11th July 2023

A Complete Guide to the Benefits of Resin Flooring for Wet Rooms

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Post by WM Wetroom Materials

Resin flooring has taken the world of bathroom and wet room renovations by storm in recent years. Offering a combination of durability, aesthetics, and waterproofing, resin room floor drains are now seen as an ideal solution for wet room renovations. At Wetroom Materials, we have witnessed this firsthand, shaping our wet room drainage solutions for resin flooring with support from Sphere8, the UK’s leading provider of resin flooring.

Whether it’s polyurethane or epoxy flooring, each can provide a seamless and customisable surface suited to both industrial and commercial projects. This guide will explore the key considerations to factor in when choosing a resin floor, the advantages of resin flooring, and how to decide between polyurethane and epoxy resin floors.

Important things to consider with a resin floor

Adherence to Regulations and Standards

Ensuring compliance with industry standards is critical; resin flooring for bathrooms must meet waterproofing and slip resistance requirements, particularly in commercial settings.

  • Waterproofing Regulations: Floors should comply with BS 8204-6 (British Standard for Synthetic Resin Flooring) to ensure adequate durability and performance.
  • Health & Safety Considerations: Slip resistance is crucial, and selecting the right finish (e.g., textured or matte) can prevent accidents.
  • Building Codes & Accessibility: If installed in public or accessible spaces, the flooring must meet DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliance for safe mobility.

Checking manufacturer data sheets and consulting with suppliers ensures regulatory compliance while preventing costly rework.

Sourcing Premium Quality Materials

Not all resin flooring is created equal. The quality of the materials used is a vital consideration that will massively impact the overall result. Poor-quality materials are more likely to crack and leak over time, meaning expensive repair jobs will be needed. So it is important to evaluate the following when sourcing materials:

  • Curing Time & Workability: Does the product allow for efficient installation without excessive downtime?
  • Longevity & Durability: What is the product’s expected lifespan under high foot traffic and exposure to moisture?
  • Chemical Resistance: Will the floor withstand harsh cleaning products without degradation?
  • Compatibility with Underfloor Heating: Polyurethane is more flexible and better suited to temperature fluctuations, whereas epoxy coatings offer superior hardness but may be prone to micro-cracking under heat stress.

You can verify these elements by requesting technical data sheets and checking for industry certifications (like BS 8204-6). Sampling the product in person and consulting with experienced installers also helps validate claims around durability, curing time, and compatibility with underfloor heating. Partnering with trusted suppliers ensures that materials meet both performance and budgetary requirements. 

Maintaining Client Satisfaction

A well-installed resin bathroom floor enhances both functionality and aesthetics, directly impacting client satisfaction. Consider the following:

  • Customisation Options: Clients may request specific colours, textures, or finishes, offering matte or gloss variants that can elevate the final design.
  • Acoustic Comfort: Polyurethane has a softer composition, reducing noise compared to hard epoxy.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Clients should be advised on proper cleaning methods, including pH-neutral products to preserve the floor’s integrity.
  • Long-Term Value: While resin flooring has a higher upfront cost, its durability and low maintenance requirements provide a strong return on investment.

With a wide variety of customisation options available, it could be good for you and your client to visit the supplier and test out some samples. When testing the samples, consider the finish, texture and how the material feels. Consider whether the surface has the right level of grip, whether it is matte or glossy, and how it reflects light in different settings.

Finally, you will want to lightly test for scratch resistance and how cleaning the edges are finished. This will point to the long-term durability and quality of the finished product. Taking time to evaluate the samples in person with your client will make sure that your design vision and the client’s expectations are aligned.

Advantages of Resin Floors

Resin floors offer a whole host of advantages for wet room installations. Their versatility and performance set them apart from tile or vinyl flooring. Some of the key advantages of a resin floor include:

  • Waterproof & Seamless Finish – Resin floors can offer a flawless finish, unlike tiles, which are subject to grout lines with the potential for moisture buildup and water damage. A squeegee is all that’s needed for easy cleaning.
  • Slip Resistance & Safety – While standard resin floors can be slippery, incorporating aggregate additives or textured finishes improves grip, ensuring compliance with health & safety standards.
  • Thermal Comfort & Underfloor Heating Compatibility – Resin floors retain warmth better than tiles and work seamlessly with underfloor heating systems, making them ideal for residential and commercial bathrooms.
  • High Durability & Longevity – With proper installation and maintenance, resin bathroom floors can last over 15 years, resisting wear and tear even in high-traffic areas.
  • Aesthetic Flexibility – Available in various colours and finishes, resin flooring can achieve a high-gloss modern look or a soft matte appearance to suit different design preferences.

Resin flooring offers a practical yet design-led choice for wet rooms of all types. It makes achieving a seamless finish that links with the rest of the wet room much simpler. Whether it is the lighting and materials or the type of wet room drain being used.

It is important, once you have decided to use resin, to consider the type of resin that will be most effective for your project. Typically, it is a choice between two types of flooring, which are Epoxy and Polyurethane.

Epoxy vs Polyurethane – Which Should You Choose?

The choice between Epoxy and Polyurethane will likely come down to the type of project and the key features required. For projects that require maximum durability, chemical resistance, and water protection, epoxy is the best choice (especially for commercial or high-traffic wet rooms). However, if comfort, flexibility and underfloor heating compatibility are more important (such as in spa style or residential projects), then polyurethane may be the best choice. 

Additional considerations

While poured floors offer numerous advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before choosing a resin system for your wet room floor.

  • Surface preparation is key – Resin flooring requires meticulous surface preparation, including levelling, priming and moisture testing.
  • Professional installation is essential – This is not a DIY-friendly product and requires the experienced touch of a professional to get the job done right.
  • Installation timeline – Resin bathroom floors require multiple layers and curing times. They can take up to several days to be completely finished.

Clients should be advised of downtime requirements to prevent premature use.

Is Resin Flooring Right For Your Project?

Resin flooring is a fantastic option for wet room and bathroom projects, but it’s important to assess its suitability for each specific case:

Pros:

  • Waterproof and seamless surface
  • Modern aesthetics with customisable finishes
  • Compatible with underfloor heating
  • Low maintenance and hygienic

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires professional installation
  • Potential for surface scratching (especially with pets or heavy foot traffic)

If durability, aesthetics, and waterproofing are key priorities, resin flooring is an excellent choice. However, ensure that clients are aware of the complex installation process and costs involved.

Conclusion

The increase in the popularity of resin floors for wet room and shower conversions is no coincidence. With its water resistance, design flexibility, and seamless finish with no grout lines, it is an attractive alternative to traditional bathroom and shower flooring solutions. However, it’s important to understand the distinctions and ideal use cases for both a polyurethane and epoxy resin floor, source quality materials, and ensure compliance when installing a resin bathroom floor.

By choosing the right resin type, ensuring expert installation and educating clients on maintenance, you can deliver durable, high-performance wet room flooring that stands the test of time.

If you’re looking for wet room products suitable for use with Resin floor drains, get in touch with our expert team.

*Important update to the NHBS Specifications

Backing surfaces for tiling should;

  • Be moisture resistant, where frequent wetting occurs 

When Tiling; 

  • Proprietary water-resistant grouting should be used in accordance with the manufacturer 

Grouting should be: 

  • As specified in the design including mix and colour 
  • Cement-based, epoxy resin or a proprietary product 
  • ‘Waterproof in and around shower enclosures and where tiling can be saturated’. 

Gypsum plaster should not be used where; 

  • ‘Repeated or persistent wetting may occur’

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