Have you ever thought about using decorative wall panels for shower spaces, utility rooms or cloakrooms? Amanda Mills of Kinedo presents the case for using wall panels to create stunning bathroom spaces in particular.

Wall panels are one of the relative newcomers for bathrooms when you think of creating a watertight space. Useful in the shower, around the bath and in cloakrooms or utility rooms – thanks to their waterproof characteristics – another huge benefit is the speed of installation. Depending on the nature of the job, a set of panels can be beautifully fitted in just a couple of hours. Of course, if a previous installation requires removal that will add time to the job, but for those in a hurry, wall panels can even be installed over the top of old tiles. 

For a housebuilder, there is an enormous time saving to be had by specifying wall panels over traditional tile. Anecdotally, they are up to five times faster to install and there is no need for grout. With the plethora of styles and patterns to choose from, it’s not even a compromise on style these days. And the lack of grout is not just a benefit to the installer, it means the end user is able to say goodbye to discoloured grout and mould in their property.

Along with the world of easy cleaning, panels are highly durable, scratch resistant, and designed to withstand the inevitable knocks and bumps that are part of everyday life. Panels with a polyethylene core sandwiched between slim printed aluminium panels and coated with a durable varnish finish will provide a very long-lasting solution. With the correct use they are also stain-resistant which means they will stay looking pristine for many years. With warranties of up to 10-years typical for wall panels, peace of mind is guaranteed for both housebuilders, installers and home owners alike. 

In today’s climate of expensive heating bills, shower panels also provide thermal insulation, which means that they are not warm to the touch but potentially that in the areas where they are installed the heating can be turned down a notch or two. 

Panels that are slim and lightweight are also easy on the installer – an important consideration when weighing up manual handling risks on new build sites (and for renovation projects come to that). Most can be cut to size on site using standard plumbing tools and are usually simple to install in six simple steps. It’s always worth finding and following manufacturers’ instructions which will be in the delivery box. 

There are six simple installation steps:

• Starting with a clear space or the tiled area, set up the aluminium profile size by measuring to the top point of the installation area and cut the profile to the right size using a hack saw or angle grinder.
• Screw the resized profile into the corner of the installation area.
• Measure and cut the first panel to size using a rail saw, then remove the backing plastic and add the sticky tabs and polymer glue to the rear of the panel (referring to the instruction booklet for tab and glue positioning).
• Measure and cut the end profile, add clear silicone and slide on to the panel. Using a sucker, manipulate the glued panel and profile onto the wall and into the central profile.
• Repeat the process with all other panels.
• Once all panels are in place, seal up where the panels meet the shower tray (or skirting boards, basins and cupboards if in whole room installations).

Of course, just like tiles, there are a myriad of colours, styles and patterns which can be used to create a beautiful focal point in any bathroom. There are even mix and match panel options available. Think wood panelling on the bottom half of the panel and tile-styles on the top half for a classic option. Metallics, marbles, tiles, trees, leaves, wood, herringbone – whether it is a modern, traditional or classic bathroom there is a style to suit.

Wall panels are cost-effective, easy to clean, durable, waterproof and simple to install. So, why not give them a whirl? 

Amanda Mills is marketing manager for Kinedo (the shower brand of Saniflo)