tiled floors and open layouts, wet rooms feel spacious and up to date. A simple glass screen can help keep things tidy without spoiling the style.
They're great for small or awkward spaces.
Because you’re not restricted by tray size or enclosure shape, wet rooms can make the most of tight or tricky layouts.
There’s less daily cleaning to do.
No bulky frames or trays means fewer awkward corners to scrub. You’ll still need to keep on top of grout lines and tiled surfaces, but everyday cleaning is fairly quick.
Cons:
They cost more to install.
Wet rooms need specialist fitting, including waterproofing and floor sloping, which makes them more expensive than a standard shower.
Leaks can be more serious.
If something goes wrong with the waterproof layer, water can seep under tiles or into nearby rooms - especially if the bathroom is upstairs.
The space can feel damp without good ventilation.
With no full enclosure, water and steam can spread more easily, which might leave mirrors foggy or floors wet.
Grout and tiles need regular care.
Because more surfaces are tiled, you’ll have more grout lines to keep clean and mould-free over time.
Shower Tray Pros and Cons
Pros:
Shower trays are easier and quicker to install. Most setups don’t need full-floor waterproofing or specialist drainage, which keeps things simpler - especially for upstairs bathrooms.
They help contain water. The tray, along with an enclosure or screen, keeps splashes in one place and helps the rest of the room stay dry.
They’re often more affordable. Compared to the cost of building a full wet room, a tray-based shower is usually the cheaper option.
Cleaning is more straightforward. A smooth tray surface is easier to wipe down, and there’s less tile and grout to worry about.
Cons:
They aren’t completely level-access. Even low-profile trays have a small step, which might not suit someone with mobility needs or accessibility requirements.
They can feel more boxed in. The defined tray and enclosure create a more closed-off space, which might make a small bathroom feel tighter.
There’s less flexibility in layout. Shower trays come in set sizes and shapes, so if you have an awkward layout, you may be more limited.
Style options can be more limited. While there are sleek tray designs available, they don’t offer quite the same open, minimal look as a tiled wet room.
Cost of a Wet Room vs Shower Tray
It’s hard to pin down an exact cost for wet rooms or shower trays, because it really depends on the materials you choose. Tiles, screens, and fittings are all priced separately, and you can go as high-end or budget-friendly as you like.
That said, one thing to bear in mind is installation costs. Wet rooms are considerably more expensive to install than walk-in shower trays.
- In Northern Ireland, labour costs to install a wet room can be upwards of £3,000.
- For a shower tray and enclosure, installation usually starts from around £1,500.
Why Do Wet Rooms Cost More to Install?
Wet rooms need a lot more behind-the-scenes work. The floor has to be carefully sloped so that water drains properly. The whole shower area must be tanked (fully waterproofed), and the tiling needs to be sealed correctly to avoid any leaks.
It’s not something we recommend trying to DIY, as it can cost far more to fix than the initial installation would’ve done!
If you need a reliable installer, we’re happy to recommend someone we trust.
Common Customer Questions
Do walk-in shower trays wet the floor?
They can, especially if the space is open and the screen isn’t wide enough. A fixed glass panel usually helps contain splashes, but it’s normal for some water to reach outside the tray, especially if the shower head is powerful.
How is water kept within a doorless shower?
Most doorless showers use a fixed glass screen to keep water in one area. The shower head is also often positioned to spray away from the open side. In wet rooms, the floor is fully waterproofed to handle splashes outside the main shower zone.
How much space do you need for a wet room vs a walk-in shower?
You don’t need a huge bathroom for either, but layout matters. Wet rooms can work well in small or awkward spaces because there’s no tray to fit in. Walk-in showers need enough room for the tray and at least a partial screen to contain water. As a rough guide, aim for at least 1.5m x 1m of open floor space for either setup to work comfortably.
Can you have a wet room upstairs?
Yes, but the waterproofing and drainage need to be done properly. We always recommend using a professional installer for upstairs wet rooms to avoid leaks or long-term damage.
Are shower trays outdated?
Not at all! Modern trays are slim, stylish, and still very popular, especially in busy family bathrooms or for quicker renovations.
Are wet rooms harder to clean?
Wet rooms can be more difficult to clean, depending on your tiles and grout. You’ll likely spend more time maintaining grout lines, so we always make customers aware of that when making their tile choice. Going with a large format tile means less grout lines to clean.
Wet Room vs Shower Tray - Which is Better?
Both wet rooms and shower trays have their advantages, but the best choice depends on your space, lifestyle, and how the room will be used.
We usually recommend shower trays for family bathrooms or homes where easy maintenance matters. Wet rooms are better suited to en-suites, modern renovations, or when accessibility is a priority.
Hopefully this has helped you come closer to making a choice for your bathroom. And if you’re ready to start your shower room renovation, we’d be happy to help!