Should I Use Bathroom Panels Instead Of Tiles?

Over recent years, bathroom design ideas have begun to move away from traditional tiles, with many opting instead for bathroom panels. We’re aware that bathroom panels, or shower panels, have become an increasingly popular alternative to tiles for covering shower walls and other parts of a bathroom. 

If you’re unsure whether you should use bathroom panels instead of tiles, then you’re in the right place, as in this blog, the experts at Boro Bathrooms give you a fair comparison of both so that you can decide for yourself which is best for your bathroom makeover. 

Ready to find out which is best? Then let’s get into it! 

What is a bathroom panel? 

Before we help you decide if you want bathroom panels instead of tiles, it might be beneficial for you to understand what a bathroom panel actually is. Essentially, bathroom panels, or shower panels, are large sheets of plastic or laminate that are fixed to the wall to provide a waterproof surface instead of tiles, whether that’s directly in your shower or elsewhere in the bathroom. 

Like many of your other shower supplies, they’re installed with proper care and attention, usually by being glued onto the wall using panel adhesive and sealed at the bottom with a good amount of silicone sealant to make a waterproof seal.

Bathroom panels vs bathroom tiles: which are better? 

So, which is best? Well, in order to help you decide if you should invest in bathroom panels instead of tiles, we’ve listed some of the advantages of both to help you make your mind up. Let’s have a look at them in a bit more detail! 

Advantages of bathroom panels

Now you’re a bit more clued up as to what a bathroom panel actually is, you won’t be surprised that they offer many advantages that may sway your mind when it comes to installing bathroom panels instead of tiles. These include… 

No need for grouting

Though the look of a bathroom tile is appealing, it can be a lot of work to keep up the maintenance of their grout joints. However, as bathroom panels do not need any grouting, you don’t have to waste your precious time with a scrubbing brush! 

Quick and easy installation

While new bathroom tiles require a time-consuming installation, bathroom panels are much more simple to install. Once the moisture-resistant drywall is up, simply apply adhesive, hang the sheets up and seal the joints. However, you don’t have to DIY your bathroom tile installation – our specialist installers can quickly and easily install your tiles for you. 

Makes less mess

Because bathroom panels don’t require grouting, this also makes the installation process a lot cleaner than tiles. Tiles can also be quite challenging to install, especially for DIYers, which can lead to more breaking, chipping, and overall mess that you wouldn’t get when installing bathroom panels. 

They can be more cost-effective

Depending on the material that the bathroom wall panels are made from, panels can be more cost-effective than a bespoke bathroom tile design. Tiles themselves can be pretty expensive, especially if you choose high-end materials like marble or porcelain. If you’re looking for some inspiration, you can come and view a full range of these products at one of Boro Bathroom’s showrooms located in Bury and Rochdale! 

Advantages of bathroom tiles 

Now onto bathroom tiles, a consistently popular choice amongst bathrooms all over the world. Bathroom owners choose tiles for an array of different reasons, whether that’s for their durability or versatility. Let’s dive into their advantages in a bit more detail…

Fully customisable 

Choosing bathroom tiles means that they are fully customisable, allowing you to always get what you want! From Black and White Bathroom Tile Ideas to mosaic bathroom tiles, the possibilities are endless, and every tile design is guaranteed to be unique and special to you. 

Easier to install around curved walls

Although bathroom wall panels might be easier to install on flat walls, they have their limitations. For walls that have a slight curve or even a pillar, tiles are much easier to position to work around the curve. However tempting it might be to flatten or smooth out any untraditional elements such as curved walls, we recommend getting in touch with our expert team who can design a bespoke bathroom to accentuate these unusual features! 

For more information on tiling, check out our handy guide: How to Tile a Bathroom 

More eco-friendly

You might not think so, but bathroom tiles are more eco-friendly than many other bathroom shower panels. This is because natural building materials like glass and ceramic are always going to be a greener option than a man-made alternative. Most bathroom tiles can last years, if not decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements. 

Better for tight spaces

It goes without saying that carrying a pre-made bathroom wall panel up a flight of stairs and manoeuvring it into a small space is a difficult job, even for one of our professionals! On the other hand, it’s easy enough to pick up boxes of tiles, cut, and install them even in a tight space. 

So, should I use bathroom tiles or panels? 

Well, the choice is totally up to you! While there are an abundance of advantages to choosing bathroom panels instead of tiles, there are still plenty of reasons why someone would choose bathroom tiles, too. Bathroom panels are much easier to install and require no grouting, while tiles are better for tight spaces and are more customisable. 

Ultimately, your choice depends on your budget, desired style, and how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in your project. 

Get in touch with the bathroom experts! 

Hopefully, you now know the clear difference between bathroom panels and bathroom tiles, and which ones are best suited to your bathroom. If you’ve been interested in bathroom panels instead of tiles, it might be time to take that leap! 

With over 50 years of experience in the bathroom industry, we’re on standby to guide you through your latest journey. We’ll be there for you from your initial ideas right through to the installation process. 

If you’re still unsure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or queries. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 01706 525 926. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you!