Understanding "Wet Areas" in Bathroom Renovations: A Guide for First-Time Renovators
When it comes to bathroom renovations, you'll likely hear the term "wet areas" thrown around, especially when discussing where to prioritise tiling. But what exactly does this mean, and where should tiles be focused for both functionality and longevity?
In this post, we’ll break down the essentials of wet areas and explain how to best approach tiling in your bathroom.
What Are Wet Areas?
Wet areas refer to parts of your bathroom that are frequently exposed to water. These are spaces that experience regular splashes, direct contact with water, or high humidity. Tiling these areas is essential for preventing water damage, mold growth, and maintaining a clean, easy-to-maintain environment.
Key Wet Areas in a Bathroom
Here are the main wet areas you’ll need to focus on when planning your tiling:
Shower Enclosure
This is the most obvious wet area in your bathroom. The walls and floor of your shower are constantly exposed to water, so prioritizing tiles here is non-negotiable. Waterproofing and tiling help keep moisture from seeping into your walls and causing long-term damage.
Tile placement: Floor and walls from floor to ceiling. Consider extending the tiles beyond the shower to create a seamless look.
Around the Bathtub
If your bathroom has a bathtub, the area immediately surrounding it is also a critical wet area. Water splashes during baths, and condensation can cause moisture issues in this zone.
Tile placement: The floor around the bathtub, as well as at least part of the wall surrounding it, should be tiled to protect against water damage.
Vanity Splash Zone
The wall area behind and around the sink is another space that often gets splashed. While it’s not as wet as the shower or tub area, regular exposure to water can still damage paint, wallpaper, or untreated surfaces.
Tile placement: Tiling at least a splashback behind the vanity is recommended, typically 10-20 cm high. If you’re using wall-mounted faucets, extending the tiles vertically to cover more of the wall can add durability and style.
Toilet Area (if near a wet zone)
If your toilet is positioned close to your shower or bathtub, it’s wise to consider this area as part of the wet zone, particularly the floor. Water can easily splash or drip onto the floor during regular bathroom use.
Tile placement: Floor tiles that are water-resistant will help protect against any accidental splashes and keep the area hygienic.
Semi-Wet Areas to Consider
While the above areas are definite "wet areas," there are a few other spots you might want to consider tiling depending on your bathroom layout and style preferences:
Bathroom floor: Even in places where water doesn’t directly splash, the floor experiences moisture from condensation and foot traffic. Tiling the entire floor is common practice to keep the bathroom waterproof and easy to clean.
Halfway up the walls: In smaller or humid bathrooms, tiling part of the wall up to a certain height (e.g., 1.2 meters) can help protect against dampness and add a cohesive design element.
Why Prioritize Tiling Wet Areas?
Water is the biggest enemy of any bathroom renovation. When water penetrates into unprotected surfaces, it can cause a host of issues, including:
Mold and mildew: Damp surfaces provide the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Structural damage: Water that seeps into walls and floors can cause rot, weaken structural elements, and create expensive repair bills.
Hygiene issues: Untiled areas can become harder to clean and sanitize, making them less hygienic over time.
By properly tiling all essential wet areas, you’re ensuring that your bathroom is durable, waterproof, and designed to last.
If you're in the process of a bathroom renovation and are deciding where to place tiles, start with the essential wet areas: the shower, around the bathtub, the vanity splash zone, and any floors near water sources. This will protect your bathroom from water damage and keep it looking fresh for years to come.
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