The Benefits of Bathroom Wall Panels

What is bathroom cladding?

Bathroom cladding refers to the use of large, waterproof panels to cover the walls of a bathroom. These sheets are bonded to your existing walls. They are available in different widths and sizes depending on the style or design you choose.


Types of bathroom cladding:

There are several types of bathroom cladding panels, each with its own unique benefits:

  • PVC Panels: These are the most common and cost-effective option. PVC panels are lightweight, easy to install, and come in a variety of designs and colours. They are also waterproof and resistant to mould and mildew.

  • Acrylic Panels: Known for their durability and high-gloss finish, acrylic panels are more scratch-resistant than PVC. They are also available in a wide range of colours and patterns, making them a stylish choice for modern bathrooms.

  • Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Panels: These panels are lightweight and easy to install, but they can be prone to scratching and discolouration over time. They are an economical choice for quick bathroom upgrades.

  • Pressure Laminated Vinyl on MDF Core: These panels offer a high-end look with the durability of vinyl and the stability of an MDF core. They are available in various finishes, including wood and stone effects.

  • Shower Panels: Specifically designed for wet areas, these panels are often larger and thicker, providing extra durability and waterproofing. They can be made from materials like PVC, acrylic, or composite.


Pros & Cons of bathroom panels:

Pros:

  • Ease of Installation: Bathroom wall panels are generally easier and quicker to install compared to traditional tiles. Many panels can be installed directly over existing surfaces, reducing preparation time.
  • Waterproof: Most bathroom wall panels are designed to be 100% waterproof, making them ideal for wet areas like showers and around bathtubs.
  • Low Maintenance: Unlike tiles, wall panels have fewer joints and seams, which means less grout to clean and maintain. This reduces the risk of mould and mildew.
  • Variety of Designs: Wall panels come in a wide range of designs, colours, and finishes, allowing for greater flexibility in achieving the desired aesthetic.
  • Durability: High-quality wall panels are resistant to scratches, stains, and discolouration, ensuring they look good for longer.

Cons:

  • Cost: While some panels can be cost-effective, high-end options can be more expensive than traditional tiles.
  • Installation Challenges: Large panels can be unwieldy and difficult to manoeuvre, especially in small or awkwardly shaped bathrooms.
  • Appearance: Faux-tile or faux-stone panels may not look as authentic as real tiles or stone, which might be a drawback for some homeowners.
  • Flexibility: Panels are generally rigid and may not be suitable for curved walls or surfaces.
  • Longevity: The lifespan of wall panels can vary depending on the material and quality. Lower-end options may not last as long as traditional tiles.


Summary:

When renovating your bathroom, choosing the right wall covering is essential. Bathroom panels offer several advantages over traditional tiles. Here’s why:

1. Waterproof and Hygienic

Cladding is made from 100% waterproof materials, making it ideal for bathrooms. It provides a seamless surface with fewer joints than tiles, reducing the risk of mould and mildew. This makes cladding a more hygienic option, as there are no porous grout lines to harbour bacteria.

2. Easy Installation

Unlike tiles, which require meticulous placement and grouting, cladding can be installed quickly and easily. It can even be applied directly over existing tiles, saving time and reducing the mess associated with traditional tiling.

3. Low Maintenance

Cladding is incredibly low maintenance. It resists stains and is easy to clean with just a wipe down. This is a significant advantage over tiles, which often require regular scrubbing to keep grout lines clean and free from discolouration.

4. Aesthetic Versatility

Cladding comes in a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes, allowing you to achieve the exact look you desire for your bathroom. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern design or a more traditional appearance, there’s a cladding option to suit your taste.

5. Durability

Cladding materials are designed to withstand the humid and wet conditions of a bathroom. They are resistant to scratches and impacts, ensuring your bathroom walls remain in pristine condition for years to come.

6. Cost-Effective

While the initial cost of cladding might be higher than tiles, the long-term benefits make it a cost-effective choice. Reduced maintenance costs, improved hygiene, and increased durability all contribute to its cost-effectiveness.

7. Insulation Benefits

Cladding can provide additional insulation to your bathroom, helping to retain heat and reduce energy costs. This can make your bathroom more comfortable, especially during the colder months.


TITAN Panels are the brand we use for most of our bathroom panel renovation projects, and we’ve found them to be exceptionally durable and hardwearing.

Quoting from their website-

"TITAN Panels are a lightweight and efficient system of internal paneling for walls and ceilings. Taking less than half the time required for tiling our PVC panel products are quick and easy to install, offering many benefits over traditional panels. TITAN Panels are an elegant system of internal paneling for walls and ceilings. They are available in a wide range of colours and designs, with easy maintenance and low cost of ownership.

TITAN Panels are the easiest and fastest way to achieve a high-end, beautiful finished look for your home. Whether you live in an old cottage or modern home TITAN Panels will transform the way you feel about your home’s interior walls, creating something that is truly yours.

The TITAN Wall Panels system is a very elegant way to achieve a beautifully finished interior space. Our PVC products are quick and easy to install offering many benefits over traditional panels and wallpaper."