The Difference Between Tiles and PVC Cladding
When renovating their bathrooms, the majority of homeowners choose to install ceramic tiles on their walls. Tiles have been a popular decor option for many years now, however, they can be expensive and the installation process is quite complicated. So, lots of homeowners are now looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional wall tiles.
PVC wall cladding panels are a new concept to many, but they have changed the way people view bathroom renovations. These large panels are a great option to consider whenever you want to update the interior design in your bathroom, ensuite or wet room and they can even be used in other rooms in the home too. If you’ve never heard of PVC cladding before and you’re wondering what the difference is between tiles and wall cladding panels, below we have looked into these two decor options in more detail.
Material
Commonly, wall tiles are ceramic or porcelain, but they can also be made from other natural materials like marble and quartz. PVC cladding is made from large sheets of Polyvinyl Chloride which is a lightweight material that’s frequently used in a variety of building applications, from roofing products to window frames. PVC is a popular choice of material to use on bathroom walls as it is 100% waterproof and corrosion-resistant. When you install wall cladding panels, you won’t have to worry about them being able to withstand wear and tear.
There is a vast range of wall panel designs available nowadays and there is a solution to complement any interior design style. Advanced printing techniques make it possible to mimic natural materials too, so you can purchase marble-effect cladding, brick-effect cladding and wood-effect cladding. Many people don’t realise just how versatile PVC wall cladding is and there may be designs available that you would never have thought possible.
Size
Tiles are available in lots of different sizes, from small mosaic tiles to large floor tiles. However, it isn’t uncommon for homeowners to need dozens of tiles to cover just one of their bathroom walls. On the contrary, wall cladding panels are much bigger and depending on the panels you purchase, you may only need a couple to cover the wall space.
When ordering PVC wall cladding, you will have a few different sizing options to choose from. Standard wall panels are available in 2600mm x 400mm and 2600mm x 250mm, and shower panels are available in 2400mm x 1000mm. Shower panels are thicker than wall panels and they tend to be used in shower enclosures or wetrooms, yet they’re a great option to consider for any bathroom. Due to the size of PVC wall cladding panels, they provide extensive coverage and are ideal when you want to cover a wall from floor to ceiling.
Cost
It isn’t uncommon for bathroom tiles to vary quite considerably in price and depending on the tile material you choose, it can cost hundreds of pounds to renovate your bathroom. When compared to tiles, PVC cladding offers great value for money and it’s much more affordable. Typically, wall panels are less expensive per square metre and they’re a budget-friendly option to consider for bathrooms of all sizes.
Not only are PVC panels more affordable upfront, but they cost less to install as well. You won’t need lots of materials during the installation process and you might not need to pay someone to install them for you. Once your new wall cladding panels are installed, they will stand the test of time. They are a high-quality and hard-wearing wall covering, and even in the busiest households, they will continue to look good for years to come.
Installation
Many will dread the installation process of tiles when renovating their bathroom and it’s very time-consuming. There is a lot of skill involved with installing tiles too and many homeowners will enlist the help of an expert. Thankfully, PVC wall cladding is very straightforward to install and you can even install the panels over the top of your existing bathroom tiles, so there is no lengthy preparation work required before you can get started.
Wall panels are designed with a tongue and groove system, and they can neatly be slotted together. You can easily cut them to size as well, so you can work around any fixtures in your bathroom. These lightweight panels can be secured with a silicone-based adhesive and you won’t have to worry about using grout to achieve a seamless finish. It is possible to completely cover your bathroom walls in as little as a day when you install cladding panels because they are so simple to install. Take a look at the installation guide on our website to find out more about the DIY installation process.
Maintenance
Keeping bathroom tiles clean isn’t an easy job and you often need special cleaning products to scrub your grout clean. Not to mention, replacing damaged tiles can be a complicated process too. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance wall cover, PVC panels are a great choice and they require minimal cleaning to keep them looking their best. Simply wiping your wall cladding panels with a soft cloth will remove any grime without causing damage to them. Even if you scratch PVC wall cladding, it’s possible to replace the damaged panel.
Due to the design of wall cladding panels, they are very secure and they can help to prevent mold from developing in your bathroom. You won’t have the hassle of removing your panels to treat any moisture-related problems and this wall covering will stand the test of time. They really are the perfect solution for any busy household.
Installing PVC wall cladding panels
Now you know a little bit more about the difference between tiles and PVC cladding, if you’re interested in purchasing wall cladding panels for your bathroom, explore the Easy Panels website today. Since 2006, we have been supplying a variety of PVC panels to local trade and DIY enthusiasts, and there is a PVC cladding design for every project on our website. Whether you’re looking for classic tile-effect panels or you want to experiment with something more unique, we will have the perfect solution for you.
Here at Easy Panels, we pride ourselves on providing premium products at an affordable price and you can purchase from us in confidence knowing our wall cladding panels are designed to withstand general wear and tear. We offer very quick delivery to our customers too and we use our own fleet of vehicles to ensure the PVC wall cladding we supply arrives on time and in one piece. We are passionate about providing our customers with the best service possible from start to finish and if you have any questions about our cladding panels, feel free to get in touch with us. Our expert team is always happy to help.
