Bathroom Wall Panels

Bathroom wall panels are a modern alternative to traditional tiles, designed to cover and protect your walls while enhancing the overall look of the space. Also known as bathroom cladding, it has a versatile application with the option to cover either part of the room or every wall. These panels are typically non-porous and have excellent resistance to mould and moisture. They also have less frequent and thorough maintenance needs as they do not require any grout, saving you time, effort and money spent on upkeep.

PVC bathroom wall panels

PVC bathroom wall panels are made of synthetic plastic with lightweight and durable properties. They do not require any specialist skills or tools to install, making them easy to handle whether you are DIY or a trade professional. The unique flexibility of PVC means that it is more prone to movement, so more care must be taken to ensure it is sealed correctly and firmly. However, this flexibility means it is the easiest panelling to install over existing tile surfaces, avoiding major removal and preparation costs. They can either come hollow (non-insulated) or insulated with foam to help conserve heat. PVC is both protective and decorative and comes in a variety of trendy designs, including our popular marble effect bathroom wall panels. These panels prevent the growth of mould on your walls as they are fully waterproof and simple to clean.

Acrylic bathroom wall panels

Acrylic bathroom wall panels are made of synthetics and have similar properties to PVC. These panels are dense and less flexible, meaning they are less prone to cracking but require more effort to install. Acrylic finishes have a semi-transparent appearance that resembles glass, making it the perfect choice for people looking for a high gloss finish. Acrylic panels have the thinnest composition, so they are best suited to smaller rooms with limited space. These waterproof bathroom wall panels are extremely resistant to mould, scratches and stains for a longer-lasting surface quality.

MDF Laminate wall panels

MDF Laminate wall panels have a core made of medium-density fibreboard and are typically covered with a waterproof laminate. These bathroom panels bring a good degree of insulation and sound dampening to your home. While MDF is prone to water absorption, there are specially engineered moisture-resistant options that are suitable for use in bathrooms. However, this material must be sealed expertly and correctly to prevent rot and leakage. Although heavier and more difficult to install, these panels have incredible strength and durability and are ideal for larger bathrooms.

Both MDF and PVC panels can be produced in a range of colours and finishes to suit any interior design.

Preparation:

1. Allow panels 24 hours to acclimatise to the room to avoid expansion after installation.
2. Clean the walls of dirt or films for better adhesion.
3. Use a saw to cut the wall panel to the desired lengths. When cutting, position the front of the panel facing upwards with a handsaw, and downwards with a jigsaw. Ensure the dimensions you cut account for the width of the trims.
4. Cut the trims to the desired length to match the panels.

Installation:

1. Fix the trims to the wall first. Apply an adhesive to the underside of the trim and press it firmly to the wall.
2. Inside the corner trims, apply a bead of silicone sealant to ensure water resistance. It is recommended to use a low-modulus silicone sealant or a sanitary sealant that is water-resistant and compatible with your chosen material.
3. Apply the adhesive in a zig-zag pattern across the surface of each panel that will contact the wall. It is recommended to use a hybrid polymer adhesive or multi-purpose adhesive that is solvent-free, water-resistant and compatible with your chosen material.
4. When placing the panels on the wall, start in a corner. When you’re happy with the placement, press the panel firmly onto the wall, slotting neatly into the trim. Be sure to squeeze out any air that may be trapped between the panel and the wall.
5. If in a shower area, apply a bead of silicone into each gap between the panels during installation to prevent water intake between each panel.
6. Be sure to leave the recommended expansion gap (typically 3-6mm) between panels.
7. Fix the end cap trims on the wall where there are any open ends of the panel.
8. Apply a silicone sealant on the inside of the end cap trims for a final secure seal. Leave to cure for 24-48 hours.

For MDF Laminate, it is recommended to have a professional seal these panels due to the higher risk of water penetration.

All panel types can be fitted over existing ceramic or porcelain tiles, with PVC being the easiest, followed by MDF Laminate and then acrylic due to their heavy weight causing adhesion difficulty.

1. Start by thoroughly cleaning and degreasing the tiles with sponges in hot water and household cleaner. Let the tiles dry fully before moving on.
2. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the tiles and clean away the dust for better adhesion. Ensure the surface is as evenly flat as possible. This may be more necessary for glossy tiles, rather than non-porous ones.
3. Apply a small section of panelling to the tile first with an adhesive to test how well it bonds.
4. Complete steps 1-8 of installation.

Bathroom wall panels are faster to install than porcelain and ceramic tiles, and can often be done with no specialist experience or equipment. Unlike tiles, wall panels don’t need any grout, so they do not require such regular maintenance and have less mould build-up. They are also more cost-effective due to the cheaper materials and more efficient installation. With bathroom wall panels, you get the look of ceramic tiles but with the choice of a vast range of colours, patterns and finishes to suit your dream interior design.