It’s easy to see the appeal of wet rooms. They offer a feeling of space and the promise of something a little more spa-like than your average bathroom. But before you get too attached to a particular tile or finish, it’s worth knowing that the floor will be doing a lot of work.
Unlike a standard bathroom, wet room flooring has to live with constant water while still feeling comfortable, safe and easy to clean. Get it right and everything just works; get it wrong and you can end up with a floor that’s slippery, high-maintenance or disappointing long-term.
So, before you commit, we asked bathroom designers and tile experts what really matters when choosing wet room flooring – from slip resistance and tile size to the finishes they’d think twice about using.
What’s the best type of wet room flooring?
Ask bathroom designers and installers what they’d specify for a wet room floor and the answer is strikingly consistent: bathroom floor tiles, with porcelain leading the way.
“In a wet room, the floor carries the greatest responsibility in the space because it must cope with constant exposure to water while still feeling secure underfoot,” explains Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. “That’s why porcelain remains the most dependable choice. Its non-porous nature means it won’t absorb moisture, it performs consistently over time and it’s available with certified wet-area slip ratings that offer reassurance without forcing a compromise on finish or design direction.”
“Using porcelain also allows the same surface to run through the entire room,” Gracie adds, “reinforcing the seamless quality that defines a well-designed wet room.”
Jonathan Barclay, director at Bowman Bathrooms, agrees, adding: “For us, the best wet room flooring is still tiles,” he says. “We prefer either very large format or very small, often using 60x120cm or mosaic tiles. Always porcelain for wear and tear resistance and waterproofing, and then matt for the slip resistance.”
Grazzie has worked in the interiors industry for more than a decade. At Ca’ Pietra, one of the UK’s leading stone and tile brands, she heads up creative, overseeing product collections as well as the company’s distinctive brand, look and feel.
Jonathon Barclay is director of Essex-based Bowman Bathrooms Ltd, leading bespoke bathroom design and installation with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
What materials do experts tend to avoid in wet rooms?
While many materials look beautiful on showroom floors, not all of them are cut out for life in a wet room.
“There are materials we tend to avoid, particularly highly polished stone and very smooth finishes,” says Grazzie Wilson. “These can become slippery when wet and often rely on regular sealing to protect against water penetration and staining, which isn’t always realistic for everyday use.”
Jonathon Barclay is even more direct: “I’m often asked about natural stone, but I usually talk clients out of it once they understand the pitfalls,” he says. “Natural stone tiles are porous and need resealing at regular intervals to stop water getting underneath. Long term, porcelain is far more forgiving and reliable.”
What to know before installing a wet room floor
Beyond material choice, there are a few non-negotiables that determine whether your wet room flooring will stand the test of time.
“Wet room installation is everything,” cautions Jonathan Barclay. “If you’re installer doesn’t know what they’re doing, you may as well not start. There are many stages to a wet room floor and each of them is key to the longevity of the overall product. Then on top of that is has to look good, often with precision tile cutting required. In short, no shortcuts.”
And while that might give DIYers pause for thought, Grazzie Wilson highlights another factor that should never be overlooked: slip resistance. “For spaces where the floor will be regularly soaked, we advise choosing tiles with an R11 slip rating,” she explains. “It provides confidence underfoot without pushing you towards overly rough or utilitarian finishes.”
Tile format also plays a role. “Homeowners should consider how the tile will work with the fall towards the drain as much as how it looks in isolation,” Grazzie adds. “This relationship between surface and gradient is what determines both comfort and longevity. Smaller formats, particularly mosaics, are naturally well suited because the increased number of grout lines improves grip and allows the tile to follow the slope more easily, while larger tiles can work successfully but require careful planning so the fall feels natural.”
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How to make wet room flooring feel more design-led
Don’t let the groundwork put you off – practical bathroom flooring doesn’t have to mean plain. In fact, wet room flooring is increasingly being treated as a design feature in its own right, rather than something purely functional.
For those keen to add interest without overwhelming the space, mosaics remain a reliable choice. “They’re one of the most effective routes for creating a more distinctive wet room floor,” says Gracie Wilson. “Not only do they perform exceptionally well in wet conditions, but they also allow for colour variation, subtle pattern and tonal movement in a very controlled way.”
María D Arráez, director of Tile of Spain UK, encourages homeowners to take their time when choosing bathroom floor tiles, rather than defaulting to the safest option. “From sleek, high-gloss marble finishes to rustic, natural stone effects, tiles provide endless design possibilities,” she explains. “Large-format tiles are particularly effective for creating a sense of spaciousness, while intricate geometric patterns can introduce personality and depth in a small wet room.”
Looking ahead, María highlights the continued rise of continuous tiling. “Tile drenching – where the same tile runs across floors and walls — is growing in popularity,” she says. “It strengthens the sense of connection within the space and creates a cocooning, immersive effect that feels both modern and comforting.”
That softer, more considered approach is echoed by Gracie Wilson, who notes that current bathroom trends are shifting away from high-impact statements. “We’re seeing a move towards matt finishes, warmer neutral tones and surfaces that emphasise texture over decoration,” she explains. “Homeowners are increasingly drawn to chalkier effects, subtle variation and thoughtful detailing around drainage.”
Jonathan Barclay agrees, pointing to a continued appetite for simplicity with substance. “Large-format tiles are definitely here to stay,” he says. “Natural, earthy tones are very much in favour, and microcement bathrooms are also becoming increasingly popular.”
María Dolores Arraez is the head of tile of Spain at the Spanish Embassy’s Commercial Office in London. She is responsible for the promotion of the Spanish ceramic tile industry in the UK and supports the Tile of Spain members in their export strategies to the UK.
Shop wet room flooring ideas
These Creek pebble mosaics have been crafted by nature before being carefully colour-matched and blended by hand
A square taupe-shaded tile ideal for floors. Use alone or pair with a lighter or darker tone to create a chequerboard design
Elevate your interiors with the Santorini Shadow tile, a beautiful blend of artistry and practicality
When weighing up a wet room vs walk in shower, it’s worth pausing to consider your space, structure and daily routine. Our guides on how to choose a shower and the best shower heads can help you decide which option will truly work best in your home.
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