Innovative bathroom designs are now on the rise, giving homeowners a hard time when it comes to selecting the best design for their bathrooms. One major decision that homeowners have to make when building or renovating their bathroom is choosing between bathroom wall panels and ceramic tiles. Each of the two materials has its pros and cons that you have to weigh up before you select the one that fits your needs, tastes, and preferences. So, which one is better?
Contents
What is a Bathroom Wall Panel?
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Bathroom wall panels are made of PVC plastic material to make them 100% waterproof. They are also available in fiberglass and acrylic materials with varying colors and finishes like marble effect, matte grey, and many more. Bathroom wall panels are sold in the form of kits that come complete with trims and sealant for easy installation.
According to the team at Principality Plastics (www.principalityplasticswarehouse.co.uk), bathroom wall panels are not only an aesthetically sound choice as they come in a wide variety of colors and styles, but in terms of upkeep, they require little due to their being durable and waterproof.
Important Things to Consider When Choosing Between Tiles and Wall Panels
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Water Proof
Waterproof materials are the best for bathrooms, especially if you will install them in areas where walls will be getting direct splashes of water. A shower cubicle or bathtub wall that isn’t waterproof absorbs the moisture, and the wet wall will be a perfect habitat for mold.
Installation
You should also go for a material that is easy to install if you want to minimize labor costs. You can even go DIY for some of the materials, but you must involve a professional for others that require special skills. Complicated materials also require more time to install compared to simple materials.
Maintenance
Some materials require more maintenance than others if you want them to remain as good as new. Choose a material that requires less cleaning to save time for other core activities at home or work. Have a material that you can install by yourself is also cost-effective in the long run because you don’t have to hire professionals when there is a need to do some repairs.
Style
Choose the tile or wall panel design that will match with the theme of your bathroom and add to the beauty. If you have some furniture pieces like drawers, ensure that the colors you choose for your tiles or panel walls are similar or can match with these pieces.
Cost
Your budget will guide you on the best material for you when it comes to the cost. You should, however, ensure that you don’t comprise quality to save some money.
Benefits of Using Bathroom Wall Panels
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Easy Installation
Bathroom wall panels are easy to install compared to tiles. Unlike the wall panels that require less installation time, cutting and placing small tiles takes several days. The installation of wall panels takes just a few hours, depending on the size of your bathroom.
Wall Panels do not Require Grouting
The best thing about using bathroom wall panels is that they do not require grouting between pieces as it is in bathroom tiles. This makes them more 100% waterproof because they leave no space for water to seep inside.
Low Maintenance
One major headache for tiled bathroom owners is regular cleaning with a lot of scrubbing involved. Bathroom wall panels have no grout, meaning there are no spaces for dirt and mold to accumulate. The panels only need simple cleaning with a piece of cloth and some water.
Cost-Effective
The initial purchase of the wall panels might be more expensive than tiles, but they provide value for money in the long run. Their PVC material is quite durable and they are easy to maintain as you don’t have to spend your cash on cleaning chemicals.
Benefits of Using Bathroom Tiles
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Easer for DIYs if You Have the Skills
Unlike the heavy wall panels that require more than one person to install, tiles come in small and lightweight pieces that you can fix without help. Tiles are the best choice for you if you like doing it yourself.
Can Work On a Curved Surface
It is challenging to fix wall panels in a way they will fully cover a curved wall since they come in large sizes and are rigid. Tiles, on the other hand, are easier to use on such surfaces as they are easier to cut into different sizes and shapes.
Environmentally Friendly
Unlike the wall panels that are made of plastic, tiles are made using natural materials like ceramics. Natural materials are easier to dispose of, and their production has less negative impacts on the environment.
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More Variety
Tiles have been in production for centuries, meaning there are varieties in terms of colors, shapes, and designs. Apart from marble, there are also tiles made from other materials like glass if you want to break the monotony.
Durability
Unlike wall panels that have a lifespan of around 15 years, tiles can serve you for a long if you ensure that you re-grout occasionally and keep them clean and bright.
From the above pros and cons, it is evident that both options have their selling points. Their benefits for each seems to cancel out with the benefit of the other, meaning most consumers will most likely make their decisions based on their tastes. A wall panel wall can be a good choice if you love something sleek and modern whilst tiles best suit those who like a traditional finish.
