Which Type of Bathroom Panel Is Best For Your Home?
Shower panels are cost effective, easy to clean and can create a stunning finish that looks great for years. But which type of panel is best for your home?
It is important to know and understand the difference in bathroom panels before making your choice, and it could be a good idea to go to a showroom to ensure you are making the right choice for your budget and aesthetic.
Acrylic
Acrylic bathroom panels are a great choice for showers, tub surrounds, and sink surroundings. They are completely waterproof and will not harbour mildew or mould like tiles. They are also easy to maintain and can be easily cleaned with soapy water or a window cleaner and cloth.
Acrylic is available in a wide range of finishes, making it possible to create a modern look that matches your décor. There are even options that mimic tile or stone. You can also find acrylic panels that are translucent.
The downside of acrylic is that it can be more expensive than some other materials. Additionally, it is not the thickest option on the market (that distinction belongs to PVC composite shower panels).
PVC
PVC, which stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, is the world’s third most popular type of synthetic plastic. It’s cheap to produce, making it a popular choice for bathrooms. It’s also waterproof and fireproof. It’s a good choice for bathrooms with high condensation levels as it keeps the wall dry and hygienic, which helps prevent mould.
The average thickness of PVC bathroom panels is around one-quarter inch. They’re easy to install over backerboard or moisture-resistant drywall. They’re also easier to clean than tile. They can be wiped down with a wet cloth or sponge.
Laminate
Laminate shower panels have brought high end, expensive looking wall finishes to a lower budget and are the best choice for those who want a tile look but don’t want to deal with grout. They’re a perfect alternative to tile and can be installed in 1/3 to 1/6th of the time.
Like pvc composite they’re relatively lightweight and so are easier to install than other products such as solid-surface materials or stone panels. Do-it-yourselves can install laminate wall panels with relative ease if they follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Fibreglass
Wet panels are essentially kits with everything you need to cover a tub or shower except paint. They are installed over backerboard or moisture-resistant drywall and may be covered with tile.
Most models are waterproof and if they’re damaged you simply repair them. Some are also stain resistant, requiring no resealing or re-painting.
Many showers in hotels, apartments and condos use shower wall panels for their design appeal and easy maintenance. They’re also easier to install than a tile surround. For a luxurious look, consider a shower surround made of cast marble. It costs more but offers stylish designs, including artistic monolithic panels, and won’t require regrouting or resealing. It’s also permanent and stain resistant with a gel coat finish.
