If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to install a wet room or a walk-in shower. Both are popular choices among Kent homeowners in 2025, offering a modern, accessible, and luxurious feel. But which one is better suited to your space, budget, and lifestyle?
As an experienced bathroom installer in Kent, we’ve fitted both styles in homes across Maidstone, Staplehurst, Tunbridge Wells and beyond. In this guide, we’ll compare wet rooms vs walk-in showers, explain the key differences, and help you decide which is right for your home.
What Is the Difference Between a Wet Room and a Walk-In Shower?
| Feature | Wet Room | Walk-In Shower |
|---|---|---|
| Floor Type | Fully waterproofed floor (tanked) with built-in gradient | Low-profile or flush shower tray |
| Screening | Often open-plan, sometimes with minimal glass panels | Usually enclosed on one or two sides with glass |
| Drainage | Floor-integrated drain | Tray-based waste |
| Level of Containment | Water can splash across the full room | Water is mostly contained within tray area |
Benefits of a Wet Room
Wet rooms are fully waterproofed spaces where the entire room acts as the shower enclosure. They are especially popular in modern renovations and mobility-friendly bathrooms.
Key Advantages:
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✅ Sleek, open-plan appearance — Ideal for luxury or hotel-style bathrooms
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✅ Perfect for small spaces — Removing shower enclosures creates more room
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✅ Easier to clean — Fewer screens, seals and frames
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✅ Highly accessible — Zero-step entry makes it suitable for all ages
In our recent Staplehurst project, we designed a full wet room with blue onyx tiles, a level-access tray, and a brushed brass pivot door — a perfect example of how wet rooms can merge functionality and elegance.
Benefits of a Walk-In Shower
A walk-in shower features a low-profile or flush shower tray paired with one or more frameless glass panels to contain water. It offers a more defined showering zone without fully committing to a wet room layout.
Key Advantages:
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✅ More controlled water flow — Less splashing across the bathroom floor
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✅ Quicker and more cost-effective to install than a full wet room
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✅ Available in various tray sizes to suit awkward or narrow spaces
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✅ Stylish without being too open-plan
Many homeowners choose walk-in showers when they want a modern look without waterproofing the entire floor area. In our Maidstone ensuite renovation, we installed an Emmi Wetroom 8mm glass panel with a 1700×800 anti-slip tray, creating a safe and spacious showering zone.
Cost Comparison: Wet Room vs Walk-In Shower
| Installation Type | Typical Cost Range (Supply & Fit in Kent) |
|---|---|
| Walk-In Shower | £3,500 – £6,500 depending on size & fixtures |
| Wet Room | £5,000 – £10,000+ depending on tanking, tiling & layout |
A wet room is more intensive to install, as it requires full tanking (waterproofing), floor levelling and drainage adjustments. A walk-in shower usually uses your existing plumbing routes, making it faster and more budget-friendly.
Which Is Best for Small Bathrooms?
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Wet rooms can make compact bathrooms feel bigger, especially if you eliminate enclosures entirely.
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Walk-in showers provide better water control in small spaces where splashing could be an issue.
If your bathroom is under 2m x 2m, a wet room with a single glass screen is often the most effective layout.
Which Offers Better Accessibility?
Both are excellent options for mobility and future-proofing — but:
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Wet rooms offer true level-access and are fully open
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Walk-in showers with flush trays are nearly as accessible and easier to install
For households with multi-generational use, a walk-in shower with grab rails and overhead & handheld shower combo is often the best middle ground.
Style & Customisation Options
| Style Element | Wet Room | Walk-In Shower |
|---|---|---|
| Brushed Brass Fixtures | Stunning in open layouts | Pairs perfectly with framed screens |
| Built-In Niches | Ideal for tile-in storage | Works within enclosure wall |
| Contrasting Tiles | Full-room effect | Feature wall focal point |
| Dual Shower Systems | Rainfall + handheld looks premium | Enclosed feel enhances steam effect |
At Easy Installations, we regularly combine brushed brass thermostatic showers, tiled niches, and LED mirrors in both configurations — the difference is in how contained or open you want the space to feel.
So — Which Should You Choose?
| Choose a Wet Room If You Want: | Choose a Walk-In Shower If You Prefer: |
|---|---|
| A luxury, open-plan hotel feel | A defined shower zone |
| Zero-step access | Minimal splashing |
| Full floor tiling & waterproofing | Lower cost and quicker installation |
| A long-term mobility-friendly bathroom | A modern update without reconfiguring everything |
Need Help Deciding? We Can Design Both.
Whether you’re leaning towards a full wet room conversion or a stylish walk-in shower installation in Kent, our team at Easy Installations can help you plan, supply, and fit the perfect solution for your home.
✅ Design, supply & installation handled in-house
✅ Plumbing, tiling, electrical & finishing included
✅ Over 15 years of local bathroom expertise
Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
Request a free design consultation via our contact form, and we’ll help you choose the best layout, fixtures, and finishes for your space.