A growing number of homeowners are looking at how they can renovate their bathrooms within time and budget constraints. As a result, installers are frequently being challenged to find solutions which are quick to fit and simple to maintain without compromising the desired aesthetic. Bekki Griffiths, Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Wetwall, a Wilsonart Company, profiles the different types of panel available and the types of project each lends itself to.
It would be fair to say that meeting the needs of the homeowner when it comes to domestic refurbishment projects has never been more challenging. Not only do many customers wish for a luxury aesthetic on a budget – they also want to ensure their home is as easy as possible to maintain.
With all of this said, it’s no wonder that interest in products that are affordable to buy, quick to install and simple to maintain is on the rise. That’s certainly been the case with bathroom wall panels, which have seen a 45% rise in searches over the last 12 months compared to the previous year. And installers keen to familiarise themselves with the product category are certainly not alone either – there’s been a 50% increase in searches for ‘bathroom wall panel installation’ over the last year too.
It’s therefore safe to say that the era when tiles were considered the only viable option for bathroom surfaces is steadily coming to an end. So, what exactly do installers need to know about bathroom panels in order to offer them as a viable option to customers?
Arguably the most important point is that not all bathroom panels are equal. There are numerous factors to consider when selecting which will be the best match for a specific bathroom project’s needs.
The fit
One of the main strengths of this particular category is how straightforward it is for bathroom wall panels to be installed, but there are some nuances between products.
As a rule of thumb it’s a case of dry measuring first, followed by cutting the panels and required profiles to size. Then look to apply a suitable high strength adhesive to the back of each panel, before affixing to the pre-prepped walls. To complete the installation, use a colour matched sealant as required to create a watertight finish.
The profile
Square edge panels with a tongue and groove edge also need to be fitted using profiles for internal and external corners, plus bottom seals and end cap trims; but they don’t require joining profiles.
Profiles come in a choice of finishes, including chrome, brushed silver, matt black and white, to ensure that all-important cohesive finish.
If there’s a requirement to minimise the use of profiles or even avoid them altogether, then Wetwall’s Elite collection has a sleek postformed edge and tongue and groove jointing. It also boasts a 100% waterproof core and a lifetime guarantee.
The tools
The beauty of most modern bathroom wall panels is that there’s generally no need for any specialist tools or vast technical experience. The main thing to pay close attention to is the importance of installing using a professional grade, high-strength waterproof adhesive and sealant. Not only will this ensure a quality finish, but it’s also likely to be a requirement of any manufacturer’s product guarantee too.
The décor
Long gone are the days when design possibilities were constrained by the limited decors available. Manufacturers like Wetwall offer a wide choice of solid colour and trend-led decors, across a range of different panel types. It’s also possible to mimic natural marbles, stones and woods – not only in appearance but in texture too.
It’s important not to forget that while tiles may be time-consuming to install and challenging to maintain at times, they do provide a traditional look which appeals to many homeowners. For that reason, it’s also possible to choose panels that imitate a tile effect but can deliver a bathroom refresh a lot quicker than the real thing, as they’re completely grout-free.
The compatibility
When refurbishing a bathroom, many homeowners will be looking to achieve a cohesive look throughout, so it’s worth knowing that some of the latest ranges on the market also offer coordinating splashbacks and vanity worktops.
With such a wide variety of styles readily available, installers should maximise on the opportunity bathroom wall panels present.
