Replacing Bathroom Tiles With Waterproof Wall panels
Filed Under Bathroom, Bathroom Pictures | Posted on February 16, 2008
Waterproof wall panels are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to bathroom tiles. In addition to being attractive and easy to maintain, they also offer many other advantages to the installer and end user alike.
Wall panels are quicker and easier to install than wall tiles, which can be tricky. It can take several days for the adhesive and grout to dry with tiles, wall panel installation is much simpler and can be under taken by most competent Diy-ers. As panels are dry the potential for mess is minimised, no grouting means that once the installation is complete, a room can be used immediately, this also stops the development of bathroom wall mould that is often found in between tiles and is a real nuisance and soon ruin the look of a bathroom. Normal woodworking tools can be used to install the wall panels doing away with the need to buy specialist tools to be used for one job. To ensure that wall tiles are fitted straight a laser level is usually needed, with wall panels a standard spirit level is sufficient.
Wall panels are made by bonding a decorative high-performance laminate to plywood to give a surface that is 100 per cent waterproof, because of the material that they are constructed you should have no problems to fix mirrors or other bathroom fittings unlike tiles which require the use of a special drill bit and more often than not results in damage to the tile. Some panels also feature a water-resistant WBP plywood substrate and a balancer laminate to the reverse to stop moisture from penetrating through the back of the board.
Due to the size of the product large areas of wall can be covered in a fraction of the time it would take to tile. A single 2,400mm by 900mm panel covers the same area as 216 (100mm) tiles.
Panels can be fitted to most types of bathroom wall, including brick, concrete, plasterboard, studwork and even over the top of existing ceramic tiles Whatever the surface, it is important that the walls are even and provide a suitable fixing for screws, plugs and adhesive.
The internal and external profiles of panels usually require no sealant. Some panels feature an innovative two-part ‘Click-Seal’ profile system which ensures that the wall panels are correctly fitted together.
The design incorporates a PVC section on the back and a PVC colour co-ordinated or polished chrome aluminium face. The two parts simply click the two panels together and a self-adhesive barrier tape creates a watertight joint. When fitted together tongue and grooved edges reduce the need for joining strips and mean that fixings can be neatly concealed. The outer edge of the panels is fitted with an edging profile to create a neat and co-ordinated finish. Conventional tile installations often result in leaks as the seal between the bath or shower tray and wall breaks down over time, the bottom seal system on wall panels accommodates the expansion and contraction of the panel and ensures that this doesn’t happen.
Panels are very easy to clean and just need wiping with a damp cloth to keep them looking as good as new. Unlike wallpaper or paint, that can peel or flake, and tiles that can crack and chip, panels are durable and are unlikely to suffer any damage – even after a number of years.
By Harwood E Woodpecker
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22 Responses to “Replacing Bathroom Tiles With Waterproof Wall panels”
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Where do we find these bathroom tile panels that replace real tile.
I too am looking for these wall panels. I refuse to clean any more grout and tiles!
I am also very interested in using this type of system for a small bathroom renovation we are performing this winter. I found a few ideas but it seems most wall panels are imported overseas. A local contact would be great!
How do I locate a contractor in my area that works with this type of waterproof wall panels for the bathroom?
I would like to know where to find waterproof wall panel for the bathroom also.
Actually I thought about wall panels for my bathroom but couldn’t find a company willing to take the task on however I’m more than pleased with the finished tiling.
How are the panels holding up for water ingress?
[...] Filed Under Bathroom, Bathroom Pictures | 6 Comments [...]
I would like to know where I can waterproof wall panel for my bathroom.
Thanks
Would like to know who the supplier is where I can purchae the waterproof wall panels.
Wall panels sound great! But just like all of the other reponses, WHERE DO YOU PURCHASE THE WALL PANELS?
I live in NY and have been searching for such a product for years and have discovered the UK is the best supplier. How come no one in the US has a selection of 3/16 wall panels that have some decorative choices. If this is such a great idea instead of tile…why can’t I find this product???
Search for Aquatile by DPI Fashionwall Paneling. I found the panels at Lowe’s and will be using them in my bathroom remodel this month. I haven’t been able to find a lot of customer reviews (my search led me to a lot of threads like this one) so I’m kind of flying blind. I’ll try to post again when I finish the job.
Hi David Scott,
I am wondering how your job went? Like everyone else, I am looking for something I can stick onto wall tiles and also floor tiles – mould resistant….without having to strip the entire bathroom. Also want some feedback from people who have used these products.
Much appreciated
There are so many wall panel manufacturers online but I go to Lowes and Home Depot and see like 3 options. Two that look like tile that don’t match my shower tile and one plain white. All made from cheap MDF coated with a waterproof front covering.
Does anyone know where you can buy small quantities of nice solid color flat bathroom wall panels?
I put the aquatile in my bathroom 20 years ago and they still look like new. I am putting in a new ceramic floor now and will stay with the wall panels. Try contacting decpanels.com they will try and locate the pattern you want in your area.
i live in chicago illinois , i would like to know where i can purchase , waterproof wall panels for my bathroom ?
where can I see photos of bathroom waterproof decor panels on line?
where is the nearest location from Elk County, PA to purchase materials
I am very interested in finding where to purchase these wall panels. I really dislike the cold tiles.I would love some information.
Where can I find such a wall Panel and how much are they? Help Please we live in a basement house and sometimes the dampness is more than I can bare. Please help us!!! Thanks, Brenda
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Where do you obtain these and what is the cost?
Same thing for wall panels, where can you purchase. I live in San Diego, Ca.