For decades, if you were renovating a bathroom, the choice for your walls was simple: tiles. They’ve been the undisputed champion of wet rooms for generations. But times are changing. A modern contender has entered the ring, and it’s quickly becoming the go-to choice for savvy UK homeowners. We’re talking, of course, about PVC wall panels.
So, when it comes to your own bathroom renovation, which one is best? Let’s break it down to see which material comes out on top.
Installation Speed & Hassle
When you’re dreaming of a finished bathroom, the last thing you want is a long, messy installation process.
Tiles: Tiling is a multi-stage, often week-long, affair. It involves applying messy adhesive, carefully placing each individual tile, waiting for it to set, and then the painstaking task of applying grout. It requires precision, specialist tools, and often, the expense of a professional tiler.
PVC Panels: Wall panels are all about speed and simplicity. The large panels cover a huge area in a fraction of the time. They can be fixed with a simple adhesive and can often be installed directly over existing surfaces, including old tiles. For a competent DIYer, it’s a straightforward weekend job, not a week-long headache.
The Battle Against Grime (Maintenance & Hygiene)
Your bathroom should be a sanctuary of cleanliness, but some materials make that harder than others.
Tiles: We need to talk about grout. It’s a tile’s greatest weakness. Being porous, grout lines are a magnet for soap scum, dirt, and – worst of all – mould. This means endless scrubbing with harsh chemicals just to keep them looking semi-decent.
PVC Panels: This is where panels truly shine. With their seamless, grout-free finish, there is simply nowhere for mould and grime to hide. Being 100% waterproof, they are incredibly hygienic. A quick wipe with a soft cloth is genuinely all it takes to keep them looking brand new.
The Cost Question
A beautiful bathroom shouldn’t have to break the bank. Let’s look at the true cost of each option.
Tiles: The ticket price of the tiles themselves can vary wildly, but that’s only part of the story. You also need to budget for adhesive, grout, sealant, specialist cutters, and crucially, the high cost of labour if you’re hiring a professional tiler to get the job done right.
PVC Panels: While the price per panel might seem comparable to some mid-range tiles, the overall project cost is nearly always lower. You’ll save on materials (no grout needed!) and, most significantly, you can save hundreds of pounds on labour by fitting them yourself.
Style & Aesthetics
Functionality is key, but you also want your bathroom to look fantastic. How do they stack up on style?
Tiles: To be fair, tiles offer a timeless look with a vast range of colours, patterns, and textures. From classic metro tiles to intricate mosaics, they provide a traditional aesthetic that many people love.
PVC Panels: Forget the flimsy plastic of the past. Modern PVC panels come in a stunning array of high-end finishes. You can achieve the luxurious look of Italian marble, the rustic charm of slate, or the clean, minimalist vibe of high-gloss panels. They offer a sleek, contemporary look that can make a space feel modern and bright.
The Final Verdict
While tiles will always have their place, the results are clear. When you compare them on the factors that matter most to a modern homeowner – ease of installation, hygiene, low maintenance, and overall cost – PVC wall panels are the decisive winner.
Choosing panels means you get a stunning, waterproof finish without the frustrating downsides of grout. You get your dream bathroom finished faster, for less money, and with the promise of easy cleaning for years to come.
Ready to upgrade your bathroom the smart way? Explore our full range of waterproof bathroom wall panels at Cladding Monkey and discover the perfect finish for your project!
