When designing an accessible bathroom, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between a level access shower tray and a wet room. At Aquadapt, we understand that making the right choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and property constraints. This guide will help you understand the key differences between these two excellent accessible showering options.
Jump straight to…
Understanding the Basics
What is a Level Access Shower Tray?
A level access shower tray is a specially designed shower base that sits flush with your bathroom floor, creating a seamless, step-free entry. The tray itself is recessed into the floor structure, eliminating any trip hazards while providing a dedicated area for water containment. Typically, these shower areas include screens or doors to help manage water spray.
What is a Wet Room?
A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area integrates completely with the rest of the room. The entire floor is subtly sloped toward a drain, eliminating the need for a traditional shower tray. Wet rooms can be completely open or partially screened, offering maximum accessibility and a contemporary aesthetic.
Cost Considerations
While wet rooms were traditionally more expensive than level access trays, advancements in materials and installation techniques means that today, both options represent similar investments, with costs varying based on:
- Size of the area
- Choice of materials (tiles, vinyl, etc.)
- Existing bathroom configuration
- Additional features (screens, seating, etc.)
This comparable pricing means your decision can focus more on functionality and aesthetics rather than budget constraints.
Advantages of Wet Rooms
Enhanced Aesthetics
Wet rooms offer a sleek, minimalist appearance that many find visually appealing. The absence of a visible tray creates a seamless look, as the former (the structure that creates the gradient for water drainage) sits hidden beneath your chosen flooring. This integrated design contributes to a more spacious feel and contemporary aesthetic.
Truly Open Space
Without the defined boundaries of a shower tray, wet rooms provide an uninterrupted floor space that maximises accessibility. This open design is particularly beneficial for wheelchair users or those who require caregiver assistance, as it eliminates any defined barriers between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom.
Flooring Flexibility
Wet rooms can be finished with either:
- Tiled floors: Offering endless design possibilities with various colours, patterns, and textures.
- Special vinyl flooring: Heat-sealed around edges and corners, extending up the walls to create a waterproof environment.
This versatility allows you to create a look that complements your overall bathroom design while maintaining full functionality.
Zero Threshold
The completely flat floor of a wet room provides the ultimate in accessibility, with absolutely no lips or edges to navigate. This feature makes wet rooms the gold standard for universal design and ongoing independence considerations.
Advantages of Level Access Shower Trays
Superior Water Containment
The defined area of a level access shower tray keeps water exactly where it belongs. The tray’s subtle edges and dedicated drainage system minimise the risk of it spreading throughout your bathroom, reducing potential slip hazards and water damage concerns.
Easy Installation of Fixtures
The clearly defined shower area makes it straightforward to add fixed screens, grab bars, or other accessibility fixtures. These additions can be securely attached around the tray’s edges, providing stability without requiring extensive bathroom modifications.
Simplified Waterproofing
Unlike wet rooms, which require full room waterproofing, level access trays only need sealing around the immediate shower area. This means there’s no need for extensive vinyl application up walls, simplifying both installation and future maintenance.
Long-Term Reliability
Level access shower trays typically provide more durable waterproofing solutions compared to wet rooms. Without heat-sealed vinyl that might deteriorate over time, these systems generally offer more reliable long-term performance and peace of mind.
Less Disruption During Installation
One significant practical advantage of level access shower trays is the ability to install them with minimal disruption to the rest of your bathroom. They can often replace an existing bath or shower enclosure without requiring a complete bathroom renovation, saving time, money, and inconvenience during installation.
Making Your Decision
When choosing between these options, several key factors should guide your decision-making process.
Property considerations play a crucial role in determining which solution is most suitable for your home. The construction and height limitations of your floor will influence installation possibilities, while your existing plumbing configuration may favour one option over the other. The overall size of your bathroom will also impact how each solution integrates with your space and affects the room’s functionality.
Personal needs are equally important in making the right choice. Consider the level of mobility assistance you currently require, as well as any anticipated future needs. Think about whether you prefer the enclosed feeling of a defined shower area or the open, barrier-free experience of a wet room. Planning for long-term accessibility needs ensures your investment will continue to serve you well as circumstances change.
