Cost to Install a Wet Room

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

A wet room is a waterproof, self-contained bathroom with a sleek, modern design. Below is a detailed cost breakdown:

1. Total Costs

Average Cost: $9,000
Typical Range: $4,000–$15,000
Low-End Cost: $2,000
High-End Cost: $30,000

2. Cost Per Square Foot

Average: $225 per square foot
Range: $175–$600 per square foot

| Category | Price Per Sq. Ft. | |-----------------------|-----------------------| | Plumbing | $13–$20 | | Labor | $6.50–$10 | | Drywall/Plasterboard | $4.50–$10 | | Bathroom Tiles | $13–$25 | | Misc. Materials | $13–$50 |

3. Major Cost Factors

Materials

Bathroom Tiles: $3–$18 per sq. ft.
Cement Backer Board: $0.75–$1.50 per sq. ft.
Showerhead: $50–$1,500
Grab Bars: $30–$500 each
Vanities: $300–$1,000+
Mirror: $40–$300

Plumbing

Cost: $1,000–$10,000
Proximity to existing plumbing reduces costs.

Size

40 sq. ft. Wet Room: $8,000–$24,000
80 sq. ft. Luxury Wet Room: $16,000–$48,000

Lighting

Fixtures: ~$550 each
Total for 3–4 Fixtures: $1,000–$2,000

Labor

Total Labor Cost: ~$4,500 (50% of project cost)
Professional hourly rates:
Plumber: $50–$200/hour
Tiler: $30–$120/hour
Electrician: $50–$100/hour
General Contractor: $50–$150/hour

Fixture Removal

Tub/Shower Removal: $150–$500
Total Fixture Removal: $600–$2,000

4. DIY Costs

Cost Range: $1,000–$18,000 (materials only)
Labor Savings: $1,000–$13,000
Challenges:
Waterproofing errors can lead to expensive water damage.
Plumbing and electrical work should be handled by professionals.

5. Tips to Reduce Costs

Shrink the Space

Reduce the size of the wet room to lower costs by $2,000–$6,000 for every 10 sq. ft.

Choose Affordable Tiles

Opt for tiles in the $3–$10 per sq. ft. range instead of luxury tiles over $15 per sq. ft.

Repurpose Existing Fixtures

Keep sinks, vanities, or lighting fixtures to save hundreds of dollars.

Opt for Cost-Effective Upgrades

Substitute marble countertops with granite and real stone tiles with porcelain.

DIY Finishing Touches

Handle simpler tasks like tiling, installing grab bars, or mounting mirrors.

Summing it up

Wet rooms provide a luxurious, modern bathroom upgrade, with costs varying widely depending on size, materials, and labor needs. While the average cost is $9,000, careful planning and smart choices can help you stay within budget while creating a stunning, waterproof space.