A shower is one area where you don’t want to compromise. Excessive damp and generally poor ventilation in shower cubicles are a cause for mould and discolouration. This is both unhealthy and unsightly. Most of us consider wall tiles as the cladding of choice when it comes to showers, but is there an alternative? I recommend considering shower panels instead of tiles.
PVC wall panels are a relatively new means of cladding any wall and using shower panels, instead of tiles, has its advantages. At least, this is my opinion. It appears that many homeowners who have opted for shower panels instead of tiles tend to agree with this.
Let’s face it; home renovations always come at a cost. The limitations of our budget can often overshadow our initial idea of the perfect bathroom makeover. This leads to a compromise, and it will be something that you’re going to live with for years. Tiles vary in price, but will always be costly.
The tiles in a High Street showroom are probably what you want, but you’re likely to end up at some bargain basement wholesaler, buying what you can afford. This is the first reason why I would choose shower panels instead of tiles.
Once you add up all the costs: purchasing tiles, adhesive, grouting and the skilled labour that you will need to get the job done correctly, you’re looking at a relatively large sum. Compare this to the cost of shower panels, and you’ll find it to be a much more affordable option.
Not only is material cost going to be considerably lower, but PVC shower panels don’t require much skill or experience to install. A general handy person or a DIY homeowner will find them easy to install.
PVC tongue and groove wall panels are large sheets that slot together to form a perfect finish. There are many DIY guides to installing these panels. Take a glance at these, and you’ll see that it’s not at all complicated. You don’t any specialised tools or training to achieve a professional look.
Another notable benefit to choosing shower panels instead of tiles is the time it takes to install. Because each shower panel covers a large area, you’ll get the job done in a fraction of the time it would take to lay tiles one by one. The material is easy to cut, and there is a minimum of dust and mess to contend with.
You won’t have to wait for the tile adhesive to dry before grouting. You put the panel up, seal the edges with a silicone sealant and your shower is ready for use. Without much skill, you can complete all the shower walls in a few hours. Once you’re done, there’s hardly any cleaning required.
Quick and easy installation, along with lower installation costs are all compelling reasons to consider shower panels instead of tiles. But you’re going to be living with this for years to come. It’s only natural that you want a product that’s going be low maintenance and durable.
In this regard, I find shower panels to be advantageous too. The UPVC material is water resistant and is perfect for showers. It’s effortless to clean, one flat surface with a glossy finish doesn’t take much effort to rub down to a perfect shine. There are no grooves for mould, dirt, and bacteria to collect. The ridged, durable nature of this material means that it remains looking shiny and new for many years.
Form a practical and financial standpoint, the argument for choosing shower panels instead of tiles speaks for itself. Looking ahead, it also has its advantages. Because home renovations are so costly, time-consuming and disruptive, we often live with something that has become outdated.
What looked exciting and new 10-years ago is now tiresome and dull. Because PVC shower panels are so cheap, compared to tiles, deciding to change the look of your bathroom doesn’t require that you dig too deep into your savings. The time it takes to install is hardly an issue, nor is the inconvenience of having a bathroom that’s unusable for days.
Without spending much, or disrupting your daily life to any great extent, you can change the look and feel of any room. There are so many options available, from classic, timeless designs to modern, trendy and vibrant wall panels. High-quality printing techniques mean that the possibilities are endless. It’s easy to keep up with the times with fresh new panel designs.