Practical considerations shouldn’t be overlooked when making your final decision. If water splashing and containment are concerns, this may influence your choice. Consider your preferred installation timeline and how much disruption you can accommodate during the renovation process. Finally, think about your maintenance preferences and which solution aligns better with your lifestyle and upkeep capabilities.
The Aquadapt Approach
At Aquadapt, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for accessible bathrooms. Our experienced team works closely with healthcare professionals and clients to assess individual needs and property requirements before recommending either a level access shower tray or wet room installation.
Our highly experienced team offer comprehensive consultations to evaluate the bathroom layout, discuss all mobility needs, present clear layout options, provide transparent pricing, and create custom solutions that blend accessibility with contemporary design.
Conclusion
Both level access shower trays and wet rooms provide excellent accessible showering solutions with similar cost implications. Wet rooms offer aesthetic advantages and completely barrier-free design, while level access shower trays provide practical benefits including better water containment, easier installation, and minimal disruption to your existing bathroom.
The best choice depends on your specific circumstances, preferences, and property constraints. Whether you prioritise the elegant, integrated look of a wet room or the practical functionality of a level access shower tray, Aquadapt can help you create an accessible bathroom solution that enhances your independence, dignity and quality of life.
Contact our team today to discuss which option might be best suited to your unique needs and to schedule your personalised consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much more expensive is a wet room compared to a level access shower tray?
Contrary to popular belief, wet rooms and level access shower trays now represent similar investments. While wet rooms were traditionally more expensive, advances in materials and installation techniques have levelled things up. The final cost for either option will depend on factors such as the size of your area, choice of materials like tiles or vinyl, your existing bathroom configuration, and any additional features you choose to include. This means you can base your decision on functionality and aesthetics rather than being limited by budget constraints.
- Which option is better for wheelchair accessibility?
Both options provide excellent wheelchair accessibility, but they offer different advantages. Wet rooms provide the ultimate in barrier-free design with completely flat floors and no defined boundaries, making manoeuvring easier and providing more space for caregivers to assist. Level access shower trays, while still offering step-free entry, have subtle edges that help contain water within the shower area. The best choice depends on your specific mobility needs and whether you prioritise maximum open space or prefer a more defined shower area.
- Will a wet room cause water to spread throughout my entire bathroom?
Wet rooms are specifically designed to prevent this issue. The entire floor is subtly sloped toward a central drain, directing water flow exactly where it needs to go. Additionally, wet rooms can include partial screening to help manage water spray while maintaining accessibility. The key is proper installation with correct gradients and waterproofing. However, if water containment is a primary concern, a level access shower tray might provide additional peace of mind with its defined boundaries and dedicated drainage system.
- Can I install either option without completely renovating my bathroom?
Level access shower trays typically offer more flexibility in this regard. They can often replace an existing bath or shower enclosure without requiring a complete bathroom renovation, making installation less disruptive and more cost-effective. Wet rooms, on the other hand, require full room waterproofing and proper floor grading, which usually means more extensive renovation work. If minimising disruption is important to you, a level access shower tray might be the more practical choice.
- Which option is easier to clean and maintain?
Both options have their maintenance advantages. Wet rooms offer seamless surfaces with fewer joints and edges, which can make cleaning easier in some ways. However, the entire room requires attention during cleaning. Level access shower trays contain water and dirt within a defined area, making cleanup more focused and potentially quicker. The choice often comes down to personal preference and your cleaning routine. Consider which approach fits better with your lifestyle and physical capabilities.
- Can I add grab bars and other accessibility features to either option?
Yes, both options accommodate accessibility features, though they differ in installation approach. Level access shower trays make it straightforward to add fixed screens, grab bars, and other fixtures around the clearly defined tray edges, providing secure attachment points without extensive modifications. Wet rooms can also accommodate these features, but installation may require more planning since grab bars need to be positioned considering the open layout and may require additional reinforcement in walls. Both solutions can be customised with seating, handheld shower heads, and other accessibility enhancements.
