Bathtubs are Washed Up! Choose a European Wet Room Design for Your Remodel
Bathtubs are all wet! When was the last time you actually took a bath? If you are like most Americans, the answer is probably not that recently.
Day in and day out, showers are by far most folks’ preferred method of daily hygiene maintenance—primarily because they are quicker, more convenient, and use less water.
Many existing homes, however, were designed and built when shower/tub combinations and showers with high curbs were the norm. Consider our Charlotte neighborhoods like Chantilly, Myers Park, Dilworth, Eastover, Elizabeth, and Plaza Midwood, where older homes provide allure and character.
However charming, an outdated bathtub is more than just an aesthetic issue—homeowners now prefer more spacious, open showers. It’s also a safety concern, as many are considering how to age in place comfortably and securely.
To address this need, one innovative product we are using for bathroom remodeling and renovation is the European Wet Room from Trending Accessibility.
What is a European Wet Bathroom?
Never heard of a European-style wet bathroom? You may have heard it referred to simply as a “wet room”. It’s a sleek, open-concept design where the whole bathroom is waterproof, and the shower blends right in—no bulky enclosures or awkward high-curb tubs. It’s a great option for homeowners who want a more modern, spacious feel and a safer, more accessible setup for the future.
Here in Charlotte, we’re seeing more folks ditching old tub/shower combos in favor of wet rooms. As a local, family-owned contractor, we love this trend because it makes bathrooms feel bigger, easier to clean, and just plain better for everyday life.
Wet Room Designs & Remodels
European Wet Room designs offer the same type of curbless shower system that has been used in healthcare facilities for at least three decades, but it’s been remade to be right at home in style-conscious residences. The customizable system can be used in a shower of any shape or size – just about any configuration that you and your bathroom designer can envision.
The system begins with a series of curbless pans that replace the bathroom’s existing subfloor and are positioned directly on the floor joists. A drain (either a standard square or a contemporary rectangular option) is then set into place. Finally, a waterproofing system comprised of tape for any joints topped with a waterproof membrane is applied to the entire shower. Then, the tile installer simply tiles over the entire system as they would when tiling any shower.
You can use any type of tile in any pattern that your design calls for – from traditional to cutting-edge contemporary. The options are limitless – as are your choices when it comes to enclosure materials. We’ve seen frameless glass, partially tiled walls, or even open designs in large spaces.
One of our favorite applications is actually outside the bathroom. It involves placing the system in the corner of a laundry room or garage to create an open pet “car wash” that eliminates the need to lift pets to bathe them.
We’re Local Wet Room Installers in Charlotte, NC
Whether you want a more updated look or a more functional space, a European Wet Room may be the perfect, cost-effective solution for your bathroom remodeling project.
Palmer Custom Builders has been helping Charlotte homeowners remodel their bathrooms for years, and we know that every project is about more than just looks—it’s about making your space work better for you. As a licensed NC Residential General Contractor, we take pride in delivering high-quality craftsmanship that’s both beautiful and built to last.
Ready to transform your bathroom with a custom wet room, we’re here to help. Let’s create a space that fits your style, your needs, and your life. Contact us today to get started!
