Wet Room Tanking Kits

Tanking is the waterproof layer that goes on before the tiles. It is the single most important part of a tiled wet room, and the part most often skimped on.

Why tiles are not waterproof

This surprises people. Ceramic tiles are waterproof, but grout is not — water passes through it steadily over years. Without a tanking membrane behind, that water reaches the substrate, and the first sign is usually damp appearing in the room next door or the ceiling below. By then the floor has to come up.

What a kit contains

Typically a liquid or sheet membrane, sealing tape for wall and floor junctions, pre-formed internal and external corners, a waste collar, and primer. Coverage is stated in square metres — measure the full shower area plus at least 300mm beyond in every direction, and take the membrane up the wall to above shower head height.

The critical details

Failures almost never happen in the middle of a wall. They happen at junctions — floor to wall, internal corners, and around the waste. That is what the tape, corners and collar are for, and why they are not optional extras.

Vinyl floors

If you are laying vinyl safety flooring rather than tiling, welded vinyl is the waterproof layer in itself and tanking is not needed in the same way. See our anti-slip flooring.

Pair with a wet floor former and read our waste selection guide.