Are you looking to remodel your bathroom? Tiles are a popular choice, but they tend to look dated—Sheetrocked walls—uninspired. Modern-day bathrooms need a contemporary look and functional efficacy. They also need that wow factor. My top recommendation is wall panels—one of the best all-around bathroom décor solutions of the day.
Bathroom wall panels are great for adding decorative detail to featureless bathrooms of all sizes. They’re also ideal for masking the pipework and lending a unique personality to the space.
Still not convinced wall panels are the right bathroom paneling solution for you? I’ve got five good reasons why should choose them. Take a look.
Bathroom Wall Panels Are Highly Cost-Effective
Wall panels come in a wide range of materials. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Aluminum
- Gypsum
- Laminates
- Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
- Mineral fiber
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Wood veneer
Wall panels made from mineral fiber and acrylic are typically the cheapest. Laminate and decorative PVC wall panels are pricier in comparison but still quite economical.
Don’t be tempted by those cheap ceramic tiles. They crack and break easily. Quality tiles are typically more expensive than wall panels. In addition, even the best tiles are usually less durable than wall panels.
Replacing broken tiles isn’t cheap either. Costs such as transportation, wall preparation, grouting, hiring equipment, and clean-up all make replacing bathroom tiles an expensive affair.
In comparison, the initial cost and replacement of wall panels are much cheaper. In addition, they’re lightweight easy to transport and handle.
Bathroom wall panels made from PVC and other water-resistant materials can last years without warping or losing their sheen.
Quick, Clean, And Easy Installation
Installing tiles can take days. In comparison, installing wall panels is a breeze. Put up the moisture-resistant drywall and apply adhesive to the drywall or the wall panel. Next, hang your sheets and seal the joints. That’s it.
Installing laminated wall panels that attach to an Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is even simpler and quicker. Just attach the panels to the OSB board, seal the joints, and trim.
When installing tiles, the very process of cutting the tiles, working with grout and thin-set can get quite messy. It’s also a ton of work. Installing wall panels is a cleaner process.
Installing tiles requires professionals and specialized equipment. Wall panels, however, can be cut using regular woodworking equipment such as a carpenter’s knife. You also don’t need to work with cement or dust-like adhesives to install a bathroom wall panel.
Bathrooms with special fittings require drilling for installing wall treatments. If you opt for ceramic tiles, you’ll need special drill bits. Also, unless you’re an expert at drilling, there’s a good chance you’ll crack the tiles in the act of drilling.
Wall panels don’t require special drill bits. They’re also easier to drill into and have a low risk of cracking. Once you’re done, seal the drill hole with a silicone sealant for waterproofing.
A Multitude Of Design Options
With wall panels, you’re spoiled for choice. There are dozens of contemporary colors and textures to choose from, and you can achieve any desired effect. In addition, they can be cut into any shape or size to fit your bathroom’s existing features.
3D wall panels can be custom printed in any image and color. Artificial green wall panels are ideal for reaping the benefits of biophilic design, enhancing your bathroom’s tranquility.
Speaking of tranquility, increasing the natural light in your bathroom is another way you can make it more tranquil. The advantages of natural lighting include enhanced mood and morale, increased energy level, and reduced risk of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
One of the easiest ways to improve the bathroom’s natural lighting is using white wall panels. The color white reflects the light instead of absorbing it, making sure your bathroom doesn’t lose natural light.
Wall panels are typically lightweight, which makes them perfect for use in houseboats and RVs. Tiles don’t handle movement that well and are prone to falling off.
Bathroom Wall Panels Are Low Maintenance
Wall panels lack the dreaded grout joints that come with ceramic tiling. As such, they require a lot less scrubbing. However, if you’re regular with the clean-up, simply wiping the panels using a damp cloth is sufficient.
Wall panels with a polyurethane layer have smooth surfaces that prevent dirt buildup. If you have a window that exposes the wall panels to direct sun, choose fade-resistant materials. PVC panels, for instance, contain non-yellowing chemicals like titanium dioxide. This makes them highly resistant to discoloration.
You can enhance the longevity of bathroom wall paneling by choosing the right artificial lights. Bulbs that emit heat can have a damaging effect on your wall panels. I strongly suggest you only select eco-friendly LEDs for lighting your bathroom.
They’re Ideal For The Bathroom Environment
A typical bathroom wall is often exposed to cold/hot water, damp, and humid conditions. Therefore, wall panels are ideally suited to do well for a long in this environment.
Modern-day bathroom wall panels are made from waterproof materials. They can take all the splashes and protect the wall from mold and mildew.
If you opt to install tiles near the shower, there’s almost always a risk of mold formation. Even if your tiles are made from non-porous materials and are waterproof, the grouting between the tiles isn’t. It can allow moisture to seep through and damage your wall.
Shower wall panels cover a larger area than individual tiles and don’t involve grouting. The panels are attached through an interlocking mechanism. These factors reduce the risks of moisture absorption and mold formation.
The bathroom is a hotbed of bacterial activity. Being easy to clean, bathroom wall panels reduce the buildup of bathroom bacteria. This significantly reduces the risk of infections.
Cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, a wealth of choices, low maintenance, and suitability to the bathroom environment—these are five excellent reasons to choose wall panels and give your bathroom a fabulous, lasting facelift.
