Steven Fisher, Product Lead at Wetwall, looks at why bathroom wall panels are growing in popularity and providing new opportunities for tradespeople to diversify their offering.
As 2025 gets underway, opportunities for growth within the bathroom sector are plentiful. But, with ambitious housing targets and sustainability goals, there are challenges surrounding the number of skilled tradespeople available. Coupled with the issue of an aging workforce, the sector must find ways to maintain its growth and efficiency.
According to the latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report, around 225,000 new construction workers are needed in the UK by 2027 to meet growing demand. Where skills are highly specialised, such as in tiling, shortages are particularly prevalent. With experienced tilers retiring, and fewer choosing tiling as a career option, the availability of these skilled workers is diminishing.
Homeowners and tradespeople alike are increasingly seeking solutions that offer speed, convenience, and cost efficiency. But, as the skills gap delays project timelines for renovations, lead times for installers can creep up – causing frustration when essential spaces like bathrooms are involved. In addition, a lack of experience and training frequently impacts work quality, affecting customer satisfaction and the industry’s reputation.
While policymakers, trade bodies, and training providers all need to play their part to attract and nurture new generations of skilled tradespeople, one of the simplest ways to tackle the issues presented by the skills gap is through innovative product alternatives.
Although tiles have long been the preferred choice in the bathroom sector, wall panels are emerging as a modern, practical alternative that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s market. Designed with ease of installation and ongoing maintenance in mind, they can be used by a broader range of workers to meet the demands of the homeowner, whilst maintaining high-quality outcomes.
Time saving
The simplicity of wall panel installation has made them an appealing and popular product to both experienced installers and those new to the industry. Their versatility means they can be used in a variety of developments, whether they are refurbishments or brand-new projects.
Bathroom wall panels save both time and effort. The installation process often requires just basic tools and minimal preparation, making them an ideal choice for those managing multiple projects.
For busy bathroom fitters, who need swift and accessible solutions, wall panels like Wetwall’s patented Elite range provide quick-to-fit, tongue and groove post-formed waterproof panels that eliminate the need for trims and profiles.
The ease of installation that wall panelling systems present means they appeal to both experienced tradespeople and those new to the industry.
Quick turn-around
The benefits of bathroom wall panels don’t only appeal to the trade but offer layers of appeal to homeowners too. As one of the principal rooms in their house, today’s time-poor customers want bathroom refurbishments turned around quickly, and a space that is easy to maintain. Since there’s no need for grout, mould and mildew are less likely to build so time can be saved around cleaning without compromising on hygiene.
Panels don’t restrict the homeowner when it comes to style and design either. With a growing desire for bold and modern designs, styles like Wetwall’s Alloy range offer a variety of finishes that replicate marble, stone and wood, as well as tile effects for those still wanting a more traditional look.
The enhanced durability and fresh look of bathroom wall panels like the Mermaid Collection make them an appealing option for today’s homeowners, who value both aesthetics and practicality in their home improvements.
New opportunity
The flexibility of bathroom wall panels broadens the scope of services that businesses can offer while meeting the growing demand for efficient and high-quality bathroom solutions.
As the demand for low-maintenance bathroom solutions increases, the development of simplified renovation processes provides installers with the perfect opportunity to position themselves to meet customer needs. For tradespeople looking to expand on their service offerings, the development of solutions like Wetwall’s Elite collection, with its fast-fit, unique trim-free post-formed profiling, allows them to capitalise on new industry opportunities and take on full bathroom refurbishments.
A win-win
For tradespeople who were previously deterred by the complexity of tiling, the emergence of products like bathroom wall panels has opened a new revenue stream that may have previously been out of reach.
This approach to bathroom renovations is a win-win for both tradespeople and customers, with installers now confidently tackling full bathroom refurbishments whilst the modern homeowner enjoys stylish, low-maintenance product, that is affordable and less disruptive.
