MK-Bathrooms.net sell a large range of bathroom shower panels to suit your budget. These should definitely be considered should you wish to update, or change the look of your bathroom at minimal cost and installation time. Panels can be an eye-catching bathroom feature, or can just blend in with the existing tiling.
Shower panels are often considered better than tiles for various reasons, depending on the priorities of the homeowner. Here are the main advantages of shower panels over tiles:
1. Ease of Installation
Shower Panels: Quick and simple to install. They often come in large sheets, reducing the time and effort needed to cover a shower area. No need for grouting or complex cutting.
Tiles: Require individual placement, grouting, and careful alignment, which can be time-consuming and requires precision.
2. Maintenance
Shower Panels: Virtually maintenance-free. They have no grout lines, which means there are fewer areas for mould and mildew to grow. They can be wiped clean easily.
Tiles: Grout lines can attract dirt, mould, and mildew, requiring regular cleaning and occasional re-grouting.
3. Waterproofing
Shower Panels: Designed to be fully waterproof due to their seamless design and watertight installation.
Tiles: While tiles themselves are water-resistant, grout lines are porous and may allow water penetration over time unless properly sealed.
4. Aesthetics and Versatility
Shower Panels: Available in a variety of styles, finishes, and colours, including stone, marble, and wood effects. They provide a sleek, modern look with fewer visible joints.
Tiles: Offer a wider variety of patterns and textures, but achieving a seamless, contemporary look requires meticulous tiling.
5. Durability
Shower Panels: Made from materials like acrylic, laminated composite, uPVC, which are resistant to chipping, cracking, or staining.
Tiles: While durable, they can crack, move, or chip over time, and grout can quickly deteriorate.
6. Cost-Effectiveness
Shower Panels: Can be more cost-effective overall due to lower labour and maintenance costs, though the upfront cost might be higher for some premium panels.
Tiles: Typically, less expensive upfront depending on the cost of choice, but the cost of installation (typically £45.00m2) and ongoing maintenance can quickly add up.
7. Time-Saving
Shower Panels: Quick to install and clean, saving time during both the renovation and upkeep phases.
Tiles: Take longer to install and clean, especially if grout lines become discoloured or damaged over time.
8. Eco-Friendly Options
Many shower panels are made from recyclable materials and can reduce waste compared to tiles, which often produce excess waste during cutting and installation.
Summary:
Shower panels are better suited for those who prioritise quick installation, low maintenance, and a modern, seamless look. However, tiles may still appeal to homeowners who value traditional aesthetics and greater customisation in patterns and materials.
Here’s a detailed comparison of shower panels and tiles based on key factors:
Feature | Shower Panels | Tiles |
Installation | - Quick and straightforward installation.- Large panels reduce time and effort.- DIY-friendly in many cases. | - Time-consuming and labour-intensive.- Requires precision for alignment and grouting.- Typically installed by professionals. |
Maintenance | - Easy to clean; no grout lines to trap dirt and mould.- Low maintenance over time. | - Grout lines can attract mould, mildew, shampoo dyes, and dirt.- Requires regular cleaning and regrouting. |
Waterproofing | - Fully waterproof with a seamless design.- No risk of water seeping through. | - Tiles are water-resistant, but grout lines are porous and can crack. |
Durability | - Made from materials like acrylic, PVC, or composite. Less risk of damage.- Resistant to cracking and chipping. | - Durable, but tiles can crack or chip with impact.- Grout can deteriorate over time. |
Appearance | - Sleek, seamless, and modern look.- Available in various finishes like marble, stone, or wood effects. | - Wide variety of patterns, colours, and textures.- Offers a more traditional and customisable look. |
Cost | - Higher initial cost for some premium panels.- Lower labour and maintenance costs in the long run. | - Lower upfront cost for standard tiles.- Higher installation cost and long-term maintenance. |
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