When renovating your bathroom, one of the most important design considerations is how to separate the wet and dry areas. Not only does this affect your bathroom’s appearance, but it also plays a major role in safety, hygiene, and long-term maintenance.
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What is a Wet Area?
The wet area refers to parts of the toilet that are exposed to frequent water splashes. This typically includes:
• Shower area
• Bathtub area
Design Tips for Wet Areas:
• Ensure the area is 100% waterproof
• Use anti-slip tiles (R10 and above) for safety
• Install a sufficient drainage slope to prevent water pooling
• Choose moisture-resistant materials for walls and fixtures
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What is a Dry Area?
The dry area includes parts of the bathroom that aren’t directly exposed to water, such as:
• Vanity unit and mirror area
• Toilet bowl
• Storage cabinets
Design Tips for Dry Areas:
• Choose materials that are stylish yet moisture-tolerant
• Ensure good ventilation to minimise humidity buildup
• Use non-slip flooring that’s comfortable underfoot
• Keep the space clutter-free for easy cleaning
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Why Separate Wet and Dry Areas?
1. Prevents Damage to Materials
Moisture can cause damage to non-waterproof materials like plywood or solid wood used in vanity units, leading to warping, mold, and disintegration.
2. Improves Safety
Keeping the dry area free from water reduces the risk of slips and falls, especially important for elderly and children.
3. Promotes Hygiene
Proper separation keeps bacteria and mold from spreading across the bathroom, maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
4. Better Longevity
By minimising moisture exposure, your flooring, cabinets, and fittings will last much longer.
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How to Separate Wet and Dry Areas
Here are common solutions used in modern bathroom designs:
How to Separate Wet and Dry Areas
Here are common and effective solutions used in Singapore bathroom designs:
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1. Kerb (Shower Curb)
A raised cement edge (usually 50–100mm high) built to stop water from flowing into the dry zone.
• Simple and effective
• Budget-friendly
• Often paired with glass shower screens
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2. Shower Screens
Made of clear tempered glass, shower screens create a clean division while keeping the bathroom spacious.
Types:
• Fixed panel
• Sliding screen
• Fixed panel with swing door
Modern, easy to clean, and fully waterproof.
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3. Partition Wall (CS Board)
A wall made from Calcium Silicate Board, a water-resistant material ideal for wet areas.
• Moisture-proof
• Supports niche designs for toiletries
• Can be tiled for seamless integration with your bathroom’s theme
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4. Hollow Block Wall with Niche
For a solid and permanent separation, a hollow block wall offers both durability and design flexibility.
• Strong, long-lasting structure
• Customisable in height and thickness
• Built-in niche adds convenient shower storage
• Great for homeowners doing a full toilet renovation
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5. High (Dry) and Low (Wet) Floor Design
Another smart method is to create a lower floor level in the wet area (shower) while keeping the dry area higher.
• Helps water flow directly into the drain
• Visually and functionally separates the zones
• No need for a kerb, making it safer for elderly users
• Can be achieved by sloping the screed during tiling
This method is subtle yet highly effective in controlling water flow and maintaining a dry toilet space
