Walk-in showers and wet rooms are two of the most popular contemporary bathroom styles, and although they may look similar at a glance, they are built in very different ways. Understanding the distinction helps homeowners plan effectively and allows installers to recommend the most suitable solution for a given space. Both options create open, modern and highly accessible showering environments, but each brings its own advantages and installation considerations.
If you want to compare both styles while reading, you can explore our full selection of walk in showers and wet rooms.
A walk-in shower is, at its core, a showering area built using a low level tray and one or more fixed glass screens. It offers an open entry point without a traditional door, which creates a feeling of space and makes the bathroom easier to move around. This makes walk-in showers ideal for bathrooms where the user wants a modern look without committing to the structural changes required for a full wet room. Because a tray manages the drainage, the rest of the floor does not need to be adapted, so walk-in showers work extremely well for straightforward upgrades and mid budget renovations.
A wet room is different because it removes the concept of a raised tray entirely. Instead, the whole room or a designated showering area is fully waterproofed and the floor is sloped towards a drain. This creates a seamless showering environment where the space has no physical threshold. Wet rooms feel luxurious, spacious and highly contemporary, but they require more intensive preparation. Waterproofing, floor levelling and drainage positioning are fundamental elements of the installation process.
One of the clearest differences between the two systems lies in the type of components used. Walk in showers typically rely on fixed glass panels to define the space. For example, a sleek and minimalist screen like the Genesis Showerwall 1200mm works perfectly in a walk in setup. It creates a barrier to contain splash while still keeping the entry open and accessible. For homeowners who want something with a little more character, the Genesis Deluxe Fluted Glass Flipper Panel adds subtle texture and visual interest without compromising the simplicity that walk-in showers are known for.
In contrast, wet rooms depend on specialised floor systems rather than traditional trays. A product such as the Ascent Square Drain Wetroom Trays provides the base needed to create the correct fall towards the drain, ensuring water flows efficiently without pooling. Once installed, these trays are usually tiled over to create a seamless, continuous surface across the entire shower area. To complete the system, a high quality drain like the Ascent Pure Square Wetroom Drain is fitted to maintain a clean and modern aesthetic while supporting strong water management.
The level of building work required is a defining difference between the two styles. A walk in shower is typically more straightforward to install because it uses a fixed tray. Waterproofing requirements are limited to local areas, and existing plumbing often needs only minimal adjustment. This makes walk-in showers a popular choice in upstairs bathrooms or in homes where time and budget are more restricted.
Wet rooms, on the other hand, require full floor tanking to prevent leaks. This involves sealing the substrate, walls and junctions with the appropriate materials. The floor must be carefully sloped, and the overall structure needs to be capable of supporting the drainage system. These factors mean that wet rooms are best suited to full renovations, ground floor installations or new builds where the work can be planned from the start.
Accessibility is another key consideration. Both walk-in showers and wet rooms are easy to enter because they remove the traditional raised step found on many enclosures. However, wet rooms take this a step further by offering complete level access, which makes them particularly beneficial for people with mobility needs. Walk-in showers are still highly accessible, especially when paired with a low profile tray, but the presence of the tray does introduce a small change in height.
Aesthetic preference also plays a major role in choosing between the two. Walk-in showers retain a defined showering zone, which some homeowners prefer because it helps contain water and maintains a clear layout in the room. Wet rooms create a more open, continuous visual flow by removing transitions between the showering area and the rest of the floor. This can make even small bathrooms feel larger, although it also demands more careful planning to prevent splashing.
Maintenance differs slightly between the two styles. Walk-in showers are generally low maintenance because the tray and screen system contain the water effectively. Wet rooms are also easy to clean once installed, but the quality of the tiling and grouting plays a significant role in preventing long term moisture issues. A well chosen drain and tray system, such as the Ascent products mentioned earlier, can significantly improve durability and ease of upkeep.
The choice between a walk in shower and a wet room ultimately comes down to the homeowner’s priorities. If speed, simplicity and cost effectiveness are the main goals, a walk in shower is usually the best option. It offers modern styling, good accessibility and strong practicality without the need for extensive building work. If the aim is to achieve a fully open, luxurious and barrier free space, then a wet room is likely to be the right choice. It provides unparalleled visual continuity and can transform a bathroom into a high end, spa like environment.
Whether you are planning a full renovation or simply weighing up your options, exploring the full range of walk in showers and wet rooms is the best way to begin shaping your design. Each style offers something unique, and with the right components, you can create a bathroom that is both beautiful and practical for years to come.