Looking to freshen up your bathroom without emptying your bank account? A full bathroom renovation with tiles and major building work can set you back thousands of pounds. But there’s a clever alternative that more homeowners are discovering: PVC wall panels.
What Are PVC Wall Panels?
Simply put, PVC panels are waterproof sheets made from durable plastic. They typically come in sizes and thickness. Most panels lock together with a simple tongue-and-groove system that keeps water out.
The best bit? They come in loads of designs. Whether you fancy marble effect, wood look, bold colours, or even custom printed images, there’s something to match every taste and bathroom style.
Why Should You Consider PVC Panels?
Save Serious Money
Let’s talk numbers. Traditional ceramic tiles may cost between £20-£60 per square metre once installed. Bathroom wall panels usually run between £10-£25 per square metre including fitting materials.
You’ll save in other ways too:
- Fewer specialist tools needed
- Much quicker installation (cutting labour costs if you hire someone)
- No more spending on grout cleaner or having to replace mouldy grout
Quick & Simple To Fit
Unlike tiling, which requires skill and patience, PVC panels can often be installed in a weekend by anyone handy with basic DIY tools.
You can cut panels with a handsaw, jigsaw or even a sharp Stanley knife, and they usually attach with adhesive or click together with simple locking systems. Many DIY shops stock everything you’ll need for the job.
Dead Easy To Keep Clean
Ask anyone who’s scrubbed grout with a toothbrush what they hate most about bathroom cleaning! PVC panels have none of these headaches:
- Smooth surfaces with no grout lines to harbour mould
- Just wipe clean with your normal bathroom cleaner
- Won’t stain or discolour like grout can
- No need for special sealants or treatments
Properly Waterproof
Bathrooms tend to be compact and often steamy places. PVC panels create a completely waterproof barrier when fitted correctly, protecting your walls from damp and preventing moisture from getting into your home’s structure.
This is especially useful in older homes where damp problems can be a nightmare.
How To Put Up PVC Wall Panels
While you can hire a handyman, many people manage this job themselves. Here’s how:
- Get your walls ready: Make sure they’re clean, dry and fairly smooth. Take off any loose wallpaper or plaster.
- Measure up: Measure your bathroom walls carefully and plan where panels will go to minimise visible joins.
- Get your supplies: Besides the panels, you’ll need panel adhesive, silicone sealant, trim pieces for corners and edges, plus basic tools like measuring tape, spirit level, and something to cut with.
- Put them up: Start from a corner, spread adhesive on the back of your first panel or directly on the wall. Press firmly into place, checking it’s level. Keep adding panels, making sure the tongue-and-groove connections click together properly.
- Finish up: Add trim pieces to edges and corners, and seal all joints with silicone to keep everything watertight.
Design Ideas That Work
Panels can work in any bathroom, from tiny flats to period homes:
Get the boutique hotel look: Choose marble shower panels for a luxury feel without the luxury price tag.
Brighten up small spaces: White panels with a subtle sheen can make small bathrooms feel bigger and brighter.
Work with period features: In older homes, choose panels that complement original features rather than fighting with them. Wood-effect panels can work well in Victorian homes.
Make a feature wall: Use panels just in the shower area with contrasting painted walls elsewhere for a stylish look on a very tight budget.
What About The Environment?
It’s worth mentioning that PVC has improved environmentally in recent years. Look for:
- Panels made from recycled PVC
- Products with low VOC ratings
- UK manufacturers who offer recycling programmes
Many manufacturers now produce more eco-friendly options than were available even five years ago.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to spend a fortune or put up with weeks of builders to transform your bathroom. PVC wall panels offer a budget-friendly option that delivers stylish, waterproof results in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional methods.
Whether you’re doing up your house to sell and want to boost appeal without major investment, or simply want to refresh your bathroom without blowing your savings, PVC panels make perfect sense.
With careful installation, these versatile panels can give you a bathroom that looks much more expensive than it actually is.
