Wall panels are a fantastic choice for bathrooms, particularly in shower or bath areas. They offer an excellent way to introduce striking colours, bold marble effects, the appearance of wood, or bright, light colours that remain vibrant over time. Here’s why wall panels are a superior option:

Aesthetic Variety and Appeal

Wall panels provide an easy way to achieve a variety of looks. Without the need for grout or tiling, you can enjoy stunning, on-trend designs such as classic white herringbone tile effects. You can also opt for panels with prints or go for textured boards from brands like Fibo. These panels look and feel remarkably like real tiles, offering a sophisticated finish without the hassle of grout maintenance.

Practical Dimensions

Most bathroom wall panels are supplied in a height of 2.4 metres, which is the standard ceiling height in the UK. They come in various widths, typically 600mm, 900mm, or 1200mm, and include trims for joints and exposed edges to ensure a neat and professional finish.

Types of Wall Panels

There are three main types of shower panels, each with its own advantages:

1. Plastic ‘Honeycomb’ Structure Panels:

– Advantages: These panels are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install, making them popular in rentals, holiday accommodations, cafés, hotels, and similar settings.

– Considerations: They do not support weight well. To fix anything to them, you need to screw through them into battens placed behind. This can be tricky as improper handling may crack or bend the panel.

2. Moisture-Resistant MDF Panels: – Examples:

Brands like Multipanel, Showerwall, and Mermaid.

– Advantages: More durable than plastic panels, these can come with a tongue-and-groove (T&G) edge for a seamless look or a square edge (often cheaper) that requires trims. When correctly installed with appropriate trims, adhesive, and sealants, these panels are waterproof.

– Considerations: If exposed edges are not properly sealed, moisture can penetrate, causing the panels to swell.

3. Fully Submersible MDF Panels:

– Advantages: These panels are designed to be fully submerged in water, making them ideal for creating features like boxed-in shower areas.

– Considerations: They are very expensive and usually unnecessary for most households if standard moisture-resistant MDF panels are installed correctly.

Sophisticated Finishing Options

Some brands, like Nuance, offer panels with a bullnose edge, eliminating the need for trims and providing a more sophisticated and seamless style. This can enhance the overall aesthetic of your bathroom, giving it a high-end look.

Maintenance and Longevity

Wall panels are easy to maintain. Unlike tiles, there’s no grout that can discolour or develop mold over time. Panels are straightforward to clean and generally more durable, making them a practical choice for busy households.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, wall panels offer a blend of aesthetic appeal, practicality, and ease of installation that makes them an excellent choice for any bathroom. Whether you’re renovating a rental property, updating a family bathroom, or designing a high-end hotel suite, wall panels provide versatile and stylish solutions that can meet your needs.