In any environment where water is used regularly, from commercial kitchens and laboratories to washrooms and healthcare settings, controlling moisture is essential. Poorly managed water leads to hygiene risks, surface damage and long-term maintenance problems. This is where wet zones play a critical role.
At GEC Anderson®, wet zones are not an afterthought. They are an integral part of how stainless steel worktops and surfaces are designed to perform safely, hygienically and reliably over time. By combining intelligent detailing with precision fabrication, wet zones help keep workspaces dry, compliant and easy to maintain.
What Is a Wet Zone?
A wet zone is a deliberately engineered area within a stainless steel worktop or surface that is designed to contain water, manage splashes and direct liquid safely away from surrounding areas.
Rather than allowing water to spread across flat surfaces or into joints, a wet zone creates controlled catchment areas around sinks, bowls and preparation points. This reduces slip risks, protects cabinetry and substrates below, and supports strict hygiene standards.
Why Wet Zones Are So Important
Water is one of the biggest causes of long-term damage in working environments. Without effective containment, moisture can seep into adjoining surfaces, create hidden hygiene issues and compromise the integrity of surrounding materials.
* Prevent water ingress and pooling
* Improve cleanliness and ease of cleaning
* Protect adjacent surfaces and structures
* Support compliance in regulated environments
* Extend the life of worktops and fittings
In busy settings where cleaning is frequent and water use is constant, wet zones are essential rather than optional.
Where Wet Zones Are Commonly Used
Commercial Kitchens and Catering Areas
Food preparation areas demand high levels of hygiene and water control. Wet zones around sinks, wash stations and preparation areas prevent water spreading across worktops, reducing contamination risks and keeping surfaces safe for staff.
Laboratories and Scientific Environments
In laboratories, even small amounts of uncontrolled liquid can pose risks. Wet zones provide defined areas for washing, cleaning and handling liquids, helping maintain clean, dry working surfaces and supporting safe laboratory practices.
Healthcare and Medical Settings
Hospitals, clinics and surgeries rely on stainless steel surfaces that can withstand constant cleaning while remaining hygienic. Wet zones around basins and clinical sinks help manage splashes and protect surrounding areas, supporting infection control protocols.
Washrooms and Utility Spaces
In washrooms, staff areas and utility rooms, wet zones help manage everyday water use while keeping floors, cabinetry and walls dry. This improves safety and reduces long-term maintenance requirements.
GEC Anderson® Wet Zone Options
GEC Anderson® offers a comprehensive range of wet zone solutions, each designed to suit different applications and levels of water exposure.
Lipped Edges for Effective Containment
For worktops used in wet areas, lipped edges are generally recommended. In particular, edge 3 and edge 5 profiles create a raised barrier that prevents water from running off the surface.
These edges are especially effective in kitchens, laboratories and wash areas where water splashing is unavoidable. By keeping liquid contained, they help maintain a clean and controlled workspace.
Pressed Recess Wet Zones
The pressed recess is a flat, recessed area formed directly into the stainless steel worktop. Sink bowls sit neatly within the recess, creating a defined wet zone that captures splashes and spills.
Pressed recesses can be manufactured in any size and position, with variable corner radii and a shallow depth of around 4mm. This option provides a discreet yet highly effective solution for managing water around sinks.
Shallow Recess Wet Zones
A shallow recess forms a larger surrounding catchment area around sink bowls. This option is ideal where additional water containment is required without altering the overall appearance of the worktop.
Shallow recesses can be made in any size, with optional slope towards the bowl to encourage drainage. Corner radii can be specified to suit the application, supporting both hygiene and ease of cleaning.
Inline Drainers for Controlled Drainage
Inline drainers provide a sleek and efficient way to manage water directly adjacent to the sink. A sloped area is pressed into the worktop, allowing water to drain naturally back towards the bowl.
This option is particularly effective where space is limited or where a clean, uninterrupted surface is required. Inline drainers integrate seamlessly with selected sink configurations to support efficient water management.
Integrated Bowl and Drainer Combinations
Standard bowl and drainer combinations can also be fully integrated within GEC Anderson® stainless steel worktops. These combinations create practical wet zones that support everyday washing and preparation tasks while maintaining a consistent surface finish.
BOSS Profile for Drainage and Durability
The BOSS profile offers a distinctive raised surface pattern that facilitates drainage while adding practical benefits. The raised dimples encourage water to run off while also allowing hot pans to be placed safely on the surface.
This option is particularly useful in catering and preparation areas where durability and water management are equally important.
Wet Zones and Related Stainless Steel Products
Wet zones work best when combined with other high-quality stainless steel components. GEC Anderson® designs wet zones to integrate seamlessly with:
* Stainless steel worktops
* Fully integrated stainless steel sink bowls
* Splashbacks and upstands
* Stainless steel cabinets and doors
* Frames, supports and shelving systems
By specifying these elements together, projects benefit from consistent detailing, improved hygiene and long-term performance.
Made-to-Measure for Real-World Use
Every wet zone is manufactured to suit the exact requirements of the project. Sizes, positions, slopes and edge profiles are all tailored to how the space will be used.
This made-to-measure approach ensures wet zones are practical rather than generic, supporting real working conditions rather than theoretical layouts.
Why Choose GEC Anderson® Wet Zones
GEC Anderson® wet zones are designed with a deep understanding of how water behaves in working environments. By combining technical expertise with precision fabrication, our wet zone solutions deliver reliable performance without compromising design.
They are easy to clean, highly durable and designed to integrate seamlessly with the wider stainless steel product range.
Buy Online or Contact Us
Many GEC Anderson® stainless steel products can be purchased directly online, making it easy to specify high-quality components quickly. For bespoke wet zone solutions or technical guidance, our team is ready to help.
Buy online now from this website or contact us to discuss your wet zone requirements.
With the right wet zone design in place, stainless steel worktops perform exactly as they should: clean, dry, safe and built to last.
