When To Install Shower Panels Or Tiles
Creating a shower space that feels comfortable, clean, and welcoming is one of the most important parts of designing the whole bathroom. What’s more, there might be more choices than you think. Tiles might have been the traditional option, but waterproof paneling for shower walls could be the option that suits your needs better. Here, we’re going to look at what shower panels are, how they differ from tiles, and which might best suit your needs.
Of course, everyone has different preferences, so the answer isn’t going to be as simple as saying “tiles” or “shower panels.” Instead, we’re going to look at what separates them, factors that you might want to consider when making your choice, and what we have on offer at Floors to Walls.
What you need to know about shower panels
At Floors to Walls, we have an extensive range of waterproof panelling for shower walls, which we will call shower panels, for short. These are effectively synthetic panels that are made of materials such as PVC or acrylic. They are designed to fit over the entire wall space that you need a surface for. They can also be installed around shower heads and units with ease.
Shower panels are often chosen for their clean and streamlined aesthetic. As such, they’re often chosen over tiles nowadays. Like tiles, they offer a wide range of designs, but they also don’t have the issue of grout and mould between the tiles. As such, they can be easier to maintain. Some of the designs that shower panels can easily emulate include wood tones, marble, granite, concrete, not to mention all manner of mosaics and even china.
When you buy shower panels, you are also likely to get the kits to install them alongside the panels themselves.
Why you might consider shower panels
So, now that you know what, exactly, shower panels are, why should you consider choosing them instead of tiles? Let’s take a look at some of the specific benefits.
Cost-effectiveness
Though costs can differ depending on materials and designs, shower panels are typically a good deal less expensive than tiles.
Easy installation
Tiles have to be fitted one by one, with care taken to make sure that they are evenly spaced. Panels come in larger sizes, meaning you don’t need to fit as many. There’s no need to use grout in fitting them, either. Furthermore, shower panels can even be fitted over tiles, so replacing past designs might be even easier than you think
Easy maintenance
Because there is no grout between panels, it’s easy to keep your shower panels in better condition. Often, all you have to do is wipe them clean.
A hygienic option
As well as being designed to be waterproof, panels also tend to be more hygienic than other options since there’s no chance of mould, mildew, and other grout-related issues growing between the panels.
What you need to know about tiles
Tiles are the more traditionally popular option for waterproof wall panels for the bathroom. They come in a variety of different materials and aesthetics, though ceramic tiles tend to be the most popular option. Often, they’re fitted by a professional who ensures that the tiles are fitted neatly and uniformly, offering a luxury modern appearance.
Like shower panels, they’re made for water resistance and safety above all else, but they do have some unique benefits when compared, too.
Why you might consider tiles
We all know what tiles are, but why might you consider choosing them over shower panels? Though shower panels have plenty of advantages, there are some to consider for tiles, as well.
Can be cheaper to replace
While shower panels are typically more cost-effective than tiles, in general, this changes when it comes to making a replacement for a damaged panel. The larger shower panels typically cost more to replace, but a single damaged tile might not be that expensive. This depends, of course, on what the tile is made of.
Easier to fit in certain spaces
Shower panels can be re-sized to fit all manner of spaces with ease. However, for the especially narrow spaces, it might be easier to simply fit in a row of tiles than to cut down a shower panel to fit it.
Considered more stylish by some
Though shower panels are often considered a more contemporary and modern looking option, there is some aspect of opulence and classy design that is associated with tiles, as well. There tends to be a wider range of designs for tiles, as well, which can be varied because you can use multiple types of tiles when designing a bathroom wall.
Otherwise, tiles and shower panels share many of the same advantages, such as being waterproof, easy to wipe clean, and resistant to all manners of stains.
Which should you choose?
Still not certain which works best for your bathroom? As mentioned, though each option does offer its specific advantages over the other, it’s not a simple one or the other answer. You need to choose the option that fits your needs best.
You should choose shower panels if
- You want a more cost-effective option
- You want a more modern look to the bathroom
- You want to be able to easily install it
- You want the easier maintenance
- You want a more hygienic and less problematic wall
You should choose tiles if
- You want the luxury look of tiles
- You have particularly narrow spaces you want to tile
- You want to make a design using varied tiles
- You want to replace a small number of broken tiles
Choose Floors to Walls for your Shower Panels
When it comes to waterproof panelling for shower walls, we have you covered, quite literally. We have an extensive range of bathroom shower panels in a variety of styles, helping you meet both your aesthetic and your practical needs.
Take a look at the range we have in store or get in touch if you need a little help choosing. We’ll be glad to help you make the bathroom of your dreams a reality.
