7 minute read
PRODUCT FEATURE Wetrooms
Sandra Hyde Marketing Manager of Fetim UK
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WETROOM WATCH
The shower industry has adapted to constant change in bathroom size, subsequently, UK manufacturers now offer a wider range of wetroom designs to accommodate almost any size and shape of bathroom. The installation of a wet room has also brought some much needed financial gain, adding greater value to your customers’ home, once fitted. Did you know that turning a cloakroom into a wet room, or adapting eave space to accommodate a new shower area can increase a homes value by up to 4%?
This rise in wetroom popularity has led to the bathroom market becoming saturated with an array of different wetroom systems that all lay claim to being the best for you as an installer and also for your customers. Consequently, make sure you look at the design advantages that each unique system has to offer, how that relates to your customers requirements and budget, if the product offers a manufacturer guarantee, and what level of installation benefit it offers you, i.e. easy fit, safety assured, after-care requirements.
Zuri digital shower by Aqualisa
Sandra Hyde, Marketing Manager of Fetim UK says “Walk in shower enclosures create an expansive environment which allows the clean lines of the bathroom to flow. Reducing splashes and spills, the panels of glass protect the rest of the bathroom and keeps wet areas clearly confined and designated. Taking a pinch of style inspiration from wet rooms and infusing with the practical aspects of an enclosure, walk in showers act as a happy medium.”
Providing a multi-functional area that is on-trend and high in performance, a complete wetroom system can be installed far more quickly than a typical bathroom with sanitaryware suite where additional work, planning, expense and time is inevitable. Highly suitable for compact or awkward bathrooms, full wetroom designs have finally eradicated the need to install a bath. This revelation has also opened up a new world of cutting-edge technology for the bathroom, now enriching your customer’s wetroom experience for the better. Dave May, Technical Product Trainer at Aqualisa comments, “With the trend for userfriendly, tech bathrooms we’re seeing an increasing consumer demand for digital showers. That’s good news for installers as they’re so easy to fit, you can literally install a digital shower in five simple steps! Installation guides are provided on our new website, as well as a mobilefriendly parts store so you can literally order on the go.” The development and better understanding of wetrooms has also led to a greater desire for inclusive design, transforming the way customers are viewing their bathroom as they choose for their current requirements and for later in life. As a result, some premium manufacturers are offering a range of
David Osborne Managing Director of Roman
Decem Expressions Wetroom Panel by Roman
wetrooms specifically tailored to suit all ages and they remain in line with current trends.
“Planning a bathroom that will cater to the elderly or those with physical disabilities by providing easy access and simple manoeuvrability does not need to affect the overall look of the bathroom. Fashionable wet rooms and walk in shower enclosures are the dominant trend across all markets and they are also the best products on the market for allowing easy access” says Sandra Hyde of Fetim UK.
Andrew Crellen, independent bathroom retailer and owner of The Bathroom Shop in Carlisle agrees with Hyde “Design features such as level access and doorless entry are now a common feature of the wetroom, eliminating awkward or laboured entry when showering. Whether a small child or tall adult, young or old, the market now offers easy to install shower solutions that cater to every member of the family: ultimately making mine and your job that little bit easier”. European design is also worth mentioning, strongly influencing the latest wetroom designs coming to market: who says a wetroom needs to be all-glass with the standard white, acrylic shower tray? Instead, new materials such as wood, marble and natural stone are being introduced and rivalling the more common wetroom designs. Bill Garvey, Managing Director of William Garvey, shares his opinion on innovative wetroom design “Teak is the perfect choice of wood for wetroom application, shower trays, or anywhere that a tile covering is required in the bathroom. We offer a range of teak tiles that are waterproof and rot proof and this is achieved by using a teak veneer fused to a plastic backing which means there is no movement, shrinkage
Bill Garvey, Managing Director of William Garvey
Roper Rhodes Henley Single Function Exposed Shower System from The Bathroom Shop
or expansion to the tiles. Interlocking tongue and groove joints mean that you can install the tiles exceptionally quick and easy, and you can avoid the need for any unnecessary grouting: evading any ugly discolouration to the wood over time.”
Sandra Hyde agrees with Bill “Natural materials such as stone, wood, metal and glass have been dominating modern interior design trends in 2015 and predicted to be prevalent throughout 2016 too. At our head office in Holland, the Fetim Group have a trend lab monitoring and tracking design trends which is fed into our product development and marketing departments. Typically shower and bathroom design is about creating an open, clean space with a luxurious feel so it is much more about the quality of materials used and the detail in the fixture and fittings. Chrome and polished metals and clear glass are still the most popular materials used.
Matching or complementing different types of natural stone such as marble in one wetroom scheme is also extremely on-trend, creating the most beautiful and elegant wetroom areas. Matt Rotherham, Managing Director of J. Rotherham offers his advice on using marble “Dependent upon where you use the marble, it may make perfect sense to seal the stone, as once sealed, the stone is then protected against everyday dirt and wear. However, some topical sealers can alter the surface texture and finish, as well as build up on the surface creating a layer that is less durable than the stone in natural form. My advice is to consult a masonry expert who can give you their opinion in terms of what material to use, its application and appropriate finish or protection needed to get the desired results for your customer.” Shower panels designed specifically for wetrooms have also evolved, with some
Simpsons Rectangular Grey Textured Slate Effect Shower Tray & Waste from The Bathroom Shop
manufacturers allowing the homeowner free reign in terms of colour and finish: so be prepared. David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, comments “We are thrilled to be the first company in the bathroom industry to bring a new digital glass printing technology to wetroom panels. It gives a whole new dimension to creating your own unique and individual bathroom space.” Bringing a whole host of opportunities for your customer, personalised shower panels can now combine digital images upon the glass itself. Definitely an affordable choice, shower panels have become a great product alternative when considering a wetroom scheme. Expert knowledge, quality installation and reliable after-care service is crucial for your customers, so visit your local bathroom or wetroom merchant, talk to your suppliers, find out what the latest products are, and be confident in what’s available for you and your customers.
