The technology and design of showers has come a long way in recent years. Some of the most prominent designs in the industry are extremely innovative, stealing the show and making people wish that they also had these incredible designs in their homes. Whether you have a shower enclosure like what is common in most homes, or a wet room that encompasses the whole space, you need to think about the walls. Even shower cubicles can now become a much more aesthetically pleasing place to be, making taking long showers an even nicer experience.
This is thanks to the new innovations in bathroom wall panels. Some people prefer these over your standard bathroom tiles, and we’re going to be looking at this in this article. If you would like to know more about shower wall panels and if they are a better choice for you than bathroom tiles, keep reading down below.
What Is A Bathroom Shower Wall Panel?
A shower wall panel is a tough, waterproof and hard wearing wall covering. It has been designed to fit inside shower cubicles or shower areas depending on which your bathroom has. They are an alternative to the traditional tiles that you see in bathrooms commonly. The good news is that they come in a wide variety of colours and finishes, ensuring that you are going to be able to get what you want for your bathroom. Even if there isn’t an exact design that you can find, we’re confident that we will be able to provide you with something extremely close to what you were originally looking for.
For example, if you are looking for something that has a marble effect, we have got you covered. Or, you might want something that feels a little more plain in which case a stunning grey piece would do the trick. If you are someone who loves that little bit of sparkle, there are plenty of options out there for you that you will adore.
You will also find that these shower panels come in kits, so that you can place it on yourself. There will be trims and sealant included in your kit so that you can put the panels on yourself. There will also be instructions included which are pretty clear, meaning that you won’t have to spend hours on this task.
Are Shower Wall Panels Better Than Bathroom Wall Tiles?
Well, this is the question that you are looking for the answer to. The short answer is that you are going to have to weigh up the pros and cons of each and make a decision based on your own personal preference. It’s true to say that shower wall panels certainly have an advantage over tiles because there are fewer parts which makes it easier to install. You will have three shower panels as opposed to hundreds of tiles, so if the length of the installation process is important, then shower panels certainly win.
The thing that a lot of people are conscious about though is the way that shower wall panels look. While they are aesthetically pleasing if you like more modern styles, they won’t suit you if you prefer something more traditional. In a contemporary bathroom the shower wall panels will fit right in, but if you’re looking for something that compliments the classic and traditional bathroom, then tiles are going to be the better option from a decor point of view.
Pros Of Shower Wall Panels
One of the best pros of shower wall panels is the fact that you don’t need to grout before you can place them. When you use tiles, grout can be a massive problem. It’s a long and arduous task to complete, and then you have to worry about all the bacteria that convene between the cracks, making it difficult to clean sometimes. Grout is a serious issue for the hygiene of your shower, and you don’t have to worry about this which makes everything a little less stressful for you.
You will also find that the surface of the shower is much easier to clean when you use shower wall panels. The reason for this is that the wall is non-porous, which is an easier surface to clean. It is also fantastic because it can be fitted over existing tiles if you have had them previously. They don’t need to be taken off at all as the panel just fits right over the top like it has belonged there the entire time.
Cons Of Shower Wall Panels
It’s not really a con of shower wall panels, but it can be if you are on a budget regularly. When you are cleaning the panels, while they are easy to clean, they don’t take too kindly to any kind of abrasive cleaners. This means that you have got to be careful about what you are cleaning your shower wall panels with. Most manufacturers will recommend a specialist cleaning solution, but this can be a little more expensive than your average cleaner. If you do use abrasive cleaners on this kind of surface, then you may either damage the look of the panels, or you could ruin them completely.
A lot of bathroom panels are made out of PVC which isn’t the most durable material. It can be quite easy to damage if you are not careful, which is not ideal if you have children.
Pros Of Bathroom Wall Tiles
One of the biggest benefits of bathroom tiles is the fact that they are extremely durable. You will find them incredibly hard to break, and in fact you won’t be able to break them unless you are actively trying to do so with a sledgehammer. Tiles are known for being incredibly strong, so that’s something to keep in mind.
It’s also true to say that with tiles you are more likely to get more coverage of the shower. As there are more individual parts, you are going to be able to place them perfectly, meaning that there will be a better overall coverage of the area.
You will also find that tile is fully customizable. This means that it can be cut and installed any way that you want. Of course, you are going to have to pay more for this, but we promise you that it is worth it. What else are you going to do with your money? Enjoy your bathroom!
Cons Of Bathroom Wall Tiles
One of the biggest cons of bathroom wall tile is the need for grout. Grout takes forever to clean and can be an absolute nightmare if you don’t stay on top of it. You will also find that it takes a long time to install and is extremely messy while it’s being installed. As such, if you want a tile shower, you’re going to have to be prepared to wait for it. Put your patient pants on, because you’re going to need them.
Showers with tiles are known for leaking. A leaking shower is not something that you want to experience if you can avoid it. If your shower pan leaks, you might not only have to replace the ceiling and the furniture that it ruins, but also the walls if it causes enough damage. This isn’t to say that it will definitely leak, but it might and if it does, then it can be costly for you to fix all the issues it will cause. For this reason, we recommend that you check the warranty against leaky tile showers before you sign anything. You’re probably going to find that the company doesn’t offer one, and that will tell you everything that you need to know.
Which Is Actually Best?
At the end of the day, the only person who knows which is best for your bathroom is you. It is all down to personal preference and how you feel about the various pros and cons. If you like a more modern looking bathroom and you hate cleaning, then shower wall panels are going to be the better option for you. However, if you want something that is more traditional and you don’t mind ensuring that the grout and tiles are cleaned regularly, then tile might be what you want. The only person who can decide is you as it is all a matter of taste. If you take a look at your bathroom right now, think about what you believe would look best, and then make a choice.
No matter what option you choose, you are going to get a sleek and sheen surface to every wall in the room.
Contact Us
If you are interested in purchasing shower wall panels, then contact us today. A friendly member of our team will be there waiting to answer any further questions that you might have about this. If you want to get the process started of using our company, we will be more than happy to book you in with a member of our team as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
